Eating 100 gm of soya chunks daily can be approached carefully, especially from an Ayurvedic perspective. Soya chunks are indeed rich in protein and can support a plant-based diet, however there are a few considerations. First, in Ayurveda, soy can be classified as having a slightly cooling (sheeta) and heavy (guru) quality, which can affect your agni or digestive fire. This may lead to feelings of bloating or discomfort as you’ve mentioned.
Including soya chunks in your diet in moderation would be advisable. If 100 gm feels excessive, especially when symptoms like bloating occur, consider reducing the quantity initially to around 50 gm and observe how your body responds. It’s important to balance the meal with warming spices such as ginger, black pepper, and cumin, which can aid digestion and counterbalance the cooling effect.
Regarding soy’s impact on hormones, it contains phytoestrogens, which might have mild estrogenic effects. For most people, moderate consumption shouldn’t be a problem, but if there’s a pre-existing hormonal imbalance, it might be wise to monitor and consult a healthcare professional if concerned.
Soya chunks are also slightly kapha-increasing because of their compact structure, which might not be suited for kapha-prone individuals or those dealing with kapha imbalances like sluggish digestion or obesity. Eating soya chunks during the day instead of late evening might also support digestion better.
To focus on broader nutritional diversity, incorporate other plant proteins, such as lentils, chickpeas, or quinoa, alongside soya chunks. Each person’s prakriti or constitution is different, so listen to your body’s reactions and adjust accordingly. If discomfort continues or you notice any other significant changes, seeking personalized advice from a healthcare provider would be beneficial.
