Nutrition
Health benefits of Soya chunks
• soya chunks
Acts as a meat substitute
Vegetarians and those who suffer from protein deficiency can incorporate soya chunks into their diet. They help to make up for the recommended value of protein without tampering with one’s traditions.
Each 100 gram serving has 345 calories with 52 grams of protein. It indeed qualifies as an alternative to meat, yet provides extra protein as compared to chicken and lamb.
Promotes heart health
Soya chunks are rich in protein, omega3 fatty acids, fibre and low in saturated fat.
Also, a 2015 study published in the Molecules journal talks about the benefits of soya and its ability to lower the levels of bad cholesterol in the body. Thus, in addition, good cholesterol prevents several heart ailments, making soya chunks a heart-friendly food.
Aids in weight loss
This unique plant based protein is known to reduce body weight and fat mass. The fibre content in soya chunks keeps hunger at bay. In addition, they can keep you full for long hours.
Soya chunks have a greater thermogenic effect (energy needed above the basal metabolic rate to digest, absorb and metabolize food) than carbohydrates. Thus, when taken in correct proportions, soya chunks can aid in your weight loss journey.
It helps to reduce menopausal symptoms
Many women going through the menopause phase have hot flashes, night sweats, trouble sleeping, vaginal dryness, and mood swings. Dozens of small studies have looked at the effects of soy on these symptoms, especially hot flashes.
Soy chucks are rich in isoflavones, it’s a type of phytoestrogen. These are believed to work like estrogen and thus ease out symptoms of menopause.
Regulates hormonal imbalance in women
Due to phytoestrogens in soya chunks, women with irregular hormonal activity can eat soya chunks regularly.
In particular, postmenopausal women and those suffering from PCOS benefit the most. It imitates estrogen and regulates the menstrual cycle in women.
Improves digestive health
Both animal and human studies have shown that consumption of soy foods can increase the levels of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli in the gut, thus enhancing gut health.
Contains anti-inflammatory properties
Consumption of soy foods has been shown to have beneficial effects on multiple aspects of human health, including reduced risk of inflammation-related diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and certain cancers.
Regulates blood sugar levels
Soybean can be extremely beneficial for diabetics and should definitely be added to their diet.
A study from the University of Massachusetts Amherst found that soybean is rich in bioactive compounds known as isoflavones. These compounds are responsible for lowering the risk of diabetes and heart diseases. More importantly, the study noted that consuming soy-based foods can lead to a decrease in blood sugar levels and even improve tolerance of glucose in those who have been diagnosed with diabetes.
Source: https://www.healthifyme.com/
Mother’s Day is a celebration to honour mothers and individuals in the society. To commemorate the day tomorrow, The Spectator nutritional page today offers to prepare a sumptuous Guinea fowl meal with an accompanying snack to celebrate our mothers.
Ingredients
-2 cups of cooked rice
-Oil
-2 pounds of Guinea fowl
-1/2 tablespoonful of grinded ginger
-1/4 teaspoon salt
-1/2 onion
1 cup frozen peas
-3 large carrots
-3 eggs
-3 tablespoonful of soy sauce
-2 tablespoonful of diced green onions
Preparation
-Cut guinea fowl into bite-sized pieces. Add ginger, salt, and garlic and allow it cook for about 2 minutes.
-Fry guinea fowl until it turns golden brown.
-Put a saucepan of fire and add a tablespoonful of oil.
-Stir in diced onion, garlic, and peas and carrots and other vegetables.
-Add rice and stir to coat. Stir occasionally until rice is warmed through.
-Add soy sauce to the rice and stir well
-Remove from heat and serve.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
The familiar curl of smoke from a mosquito coil may seem like a small comfort against buzzing pests, but behind that comfort lies a hidden danger.
According to Dr Lawrencia Osae-Nyarko of the Public Health Research Unit at CSIR-WRI, the smoke carries synthetic chemicals that once inhaled, can irritate lungs, trigger adverse reactions, and silently worsen the health of vulnerable groups-children, pregnant women, and the elderly.
Her remarks framed discussions at the second stakeholder meeting of the Clean Air Fund (CAF) project, spearheaded by the Presbyterian Relief Services and Development (PRESED) in collaboration with CAF, on Tuesday.
The gathering assembled community leaders, facilitators, and experts to review recent data collection and chart a way forward in tackling air pollution and e-waste challenges.
According to Dr Osae-Nyarko, the smoke from the mosquito coils and other material burn to ward of mosquito or other insects rather exposes users to a number of dangerous substances that slowly create problems.
“In Ghana’s urban slums, where cramped living spaces often lack proper ventilation, the risks are magnified,” she warned.
“What people breathe in daily is not just mosquito coil smoke; it is a cocktail of pollutants from waste burning, traffic fumes, and household emissions. These exposures compound vulnerabilities and deepen health injustices,” she added.
Dr Osae-Nyarko, also an Advisory Member of PRESED, stressed that advocacy must highlight the disproportionate impact of pollution on marginalised groups.
She underscored the importance of involving children early: “When children learn about air pollution, they not only protect themselves but also become powerful messengers. Through artwork and storytelling, they can express the dangers and inspire change.”
International studies echo these concerns. Research in China and Malaysia found that burning a single mosquito coil indoors can release fine particulate matter equivalent to 75–137 cigarettes, along with carcinogens such as formaldehyde and bis (chloromethyl)ether (BCME)—both linked to lung cancer.
One study published in Environmental Health Perspectives reported that formaldehyde emissions from a single coil equaled those from 51 cigarettes, while the particulate matter load was comparable to heavy indoor smoking.
For children, pregnant women, and the elderly, these exposures are especially severe. Frequent use in poorly ventilated homes magnifies the danger, leading to respiratory irritation, asthma flare-ups, and long-term cancer risks.
The meeting agenda included an overview of the data collection process, key findings, and the formation of action groups to champion specific objectives. A newly developed training manual will guide facilitators and community members in communicating both the science and the lived realities of pollution.
Her advice was practical yet urgent: “If mosquito coils must be used, ensure proper ventilation. But more importantly, communities need safer alternatives and collective advocacy to demand cleaner air. This is not just about comfort—it is about survival.”
The call to action extended beyond households. Mr Emmanuel Nyarko Ankama, Coordinator for PRESED, urged Assemblies to enforce the registration of waste collectors, especially operators of ‘Aboboya’ tricycles.
“The fact is they can dump waste anywhere, which ends up being burnt and contributes to air pollution,” he cautioned.
Mr Joseph Oberesekun Kiddy-Kodua, Environmental Officer at the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), reinforced the point: “By Ghana’s waste management policy, every waste collection company should be registered by the Assembly. Otherwise, it is an illegal activity.”
“As the project advances, the message is clear: everyday practices—from burning coils to disposing of waste—must be re-examined. With children, elders, and mothers at the heart of the struggle, the fight for clean air is as much about justice as it is about health,” noted Mr Ankama.
From Kingsley E. Hope, Kumasi
