I pride myself on being somewhat of a scientific thinker. I try not to jump to conclusions or believe every little thing I hear. However, even I have started to fall for the persistent rumors about the 'dangers' of eating soy. Well, little did I know... there is absolutely no scientific proof about the so-called risks of eating soy. No peer reviewed studies. No body of factual evidence. Just rumors started by an organization which just happens to have many members who are meat and dairy farmers. Hmm.
Read this article about the issue here: http://zenhabits.net/soy/ which has a lot of links to further info and studies and decide for yourself. But as far as I'm concerned, Soy is perfectly safe.
This is important for people who are on restricted diets, because soy is often a good tasting replacement for many problem foods.
In most of the studies I have looked at, the information on soy is inconclusive for premenopausal women. In postmenopausal women, the concern of elevated estrogens with soy intake are related to increased incidence of estrogen-sensitive cancers. As with a lot of cancer research, a lot more needs to be completed. I don't think the information is statistically significant in the premenopausal population, but in women in menopause it may be something to take under consideration.
ReplyDeleteActually it says soy contains phytoestrogens, not the same as what's in our bodies. There is at least one study that shows a decreased risk:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736%2897%2901339-1/fulltext
I found this post interesting; I've been avoiding copious amounts of soy b/c of the estrogen component. I might have to revisit my beliefs; thanks for prompting some more research on my end!
ReplyDeleteI'm sure that as with all things, moderation is the key. :)
ReplyDeleteAlso, soy is a top allergen. In our case we avoid it because it seems to negatively affect our son's colitis.
ReplyDeleteYes, you have to be careful about allergies. My brother used to be very allergic to soy.
ReplyDeleteI just figured out how bad soy was hurting my crohns. I don't need a scientific study. I have a gut that lets me know. I couldn't figure out why cans of tuna hurt me but tuna steaks didn't = soy is in every can. Why I could eat some breads not others = soy is in every commercial loaf. It is in so many things. Switched to rice milk and have started eating bread again, which I avoided forever. I just eat a local bakers soy free bread.
ReplyDeleteYes, I had heard that soy might have inflammatory properties. Never had this confirmed by a doctor yet.
ReplyDeleteSoy is an inflammatory. Only certain populations that lack the lactase enzyme can tolerate... soy. Soy caused my initial flare in 2007. MREs are soy based meals. Many have reprocessed meat with soy acting as a glue. Prior to the army I have never had soy or a crohns flare.
ReplyDelete