‘Soy is perfect replacement for meat’
by Onche Odeh - Head, Education & Science, Daily Independent Newspapers |
Nutritional experts have said Soybeans and its derivatives could serve as the
perfect replacement for animal protein, especially for people who want to cut
down on meat consumption.
Some of the experts who sounded this out during a one-day media workshop
on Soy organised by Development Communication Network (DEVCOMS)
held in Lagos said, edible soy products are the best choices for those who are
in need of other micronutrients.
Acting General Manager, Montizen Limited, Silas Okuh, noted that Soy and
its derivatives delivers complete protein in one diet serving.
Speaking on what a complete protein is, Okuh said, “A complete protein is
one that contains significant amounts of all the essential amino acids that must
be provided to the human body as f the body is unable to synthesize them.”
According to him, this is a major reason soy is regarded as good source of
protein, amongst many others, for vegetarians and vegans or for people who
want to reduce the amount of meat they eat.
“A serving of Soy has the right intake of Protein and other nutrients. The
benefits are numerous, as anyone who eats more of the soy meals is likely to
stay away from the hospital most of the time,” Okuh said.
He said Soy contains other nutrients that act as support and balance needed
for protein to be used properly.
According to the US Food and Drug Administration, Soy protein products
can replace animal-based foods, which also have complete proteins but tend
to contain more fat, especially saturated fat.
Business Development Manager, All Tech Nutrients Limited, Mr. Chimezie
Obialor, also spoke in similar light about Soy.
“Soy is one of food products that could be used to fight malnutrition in
Nigeria. Although it delivers protein just like egg, it has added advantage as
continuous consumption of eggs increases the cholesterol level in humans,”
Obialor said.
According to him, Soy delivers up to 40 percent of protein per meal as
against 18-22 per cent from meats.
He said Soy also has the advantage of being a good premix for corn flour,
wheat flour for baking and other food sources as means of fortification with
additional nutrients.
Meanwhile, All Tech, through a partnership with the World Initiative for Soy
In Human Health (WISHH), is embarking on a campaign for the consumption
of soy products and their derivatives as a cheap and fast way of bridging the
nutritional gap in the country.
Meanwhile, the experts have cautioned that before Soy is consumed by
humans, it must be cooked with “wet” heat to destroy the trypsin, protein
inhibitors (serine protease inhibitors). Raw soybeans, including the immature
green form, are toxic to humans, swine, chickens, and all monogastric animals.
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