Soy: Should it Stay or Should it Go?

Is it a miracle food rich in nutrition that promotes longevity and wellness? Or rather a genetically modified, hormone-disrupting, poison?!

After doing some research, I found some interesting facts about soy that you should be aware of:

Background facts about Soy:

• Soybeans are legumes that originated in East Asia

• 90% of soy produced in the US is genetically modified to withstand pesticides.

• Soy is cheap and is used in many processed foods.

• You are consuming lots of soy without realizing it.

• Fermented soy is consumed in small amounts in Asian countries

• The US consumes unfermented soy

Benefits:

• Rich in nutrients: Manganese, Selenium, Copper, Potassium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Iron, Calcium, Vitamin B6, Folate, Riboflavin, Thiamin, and Vitamin K

• Good source of protein

• High in Omega- 6 polyunsaturated fats

• Has cholesterol lowering effects

• Studies show that soy can help to reduce the risk of prostate cancer in old age

• Fermented is better than unfermented soy

Drawbacks:

• Soy contains large amounts of isoflavones. These isoflavones can activate and/or inhibit estrogen receptors in the body which can throw off the body’s hormones and normal function.

• Animal studies show that soy isoflavones can cause breast cancer

  • In one study, 48 women were divided into two groups. One group maintained their normal diet, the other supplemented with 60 grams of soy protein. After 14 days, the soy protein group had significant increases in breast cells that could potentially turn cancerous.

• Exposure to soy for male fetuses can lead to adverse sexual development

• Soy-based baby formulas fed to infant girls may result in puberty at a younger than normal age.

• Consuming genetically modified soybeans can cause many other health problems:

  • Allergies: Creation of new allergens in our food supply

  • Antibiotic resistance: Overuse of antibiotics in the GMO process can potentially cause the development of antibiotic-resistant pathogens.

  • Pesticide Exposure: GMO foods are engineered to contain a gene that resists pesticides. The plants are then sprayed with the pesticide to kill off bugs and surrounding weeds. Consuming the pesticide for humans has been linked to birth defects, reproductive damage, cancer and endocrine disruption.

Bottom Line:

• Pregnant women should steer clear of soy.

• Infants should be fed breast milk or cow-milk formulas over soy formulas.

• Soy is used in many of the processed foods that we eat. Be cognizant of the ingredients of food that you consume.

• Choose fermented soy over unfermented soy.