Nutrition
Health benefits of Soya chunks
Soya chunks with rice
- 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/
Ingredients
-One full cabbage
– Five large tomatoes
-Two large onion
-Five large pepper
-Garlic
-3 large fresh salmon
-1 tin of mackerel
-Salt to taste
-Coconut oil
Seasoning
Preparation
- Wash and chop cabbage under running water and put in a large pot with water
- Wash it for the second time and pour vinegar on it to remove unwanted particles.
- Blend onion, garlic, ginger, pepper and tomatoes
- Heat coconut oil in a saucepan over medium heat
- Add blended mixture and stir. (Allow it to cook for 10 minutes)
- Wash fresh salmon and add to stew
- Add mackerel, seasoning and salt to taste
- Add cabbage, stir and cover to cook for five to seven- minutes
- Allow to simmer when it is soft and serve with rice
- By Linda Abrefi Wadie
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Malnutrition remains one of the most significant barriers to Ghana’s long-term development. While its effects are most visible in childhood illness and mortality, its consequences extend far beyond the health sector, affecting education outcomes, labor productivity, and economic growth.
Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM), in particular, demands urgent policy attention due to its direct link to preventable child deaths. At the center of the solution lies Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) and the need for its inclusion in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
NHIS has played a critical role in expanding access to healthcare by reducing out-of-pocket expenditures and improving utilization of services. However, the exclusion of RUTF exposes a structural weakness in the system.
When families cannot access treatment for SAM through NHIS, the burden of care shifts back to households already struggling with poverty and food insecurity.
RUTF is not a luxury commodity; it is an essential medicine for malnutrition. Its formulation allows children to be treated at home, reducing hospitalization costs and improving adherence. Evidence from Ghana and other countries shows that community-based management of acute malnutrition is both effective and scalable when adequately financed.
Failure to integrate RUTF into NHIS creates inefficiencies across the health system. Facilities cannot plan effectively, health workers face ethical dilemmas, and monitoring of outcomes becomes fragmented. By contrast, NHIS coverage would allow for standardized protocols, better data collection, and improved quality of care.
Importantly, integrating RUTF into NHIS would reduce Ghana’s dependence on donor funding for a core child survival intervention.
While development partners play a valuable role, reliance on external funding for essential services poses sustainability risks. National ownership through NHIS financing would ensure continuity of care and long-term impact.
The economic case is equally compelling. Studies consistently show that investments in nutrition yield some of the highest returns in development, often exceeding returns from infrastructure projects. Children who receive timely treatment for malnutrition are more likely to complete school, earn higher incomes, and contribute to national growth.
As Ghana advances its Universal Health Coverage agenda, it is imperative that nutrition interventions are fully integrated into health financing decisions.
Leaving RUTF outside NHIS sends the message that malnutrition is a peripheral issue rather than a core determinant of health and development.
Policymakers have the opportunity to correct this imbalance. Integrating RUTF into NHIS would strengthen the health system, protect vulnerable children, and safeguard Ghana’s future workforce. It is a policy decision grounded in evidence, equity, and national interest.
Key Policy Recommendations: The Ministry of Health and NHIA should immediately commission a costing study to integrate RUTF into the NHIS benefits package by 2027. Parliament’s Health Committee should prioritize oversight of this integration, with quarterly progress reports.
The National Health Insurance Authority must allocate 2-3% of its annual budget to nutrition interventions, including RUTF coverage for all diagnosed SAM cases. District health directorates should establish standardized RUTF distribution protocols, with digital tracking systems to monitor utilization and outcomes.
Finally, the Ghana Health Service should launch a nationwide training programme for health workers on community-based management of acute malnutrition, ensuring quality service delivery from hospital to household level.
Feature article by Women, Media and Change under its Nourish Ghana: Advocating for Increased Leadership to Combat Malnutrition project
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