Oh Soy Bad: How We are Mislead about the Benefits of Soy
by Gina Laverde
Here, Doctor Mercola confirms what I discovered about a year ago. All of those soy alternatives that we vegetarians have long been consuming with the intention of better health are NOT healthy for us. Mercola blames the miscommunication of the true value of soy on the massive public relations done by the soy industry. However, the largely genetically modified crop can inhibit thyroid function, increase estrogen levels in babies using soy formula, and screw up our digestion.
Soy Poisons
Soy is Loaded trypsin inhibitors that prevent proper protein digestion; goitrogen which inhibits thyroid function; phytic acid, a fiber that impairs absorption of minerals; and phytoestrogens which dangerously increase the estrogen hormone.
Fermented Soy is Best
Mercola, advocates the use of fermented organic soy which would include tempeh, natto and miso – but not tofu. Fermented foods offer predigested nutrition, which gives our intestinal track a big break. Fermenting food also manipulates the chemical make-up of the product, in order to turn potential poisons into viable nutrients.
No More Soy Nuggets or Soy Corn Dogs
My family and I have been guilty of consuming soy nuggets, soy protein powder, soy egg-nog around the holidays – not to mention the soy based vitamin E which is hidden in supplements like cod liver oil. Surprisingly enough, after going soy-free for about a year, I did have a reaction to a soy-based skin cream. We now use it sparingly, and seem to be okay with it.
I find raw almond or cashew milk to be a good alternative for making shakes or adding to coffee or tea.
Hidden Soy
- Oil used to fry packaged chips and crackers
- Commercial nut or hemp milks
- Packaged organic meals
What’s a Consumer to Do?
I figure that we can either feel dooped by the health food industry, or we can strap on our thinking caps and realize that every industry needs to profit. That profit may be at the expense of our health. All we can do is continue to educate ourselves. And, of course – READ LABELS
How Much Soy Do You Think was Consumed in Historical Asia?
Dr. Mercola has a report that may surprise you. It surprised me.
[image credit: j_boogie ]
deal
What? You have nothing to say?
Now is not the time to be silent. These issues affect us all
February 9th, 2008 at 2:22 pm
This is definitely interesting information, thanks Gina. I’ve been consuming soy for 4 years now — soy milk, tofu, soy burgers, texurized soy protein (tsp)products, et al. And to be honest, I’ve never felt healthier. My immune system is like a rock and based upon my research of soy, which begun with people like John Robbins, author of “The Food Revolution” — soy is healthy (for my body). But like many foods there’s always two sides… so it’s great to learn more about soy from you.
February 9th, 2008 at 4:04 pm
Here are my 2 major probs with soy:
1. its so mass produced and genetically modified that we cannot be sure of its actual nutrition value or if our bodies can accept it.
2. soy based packaged foods are so overly processed (like burgers, cheese,) that our bodies don’t recognize them as food
3. when consuming soy milk, if organic and pure — you are stil consuming far more soy (think of how many beans it takes to make a whole pint of soy milk)
I say if its organic and non gmo then in moderation it probably won’t hurt someone with a strong constitution. But, in some ways, I see it like eating white rice…. one day it’ll creap up on you. There is a way to find out if its inhibiing your digestion or affecting you negatively — go have a colonic (if you dare :) )
they can find out so much about what our food does to us.
have you ever had tempeh? I haven’t, but I do like miso.
I used to be addicted to luna bars. Now I just make myown dehydrated snack bars and they are very good. So, there’s usually a tasty replacement for everything.
have a good weekend,
G
February 9th, 2008 at 5:48 pm
another note: although soy contains goitrogens (thyroid inhibitors) these can also inhibit cancer growth. hence, the idea that soy prevents cancer. you will find goitrogens in kale, cabbage, broccoli, caulifower, mustard greens, millet. If u have a weak thyroid you may either want to culture these veggies, cook them lightly or marinate them with enzymes overnight, to decrease the mal affects on the thyroid.
February 10th, 2008 at 3:30 pm
yeah i’ve had tempeh a few times — not a big fan of the taste, though. for now, i’m still in the corner of organic soy products, but my research will continue.
February 10th, 2008 at 3:34 pm
please do continue that research :)
May 4th, 2008 at 5:47 pm
[…] the general public would consider to be food. Our children’s bodies are rejecting wheat, milk, soy, corn and even fruit because their inner-ecosystems have been destroyed — while we have been […]
May 17th, 2008 at 6:44 am
The “Soy Industry” has applied for and received GRAS status (Generally recognized as safe) by the FDA which means it is not necessary to identify the soy in any product on its food label. So many foods may have soy in it and you would never know. Many people are becoming allergic to soy as well so it has now become a hidden danger to some people.
June 16th, 2008 at 11:45 pm
All you people are knocking soy and true it’s not good to consume one thing as your main source of protein but listen..where is the average person getting their protein from? Animal flesh of course. Now you’re going to tell me thats better? Safer? Stop over analyzing everything and take it for what it’s worth. It’s the dairy/cattle industry thats giving soy a bad rap. You can dig up and find negativity on anything in life if you try hard enough.