I was doing some research and found a couple articles stating that soy and soy products were actually very bad for you and consumption could lead to infertility, breast cancer, thyroid cancer, heart problems, and can even promote obesity. I think it also said something about a hormone in the soy that mimicked estrogen and was the cause of early development and aging. Anyone know anything about this? It seems legitimate but I haven't heard anyone else speak of it. Here's a few articles for reference:
I'm just concerned, having just recently switched to the vegetarian side of things. I feel like I can't even eat things that most vegans eat. I'm scared. Any advice? Suggestions or alternatives to soy/tofu foods? One of the sites mentions tempeh, natto, and miso as substitutes. Could anyone perhaps explain what exactly these are or where to find them?
I don't know what nato is, but tempeh and miso can be bought at any health food store. I also recommend seitan, yum! If you buy a vegan cookbook, or look at online recipes (loads) you will see heaps of alternatives. I myself don't eat soy, mainly because I don't really eat meat substitutes. I only have it as soy milk as an ingredient or when I'm out.
As for soy being bad for you, maybe, but I'm sure it is alright to eat once in a while. Otherwise veggies would have noticed in the days of internet. I got soy formula when I was little (because my dad had allergic reactions himself as a baby to cow's milk) and so did my cousins and I'm happy to report we all survived.
(actually, one cousin went into a coma when she switched to cow's milk at one year old, but it is a genetic thing so I wouldn't worry if I were you)
McDougall and other diet doctors who promote a vegan diet do not recommend soy when you are going for weight loss. Mainly because 50% of the calories are from fat.
You know what, I'll ask my sister to do some research. She has a master in both biomedical studies and pharmacy and is good at looking up what is real science and what is a bunch of people trying to make a fuss.
Tempeh and Miso are both generally made from soy so I find it interesting that the article says soy is bad but then recommends you eat it?
Soy in high quantities is bad for anyone. Those that have estrogen level problems are more likely to suffer from reactions to soy then others. As far as infertility? Asian cultures have been eating soy for centuries (tofu, tempeh, edamame, etc) and I don't think they're dying out from infertility.
I personally believe it's propoganada but that being said I eat it in moderation like anything else. I use almond, rice, hemp milk instead of soy milk. I make my own veggie burgers instead of buying soy ones normally. I do eat tofu and tempeh a few times a week.
None of the articles you linked are from qualified nutritionists or qualified medical research. I think it's awesome that you're questioning what you put into your body but please don't buy into lobbyist and alarmist groups
Last edited by Fat Chick B Gone; 02-13-2009 at 07:31 AM.
A lot of the negative hype about soy is unsubstantiated hype. Apparently most of the studies that put it down have been contradicted by other studies - at least according to an article in Vegetarian Times. Natural soy products, that have not been highly processed, can be good in moderation.
Soy and thyroid - apparently it's an issue only if you actually have a real thyroid problem, and most people (even overweight) have healthy thyroids. If in doubt, a simple blood test can show if you are affected and should adjust your diet accordingly.
Basically you should avoid highly processed soy products and stick with more natural soy products like tofu. You should definitely avoid any Genetically Modified soy products which can be in just about everything. Read the labels and look for a statement that it is non-GMO. If it doesn't say non-GMO or organic, then it's genetically modified. So many products contain soy, even in small amounts, so it's very important to look for that statement.
Keep in mind that some of the healthiest and longest living people on the planet (Okinowa) eat soy daily (according to a 25yr study).
Just about anything can be bad for us if eaten in excess, and I think soy has been injected in our diets to the excess since it's a cheap ingredient that manufacturers promote as being healthy - so it ends up in everything.
According to Food Revolution (John Robbins) It's true that soybeans contain substances that in excess can be harmful. But to imply, as some do, that as a result eating soyfoods poses a risk to human health is taking things much further than the evidence warrants. There would be dangers in eating a diet based entirely on soybeans. But, then, the same could be said for broccoli or any other healthy food. This is one of the reasons why varied diets are so important. Diversity protects. For most people under most circumstances, soy products are a healthful addition to a balanced diet that includes plenty of vegetables, whole grains, seeds, nuts, fruits, and other legumes. For most people, substituting soyfoods for some of the animal foods they now eat is one of the healthiest dietary changes they could make
I personally believe that soy in its natural form is alright but I worry about eating a lot of processed products that contain soy. I think overconcentrating your food on any one source isn't all that healthful.
Having said that, I eat soy products maybe once a week? Its not very often for me. I agree with seitan, that is awesome stuff This is the site I go to for seitan recipes: http://www.everydaydish.tv/index.php...ow&category=25
I think tofu, edamame, tempeh, etc are great sources of soy.
I read an article in Macleans magazine that pointed out that in many asain countries soy has always been a HUGE part of their diet, and to date there are still no evident risk factors being shown after many generations using it as a staple in their diet.
erin - I think the real concern about soy is really when you start to process it and what not. Sure asian countries have eaten soy for thousands of years in various forms, but they didn't bioengineer it to isolate the protein parts out and add it to everything. Which is why I don't have much issue with tofu, tempeh, edamame, etc.
I think the real concern about soy is really when you start to process it and what not. Sure asian countries have eaten soy for thousands of years in various forms, but they didn't bioengineer it to isolate the protein parts out and add it to everything.
I was eating a lot of TVP, soy milk, MSF & Boca products, soy bars, soy protein shakes PLUS all the soy protein found in most commercial food products nowadays to the point that my body just rejected soy and I can no longer have soy.
I'm now using beans/legumes/nuts for protein and have switched over to more of a whole foods diet but hope to try edamame & tofu in a few months. I'm curious to see if I'll have a problem with the "real" soy products.
Tofu has been eaten for hundreds of years with no problems. I think the problem is when it's over processed or people eat way too much in a day. I know it can really add up for me. Tofu scramble for breakfast, soy milk, veggie burger.... I try to only have one or two servings a day of soy.
From what Ive read, its all pretty conflicting studies. But, personally, I have been a vegan for almost my entire life (since I was 8, and I am now 24), and I have been eating soy products for almost as long and I personally have no issue with it. But hey, who knows, maybe in my later years something bad will turn up. As it stands now I just love tofu and Im not cutting it out of my diet anytime soon.
Hi, I recently asked my gyn/onc about using soy products as a gentle source of estrogen as I no longer have ovaries and I'm experiencing surgical menopause (no HRT). He said a little soy will probably do no harm, you know, a "normal" amount of soy. But he did add that he had a patient who went way overboard w/ soy at every meal and soy supplements and soy snacks and managed to give herself uterine cancer. She was probably estrogen-sensitive to begin with. You ought to ask your doctor if we have any special considerations.
I have read the way soy milk is processed in the U.S. could be the culprit regarding fertility problems.
Not long ago, someone posted a link the the Realage.com website. It directed me to take a quiz to figure out my "real age." My age increased because I didn't consume any soy and the website suggested that I start. I guess it depends on who you ask. I think in moderation it's probably okay.
Thyroid problems tend to run in my family and when I heard my mom was beginning to have problems with hers I became concerned.... she did some research and cut way back on her soy intake to try to counteract it- and it really helped... she still eats it on occasion but not everyday... I eat soy products pretty much at least once a day whether it be veggie burgers, tofu, edamame, etc- I was concerned but from what the dr told me is if I had thyroid problems now it could make it worse but it wasn't going to give me thyroid problems or bring them on any sooner...
Soy & Tofu bad for you?
This is the site I go to for seitan recipes:
