Have you seen the viral soy chaap video? Experts tell you why it's so unhealthy (2024)

Remember the time when our parents suddenly realized that soybeans were good for health and our kitchens were filled with soybean nuggets, chunks and other soy-based ingredients?

We can debate later whether these decisions were healthy or not, but this soybean trend also led to the rise of soybean oil.

From starters to main course, soy chaap has found its place everywhere, especially in North India and among vegetarians and we all have enjoyed eating these dishes (we understand you).

However, a video showing the process of making soy chaap has now gone viral on the internet and if you have seen it, we know that you will no longer eat soy chaap due to hygiene reasons.

But if not, get ready:

Several social media users have also claimed that soy chaap is very high in calories due to its ingredients Maida (all-purpose flour), butter and oil.

India today I reached out to some experts to find out if you should add soy chaap to your diet.

First, understand the numerous health benefits of soybeans

• “Soybeans contain high amounts of protein, including all essential amino acids,” says Karthigai Selvi A, Head of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, Gleneagles BGS Hospital Kengeri, Bengaluru.
• They are also a rich source of calcium, iron, zinc, phosphorus, magnesium, B vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids and fiber.
• A diet with significant soy protein lowers total cholesterol, LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, and triglycerides.
• Many soy foods naturally contain a lot of calcium. In addition, soybeans also contain magnesium and boron, which are important cofactors of calcium for bone health.
• In addition, Dr. Sangeeta Tiwari, clinical nutritionist at Artemis Lite, Delhi, said consuming soybeans can help reduce the risk of heart disease and control blood sugar levels.
• Including soy in moderation in your diet can contribute to overall health and well-being.
• “Soy is low in saturated fat and high in protein and fiber, making it a satisfying option for anyone looking to control their weight,” mentions Dr. Archana Batra, Gurugram-based nutritionist and certified diabetes educator.

Are soy and soy chaap the same?

If you think soybeans are good for your health, you might be wrong.

“Soy and soy chaap come from the same source, soybeans, but they are not the same. Soy is the bean itself, while soy chaap refers to a specific dish made from soybean protein. Although they come from soybeans, soy chaap is a processed form of soy used in culinary creations,” explains Dr. Tiwari.

Dr. Batra further states that soy chaap is made from soy protein isolate, which is extracted from soybeans.

“Although soy chaap contains the nutritional benefits of soybeans, its healthiness largely depends on how it is prepared and consumed,” adds Jyotima Srivastava, clinical nutritionist at Regency Hospital, Lucknow.

Karthigai Selvi A shares the nutritional value of soy chaap: “The energy value of 100 g soy chaap provides about 120 kcal, 1.5 g fat, 13 g protein, 11 g carbohydrate, 2 g sugar and 3 g fiber with more. “Sodium.”

Let's talk about the viral video

What Dr. As far as Sangeeta Tiwari is concerned, the viral video raises legitimate concerns about the nutritional content and potential health risks associated with consuming soya chaap prepared in a certain way.

“Its high-calorie and refined flour (Maida) content along with excessive use of oil and butter can definitely lead to health problems. Although soy chaap can be a delicious dish, it is advisable to eat it in moderation and choose healthier preparation methods to mitigate these risks and enjoy it as part of a balanced diet.”

However, Jyotima Srivastava feels that the video may exaggerate the disadvantages of preparing soybeans.

“It wouldn't be right to call it the 'worst junk food,'” she says.

Eat soybeans to lose weight? Weight gain may occur

• The experts say that continuous consumption of soy chaap, especially when prepared with high-calorie ingredients like oil, butter and refined flour, can contribute to weight gain.
• These ingredients are high in calories and can easily lead to excessive calorie intake when consumed regularly without compensation with physical activity or other lower calorie foods.
• In addition, in some preparations, deep-frying can increase the calorie content even further.

While soy itself is a source of protein, the preparation methods and accompanying ingredients in the soy chaap play a key role in determining its overall impact on weight.

Karthigai Selvi A mentions that soy chaap has 60 percent Maida and 40 percent soy as well as sugar, salt and oil.

It's problematic!

• You must know that continuous consumption of soybean oil prepared with unhealthy ingredients can lead to various health problems besides weight gain.
• The high fat and calorie content, combined with deep-frying methods, can lead to increased cholesterol levels and an increased risk of heart disease.
• Excessive consumption of refined flour can spike blood sugar levels and, over time, potentially lead to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
• It can also cause digestive problems such as bloating and constipation.

Meanwhile, Dr. Archana Batra shares that hygiene and preparation are crucial factors to consider while consuming soya chaap. It is important to ensure it is prepared in a clean environment with fresh ingredients and cooked thoroughly to avoid foodborne illness.

She adds that sellers' reuse of oil to deep-fry soya chaap can pose a health risk as repeated heating can lead to the formation of harmful compounds. Therefore, it is advisable to choose options that use fresh oil for frying or opt for grilled or baked versions for a healthier alternative.

Know your alternatives

While soy chaap does contain proteins and nutritional benefits found in soybeans, the other ingredients added while making it can make it a bit unhealthy. Therefore, it is important to consider the alternatives.

• Even if you want to add soybean oil to your diet, you should grill or bake the soy protein rather than deep-fry it.
• The experts also suggest that instead of soya chaap, one can also use ingredients like tofu, pulses, quinoa and paneer to make alternative vegetarian dishes.
• Additionally, eating soybeans is much more nutritious than eating processed soybeans. You can also try making a dish with tempeh, which is made from fermented soybeans.

The last bite

Before you go, you should be aware that the healthiness of soybean oil depends on the preparation method. Choosing healthier cooking methods and paying attention to added ingredients can make it a nutritious addition to a balanced diet. Moderation is the key to enjoying the benefits while minimizing potential health risks.