Soybean

Soy : healthy or not?

Like for all things take in moduration. More investigation is necessary : I believe it's probably safer, until more is learned, to avoid concentrated soy supplements entirely.

Special Precautions 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.
• DON'T overdose on omega-6 (linoleic) from corn, soy, sunflower, safflower or cottonseed.
• 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.Soy contains a high number of phytoestrogens. These are an oestrogen-like chemical which is produced by plants. A study estimated that babies who are being fed a soy-based formula are being fed the equivalent of around five birth control pills worth of oestrogen every day. This amount of oestrogen is thought to be responsible for the increased amount of learning disabilities and cases of ADD/ADHD. It is also thought to be responsible for the fact that girls are now going through puberty from as young as eight or nine years old.
• 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. See page 'Isoflavones' about possible risks of overdosing isoflavones. People who are trying to fall pregnant, those who have difficulty urinating under normal circumstances, breastfeeding moms, those with kidney problems and prostate cancer and anyone suffering from peanut allergies should avoid this ingredient.
• contains enzyme inhibitors, which hinder protein digestion and haemagluttin, which causes red blood cells to clump together and inhibits oxygen take-up and growth.
• Research has shown that babies who have been fed soy-based formulas were at higher risk for developing type-1 diabetes and thyroid disease later in life. Soy-based formulas also contain up to 1000 times more aluminium than non soy-based formulas.
• Soy has been linked to a myriad of health conditions such as infantile leukaemia, various forms of cancer, type-1 diabetes, malnutrition, thyroid dysfunction and even erectile dysfunction.
• Soy contains a large amount of anti-nutrients (otherwise known as toxins). One of these is what is referred to as enzyme inhibitors. Enzyme inhibitors block the action of the enzymes which are required to digest proteins. Even cooking the soy at high temperatures does not break down these inhibitors. As a result, consuming soy and soy products can lead to conditions such as reduced protein digestion, excessive bloating, a deficiency of essential amino acids, abnormal thyroid functions, a higher risk of breast cancer in women who have had ovaries removed and abnormal blood clotting. Mineral deficiencies of calcium, magnesium, copper and zinc have also been reported.
• That being said, the only safe forms of soy to consume are those which have been properly fermented, such as Japanese natto and properly prepared Chinese tofu.

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.
• One of the most alkali-forming foods are figs and soybeans. (Acid/alkaline balance)
• 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 page 'Isoflavones' about 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.
• Soy may lower the risk for breast and Prostate Cancer. However One caution: Some women with breast cancer should avoid soy – talk with your doctor.

Medical Disclaimer

This information is not meant to be substituted for medical advice. Always consult a medical professional regarding any medical problems and before undertaking any treatment or dietary changes.