Is soy the wonder food as many have claimed?
Soy products naturally contain isoflavones that mimic estrogen, alter growth, cause thyroid dysfunction, and disrupt the endocrine system.
Large amounts of the plant compound can alter the development of fetuses and children, as well as reduce fertility and cause premature puberty.
Interestingly enough, one isoflavone found in soy, genistein, has the similar effect as Bisphenol A.
In addition to all of these dangerous side effects, consider that most soybeans today are genetically modified. It’s important to limit soy consumption.
Soy lechithin
While soy lecithin is filled with choline, a nutrient that’s beneficial to the heart and brain, it’s also made from genetically modified soybeans.
Soy lecithin, a byproduct of soybean oil, is used in most processed foods today. Used as an emulsifier or stabilizer, it’s commonly found in margarines, salad dressings, and chocolates. The lecithin is what’s left over when crude soy oil gets degummed – which means it contains residues from pesticides and solvents. Like I’ve advised before, it’s best to avoid processed products.
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Is this true of all soy that’s sold for consumption, like soy milk?
How sad. Soy always seemed like the better choice.
All soy!
However, only people who consume a lot of soy, like vegetarians, should be concerned. If you’re occasionally consuming it, your exposure isn’t as great.
I never realized how many foods have soy in them until I had to go on a soy free diet in order to breastfeed my baby girl. When my daughter was diagnosed with a milk intolerance we went to see a GI Specialist and he suggested that I avoid soy protein as well because it can mimic the protein in cow’s milk. Then I later learned from a breastfeeding specialist how much it affects other areas you are talking about as well. Now that I have been reading labels it is very hard not to find it in foods. I was highly advised not to eat processed foods but to eat all natural foods.This is a reason I decided to continue to follow my mspi diet and breastfeed instead of just jumping at feeding my daughter formula (as my family thought would be easier). Great topic and definitely a eye opener!
Thanks for sharing your experience, Janell. You definitely should consider yourself an expert when it comes to avoiding soy!
Oh wow! Thats so nice a piece of knowledge. Do write about Indian stuff too. Glad to meet you!
It was just a few years ago that we were being told to eat as much soy as possible to avoid breast cancer. arghhh!