Benefits and drawbacks of soy
Consuming soy has become a double edged sword. It became popular as a great meat substitute but one that quickly became mass processed and over-consumed.
One of the main benefits of soy is that it has the highest protein content of any legume. Soybeans are rich in nutrients that protect against estrogen-dependent cancers. Fermented soy products like miso, tempeh and nato can be nutritionally beneficial. Fermentation is basically a process that partially breaks down the food by way of bacteria and fungus thus producing a wealth of beneficial by-products like vitamin B12, amino acids, lactic acid, and enzymes.
The potential drawbacks of soy? Well there are many. Unfermented soy products, like soymilk and tofu, have no digestive enzymes and therefore are similar to cheese in the digestive system. Unfermented soy in particular contains protease inhibitors, which interfere with protein digestion. Also US produced soybeans are usually genetically modified and sprayed heavily with pesticides. One more thing. Soy also binds with iodine in the body which could inhibit thyroid function since one’s iodine intake needs to be adequate if consuming lots of soy.
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April wrote,
I too have read that soy can be bad. It’s difficult to know who to believe. Personally I’ve decided not to take any, I stick to whey and egg for my protein shakes.
Link | September 10th, 2007 at 8:30 am
Carnival of Healing #102 | Natural Health Remedies wrote,
[…] Benefits and drawbacks of soy - There’s so much conflicting info when it comes to eating Soy, unfortunately it’s a main source of protein for many people such as vegans. […]
Link | September 10th, 2007 at 8:43 am
regina wrote,
Ref: # 102… The article is too sparse for the average person to weigh the drawbacks or the benefits of soy. True too much soy can cause digestive problems but I rather eat too much soy than too much meat and dairy products as medical journals have much documented proof of the health issues, ie., heart disease, diabetes and other ailments. It is agreed and recommended than one with soy in their diets get extra nutrients to aid in digestion. It is also agreed that other eating habits such as large consumption of meat and dairy need to be eaten in moderation and can also cause digestive problems. The word vegetarian and vegan get a bum rap. Solid education is the key. People should know the WHOLE truth. A vegetarian lifestyle is not all what an uniformed person may think. They are many many options to good and tasty food, even soul food! and that it is not just bland vegetables.
#102’s comment is a bit left field. it can also be said” It is too bad people are dying premature deaths from too much consumption of meat and it’s by products”, which also can be mishandled, heavily inoculated with drugs and modified. I myself don’t really care what someone eats or does not eat. People pretty much do as they want anyway, but I do care about the truth. regina
Link | September 25th, 2007 at 12:34 pm