Does Soy Make You Gain Weight?

Soy-based foods are usually high in protein, making them suitable for weight loss.

Protein-rich foods have a high thermic effect, meaning you'll burn fat and calories during digestion—more than you would burn digesting fat or carbohydrates.

Soy is just as beneficial for weight loss as other sources of protein, as long as you limit your calorie intake and consume it in moderation.

A cup of tempeh, for example, provides 31 grams of protein, a cup of soy milk provides 8 g of protein and a cup of cooked mature soybeans, contains 29 g of protein.

Eating soy also increases fiber intake. Fiber fills us up and controls the blood sugar levels, which prevents blood sugar crashes, that trigger hunger and this way it helps with weight control.

Mature soybeans supply 41 percent of the daily value for fiber per cup, tofu contains 8 percent of the daily value and soy milk contains 6 percent of the daily value per cup.

For delicious and more dietary ideas, check out our recipes with tofu.