Difference between revisions of "Soybean"

Revision as of 13:39, 2 March 2011

Soy : healthy or not?

Like for all things take in moduration. More research is necessary :

The negatives of soy are:

• Calcium levels are not the greatest. Even though they do add calcium to soymilk it is still not as healthy as natural occurring calcium but calcium can be obtained from other sources like green leafy vegetables and almonds to name a couple.
• Soy food contains goitrogens. Goitrogens are compounds that interfere with thyroid function and in extreme cases can cause an enlarge thyroid. It is also contained in other foods as well. To rectify this eat a well balanced diet. If you are a vegan you should make an effort to include adequate sources of iodine in your diet.
• Estrogen is found is soy. Testosterone in males, including young boys, can be suppressed by ingesting soy products.
• Soy milk and infertility have been linked together and from the information I found, giving an baby soy formula is comparable to giving a baby up to five birth control pills per day but I also found that that research has been very limited in regards to the advantages and disadvantages to babies drinking soy formula.
• The increased level of estrogen can manipulate the menstrual cycle in women.
• soybeans are high in phytic acid, which, in large amounts, can block the uptake of essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, copper, iron and especially zinc in the intestinal tract.
• effects overdosing on isoflavones is still unknown. I believe it's probably safer, until more is learned, to avoid concentrated soy supplements entirely.
• contains enzyme inhibitors, which hinder protein digestion and haemagluttin, which causes red blood cells to clump together and inhibits oxygen take-up and growth.

There are benefits to soy such as:

• Soy is high in proteins and contains more fiber than cows milk due to the fact it's made from beans
• Soybeans have all of the essential amino acids our body requires which makes it a complete protein. They are the only plant food that can claim that.
• Soy milk is an aid in reducing high cholesterol.
• Soy milk can help to prevent and treat menopausal symptoms.
• Isoflavones are found in soy milk. They are quite similar to the hormone that we call estrogen. They are associated to the prevention of many cancers, heart disease, osteoporosis and more. They are also antioxidants which protect our cells and DNA against oxidation. See higher about the possible risks of overdosing isoflavones.
• Some studies have shown that cows milk can result in insulin dependent diabetes over time whereas consuming soy milk has not reflected this outcome.
• Only 0.5 percent of the children are allergic to soy milk, whereas 2.5 percent are allergic to cows milk.