The Karnataka government has decided to replace eggs with soy chunks in three government hospitals. This step has sparked discussions among doctors and nutritionists, many of whom believe soy is not only a safe option but may even be better for patients’ recovery and long term health.
Soy: A Rich Source of Protein
“Soy is one of the richest plant proteins, with about 40% of the bean being protein,” explained Dr. Prathima Kini, Lifestyle Medicine Physician and Pathologist, PAN India (Bengaluru). She highlighted that, unlike eggs, soy also provides fibre, healthy fats, calcium, and iron. These extra nutrients support faster healing, stronger immunity, and heart health.
Soy is a “complete protein,” meaning it contains all essential amino acids required by the body. Dr. Prathima noted that its protein quality and digestibility are close to that of eggs. The added benefit is that soy has no cholesterol and very little fat, making it a safer option for patients with diabetes, heart disease, or obesity conditions commonly seen in hospitals.
Doctors pointed out that soy is not new to human diets. Countries like Japan, China, and the United States use soy regularly. These regions often report lower heart disease rates and longer life expectancy, showing that soy can be safely included in daily meals.
Affordable and Easy to Use
Dr. Veena Acharya, Gynaecologist and Lifestyle Medicine Physician, stressed that soy chunks are cost-effective, easy to store, and fit well into Indian cooking. She compared: one egg provides around 6 grams of protein, while a small portion of soy chunks gives nearly double. Additionally, soy’s fibre supports digestion and gut health something eggs do not offer.
Benefits for Women and Children
Dr. Acharya also shared that soy provides natural iron and calcium, helping prevent anaemia and strengthen bones. This is especially important for women, who often face anaemia, and for children, whose bones are still developing. For low income families, soy offers these benefits without the need for costly supplements.
Busting Myths About Safety
Dr. Sandhya Ravi, Breast Surgeon and Managing Director of Prameya Health, addressed a common concern: “Many believe soy is harmful for men due to hormones, but that is a myth.” She explained that large studies confirm soy is safe and may even lower the risk of certain cancers while improving bone health.
Looking at the Bigger Picture
Doctors from the Physicians Association for Nutrition (PAN) emphasised that public health decisions should focus on what helps patients recover best, at the lowest cost, and without causing long term health risks. On all these factors nutrition, safety, affordability, and sustainability soy proves to be a strong choice.
Date : 20 September 2025 Time : 10 AM to 5 PM Fee : Rs. 1180
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