Pigeon Peas vs Defatted Soy Meal: Which Is Healthier?

Pigeon Peas and defatted soy meal belong to the legumes and legume products food group, one of the staple food groups for people on a plant-based diet.

Legumes and most legume products are an affordable source of plant protein, dietary fiber, B vitamins, and minerals such as iron, calcium, potassium, and zinc, minerals that are usually harder to get on a plant-based diet.

This article will thoroughly compare pigeon peas and defatted soy meal and help you learn more about their similarities and differences.

Pigeon Peas

Pigeon peas (Cajanus cajan) are a legume widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.

They are a staple food in many countries, including India, Africa, and South America.

Pigeon peas are known for their high protein and fiber content, as well as their rich flavor and versatility in cooking.

Pigeon peas can be used in various dishes such as dals, curries, soups, and stews. They can also be used to make flour and snacks.

They peas are an excellent source of plant-based protein and are a good source of minerals like iron, zinc, and potassium.

They are also rich in antioxidants and can help to reduce inflammation and protect against certain types of cancer.

Pigeon peas are also low in fat and cholesterol-free, making them a great option for a healthy diet.

Pigeon Peas is an excellent source of Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid), and Vitamin B9 (Folate).

It also contains a good amount of Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), Vitamin B3 (Niacin), and Vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine).

Defatted Soy Meal

Soy meal, also known as defatted soy flour, is a byproduct of the production of soy oil.

It is made by grinding the remaining solids (after the oil has been extracted) into a fine powder.

Soy meal is a good source of plant-based protein and is commonly used as a protein supplement in animal feed and as an ingredient in a variety of food products.

One of the main health benefits of soy meal is its high protein content. Soybeans, from which soy meal is made, are a good source of plant-based protein, making soy meal a popular choice for vegetarians and vegans.

Soy meal is also rich in a number of nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

It is also a good source of fiber, which can help to improve digestion and lower cholesterol levels.

In terms of health benefits, soy meal has been shown to have a number of positive effects on the body.

It is a good source of isoflavones, plant compounds that have been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Some studies have also suggested that soy meal may have a positive effect on bone health, due to its high calcium content.

Defatted Soy Meal is an excellent source of Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid), Vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine), and Vitamin B9 (Folate).

It also contains a good amount of Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), Vitamin B3 (Niacin), and Vitamin K.

Pigeon Peas vs Defatted Soy Meal Nutrition

Now that we’ve described the origin, taste, and usage of these foods, we can move to the most interesting part – comparing pigeon peas vs defatted soy meal.

This comparison will start by comparing the caloric value of pigeon peas and defatted soy meal and their macronutrients and then go more in-depth by analyzing their vitamin and mineral content.

Pigeon Peas vs Defatted Soy Meal Calories

Most calories in raw legumes come from carbs. Peanuts are an exception here, but they are often considered a nut instead of a legume because of their nutritional profile.

Comparing defatted soy meal vs pigeon peas for weight loss, defatted soy meal is slightly lower in calories, with 337 calories per 100 grams, compared to 343 calories per 100 grams of pigeon peas.

However, both pigeon peas and defatted soy meal can and should be a part of a healthy diet, and neither one shouldn’t be avoided if you’re looking to lose weight.

Pigeon Peas vs Defatted Soy Meal Protein

Legumes and most legume products, including pigeon peas and defatted soy meal, are important sources of plant-based protein.

Defatted Soy Meal offers around 56% more protein than pigeon peas.

Defatted Soy Meal has 49.2 grams of protein per 100 grams, while pigeon peas has 21.7 grams of protein per 100 grams.

Pigeon Peas vs Defatted Soy Meal Carbs

Counting carbs can be important for some people for different reasons, including blood sugar control, weight management, or athletic performance.

It’s also important for people on a keto diet, so let’s compare the carbs content in pigeon peas and defatted soy meal.

The total amount of carbohydrates is around 43% higher in pigeon peas than in defatted soy meal. It have 62.8 grams per 100 grams, compared to 35.9 grams in defatted soy meal.

There’s less sugar in pigeon peas than in defatted soy meal, 100% precisely.

One handful of pigeon peas (28 grams) contains 0 grams of sugar, while the same amount of defatted soy meal contains 1.7 grams.

Lastly, let’s take a look at the dietary fiber in pigeon peas and defatted soy meal.

Dietary fiber keeps the digestive system healthy and helps with weight management by promoting a sense of fullness.

With 4.2 grams of fiber per portion, pigeon peas is a better source of fiber than defatted soy meal which pigeon peas offers 1.5 grams per portion.

Pigeon Peas vs Defatted Soy Meal Fats

Like most other legumes, with the exception of lupins and peanuts, pigeon peas and defatted soy meal are low in fat.

Fats in pigeon peas and defatted soy meal are mostly healthy unsaturated fats. They are naturally cholesterol-free and trans-fat-free.

Total fat in pigeon peas and defatted soy meal:

• Pigeon Peas: 1.5 grams per 100 grams
• Defatted Soy Meal: 2.4 per 100 grams

Speaking of saturated fats, pigeon peas and defatted soy meal contain the same amount of saturated fats, 0.3 grams per 100 grams.

Pigeon Peas vs Defatted Soy Meal Vitamins Content

This section will discuss the vitamin content of pigeon peas and defatted soy meal.

Vitamins are micronutrients, meaning we need only a small amount. However, they are very important for many processes in our bodies.

Pigeon Peas has a higher amount of vitamin A, vitamin B1 (Thiamine), vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid), vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine), vitamin E, and vitamin K.

However, defatted soy meal has a higher amount of vitamin B3 (Niacin), and vitamin B9 (Folate).

Pigeon Peas and defatted soy meal contain the same amount of vitamin C, vitamin D, and vitamin B12 (Cobalamin).

The following table shows the exact amount of vitamins pigeon peas and defatted soy meal contain side by side, so you can easily compare them.

Pigeon Peas vs Defatted Soy Meal Minerals Content

Minerals are important for our body to function properly. We need only a small amount of minerals, so they are called micronutrients.

Some minerals, like iron, calcium, zinc or, iodine, are relatively hard to get on a plant-based diet, so it’s important to choose your foods thoughtfully. This part of the pigeon peas and defatted soy meal comparison focuses on their mineral content.

Pigeon Peas is a better source of calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc than defatted soy meal.

On the other hand, defatted soy meal is a higher amount of selenium, and sodium.

Pigeon Peas and defatted soy meal contain the same amount of fluoride.

Check out the table below to learn how pigeon peas and defatted soy meal compare when it comes to mineral content.

The Final Word

Pigeon Peas and defatted soy meal are highly nutritious and a great addition to a plant-based diet.

Both pigeon peas and defatted soy meal are high in specific vitamins and minerals, and including them in your diet will give you the most benefits they offer.

Antioxidants found in beans and legumes can help to protect cells from damage and may reduce the risk of certain diseases and the effects of aging.

Additionally, the fiber and other nutrients in these foods can support the health of the digestive system and may even help to prevent certain digestive cancers.

Legumes are versatile food that can be incorporated into any meal of the day, including breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They can be served hot or cold, making them a convenient and tasty addition to a variety of dishes.