Soya chunks can indeed be a little perplexing when it comes to calorie counting because of how they’re prepared and consumed. Uncooked, 100 grams of soya chunks typically contain around 330–345 calories. This is in their dried form, which is the most calorie-dense. When you soak them, they absorb water and expand, meaning the weight increases without the calorie content rising with it. This effectively lowers the calorie density.
Though soaking doesn’t change the total calories in the chunks themselves, it doesn’t dilute the calorie count per serving size you actually consume. After being soaked and cooked, they’re ideally around 120 calories per 100 grams wet weight. So, your friend was on the mark about them being a low calorie, high-protein food great for a healthy, balanced diet.
Now, from an Ayurvedic stance, soya chunks are nutritious but be mindful of your dosha type. If you tend towards a kapha imbalance, consuming too much dense, heavy foods, even plant-based proteins, might not be ideal. Soya is regarded as cooling and acidic, so it can lead to discomfort in those with sensitive digestion (weak agni). Consider your body’s signals genuinely.
Interestingly, it’s crucial to balance soya chunks with warming spices like ginger, cumin, or turmeric. This can help balance the cooling property and aid digestion. Plan your meals thoughtfully, keep portion sizes moderate, and always listen to your body’s signals. Soya chunks are a great addition, but everything in proportion is key.
