SOYA GOOD OR BAD? A FRIEND OR A FOE?
Soy is definitely one of the most controversial foods in the world.
There is a lot of misinformation and misunderstanding about Soya. So let’s take a look at the facts
Soya /Soybeans are legumes that originated in East Asia it is classed as a legume but is more of an oilseed than a pulse.
Soy is used in tofu, soy milk and various dairy and meat substitutes-tempeh and tofu are all from the same family.
Soybeans must be cooked, as they are poisonous when raw. It is also used in fermented foods like Miso, Natto and Tempeh, which are commonly consumed in some Asian countries.
Are Soy Products Healthy ❓
There are plenty of positive claims about soy yet it is claimed the evidence of health benefits is inconclusive.
We’ve been told that regularly eating soy-based foods lowers cholesterol, calms hot flashes, prevents breast and prostate cancer, aids weight loss, and wards off osteoporosis.
The soybean is notable not only for its total protein content but the quality of soy protein which is higher than that of other plant proteins and similar to animal protein.
Carbohydrate in soybean are poorly digested by intestinal enzymes but stimulate the growth of bacteria such as bifidobacteria, for this reason the soybean oligosaccharides are classified as prebiotics.
So How Dangerous Is Soy ❓
Although analysis shows that soy contains such minerals as calcium, magnesium and zinc, the body cannot assimilate the nutrients due to a high content of phytate (the principal phosphorus store in plants) in soy, which inhibits absorption of the minerals.
“There are two estrogen receptors (in the human body): alpha and beta.
Alpha is the bad one. That’s the one where, if something binds to alpha, it may increase the risk of breast cancer, because it makes breast cells grow. But beta, on the other hand, it causes the opposite effect”
⚫️ Soy is of lav ones bind preferentially to estrogen receptor beta.”
⚫️ Soy contains goitrogens which lead to depressed thyroid function.
⚫️ The cause of itching, inflammation, hives, and even deadly anaphylaxis, soy is one of the top eight allergens in the food supply
⚫️ It is also loaded with phytoestrogens which sometimes block the hormone estrogen and have adverse effects on human tissues
Should You Eat Soy ❓
Multiple studies have linked soy consumption to breast cancer recurrence, meaning if a woman already has breast cancer, it’s likely to come back if she eats a soy-heavy diet.
Soy, like all foods, has pros and cons, so like all foods, the take-home message is to consume it in moderation.
It is recommended to eat one to two servings a day max as part of a balanced diet which should includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low- or nonfat dairy, and other sources of lean protein.
Soy if consumed in moderation with a balance diet can be a great addition to your nutrient intake.
If you need help with your nutrient needs, you can comment below 👇 or contact ✉️ me here.
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