Doctors say soy offers safer, cheaper protein option

Amidst the Karnataka government's decision to replace eggs with soy chunks in three government hospitals, doctors and nutritionists stress that soy is not only a safe alternative but, in many ways, better suited for patients' health.

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“Soy is one of the richest plant proteins we have, with nearly 40 percent of the bean being protein,” said Dr. Prathima Kini, Lifestyle Medicine Physician and Pathologist, Co-Chairperson of the Physicians Association for Nutrition (PAN) India, Bengaluru City Chapter. “Unlike eggs, it also comes with fibre, healthy fats, calcium, and iron. For someone recovering from surgery or illness, this combination is excellent. You are not just giving protein; you are also giving nutrients that help heal faster and keep the heart healthy.”

The doctors point out that soy is a “complete protein,” meaning it has all the amino acids that the body needs. “People often think plant proteins are second grade, but soy is different,” explained