Soya chunks or also popularly known as meal maker is a textured or texturized vegetable protein which is also known as textured soy protein or soya meat or a nutritious meat extender made from defatted soy flour, a by-product of extracting soybean oil.The soya chunks or soya meat or meal maker is quick and easy to cook. Amazingly soya chunks have protein content equal to that of the meat and contain no fat. High quality textured vegetable protein can be mixed with ground meat to a ratio of up to 1:3 (rehydrated TVP to meat) without reducing the quality of the final product, sometimes improving it if the meat used is poor.
The soya chunks or meal maker is made from soy flour or concentrate, containing 50% and 70% soy protein respectively, and is flavorless. Soya chunks or meal maker is a versatile substance and can be made as a substitute to meat and poultry products and vegetarians can add it with other vegetables and prepare excellent healthy dishes. Extension may result in diminished flavor, but fat and cholesterol are reduced. Vitamin and mineral fortification can be used to make soy products nutritionally equivalent to animal protein; the protein quality is already roughly equivalent. The soya chunks or meal maker is readily available in most of supermarkets and used widely in many recipes in prisons and schools as they are relatively low in cost, high protein and low fat content and has a long shelf life which allows institutions to buy in bulk.
Soya beans are an excellent source of high protein and fibrous food. After the extraction of soya milk, the soya chunks act as soya meal maker. 50% of the vegetable protein from the soya bean is a good fiber food enabling easy digestion and bowl movement. Soya Chunks contain 54.2 grams of protein, which exceeds the amount of protein found in meats, eggs, milk and wheat. Soy protein contains all the amino acids needed by the body, and is an excellent replacement for meat-based proteins. Animal proteins are generally higher in saturated fats. It is also said that the soy protein in soya chunks may reduce the risk of osteoporosis in menopausal women, and may also ease other menopausal symptoms. Soy is high in fiber, which is known to benefit cholesterol levels, and can indirectly lower cholesterol by replacing fatty animal proteins in the diet. Soy protein in general is rich in B vitamins and Omega-3 fatty acids, which are thought to benefit many aspects of health. Soya Chunks contain 533 milligrams of calcium and 21.2 grams of iron. Whole soy foods also are a good source of fiber, B vitamins, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids.
The nutritional values per 100g of soya chunks or meal maker are:
Energy value: 336 k cal
Protein: 54.2 g
Fat: 0.4 g
Carbohydrate: 28.9 g
Calcium: 533 mg
Iron: 21.2 mg
