To Eat Soy or Not To Eat Soy? That is the question.

I frequently am asked about whether or not soy is a good replacement source of protein, or at least a good way to augment one's diet.  Many of you know that I am not a fan of soy, but I do understand that it is the essential ingredient in just about every vegan product offered, today.  I also like to think that I can keep an open mind when it comes to assessing any nutritional information.  To that end, I decided to do some "perusing" of the recent literature.  The author of the following excerpt is a vegetarian and has included soy as his primary source of protein.....

"Soy is controversial. Some say it is a healthy source of protein, nutrients, and fiber. Others think it can cause problems like hormonal imbalance, low thyroid output, and allergies, not even considering the new worry some have about how common genetically modified soy now is. I do think it may be a problem in some people, the most common problems being decreased metabolism and possible weight gain and lowering libido in men. If adequate iodine is taken in the diet or by supplement (2 kelp capsules per day, e.g.), thyroid function may not decrease so this problem could be easily circumvented.

Another problem may be, and certainly is according to Hulda Clark, the chemicals used in processing to create products like soy protein isolates and tofu. See Hulda Clark's Diet Suggestions for more information. My first surprise regarding soy, long before I knew about the estrogenic effects, was from reading Roger Cathey's articles on enzyme therapy for cancer. In them, he often mentioned dietary "trypsin inhibitors" as being counterproductive. I was amazed that he noted soy as a potent one. One website states: "While soybeans are relatively high in protein compared to other legumes, scientists have long recognized them as a poor source of protein because other proteins found in soybeans act as potent enzyme inhibitors. These "antinutrients" block the action of trypsin and other enzymes needed for protein digestion. In test animals, diets high in trypsin inhibitors depress growth and cause enlargement and pathological conditions of the pancreas, including cancer."

A Testosterone magazine article had this to say: " We first published an article about how soy protein is estrogenic, can lower testosterone counts, and can even kill testicular cells in January of 2000. We then published new research on the matter in February of 2001. But you know something? The national media still won't touch the story. You can pick up the "Food" section of practically any local newspaper and see glowing reviews of the healthy attributes of soy protein, complete with yummy, testosterone-lowering recipes."

While I was aware of most of this information, I, too, was surprised to learn about how soy protein is a dietary trypsin inhibitor.  Basically, if you eat soy protein, your body cannot utilize it.  And, worse,it may even cause great harm to your body.  

Biochemistry is a science that can, and often does, change very frequently as technology changes.  I believe I have said before that much of what I learned over 25 years ago is no longer completely accurate.  As a result, I do my best to read as much new research as possible.  I hope this information is helpful for any of you who might be using soy as their dietary protein source.

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