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Soy has been all the rage for quite a while now. Whether it’s vegetarians simply looking for a non-meat protein source or people just wanting something that is different, people are intrigued by soy.
I however am not impressed by soy. I’ll admit that even before entering the crunchy world, I was not a fan of soy. It’s just weird. However, after researching more about soy, I am definitely against it.
10 Reasons to Avoid Soy
Soy is hard to digest
Soy contains enzyme inhibitors. It is these inhibitors that deter the body from breaking down the protein, which is in soybeans.
Soy is genetically modified
90% of soy that is produced in the US has been genetically modified. Unless you buy organic soy, odds are good that the soy is a GMO.
Soy changes hormone levels
Soy contains phytoestrogens. When consumed these phytoestrogens mimic human estrogen. Now obviously we have estrogen in our bodies but adding more estrogen (especially “fake” estrogen) will only mess up your bodies system.
Phytoestrogens have been linked to endocrine function and may cause infertility and may promote breast cancer. Soy is even more of a concern for the male population as it can cause baby boys to become “feminized” and when eaten during pregnancy can permanently lower a baby boy’s fertility.
Many think that eating soy will help menopause symptoms but check out this post that explains why soy is actually a bad thing for menopause.
Soy is one of the highest pesticide crops
Food that has been essentially sprayed with bug poison is not on my list of things to eat.
Soy contains phytic acid
Soy has one of the highest levels of phytic acid. I’ve mentioned phytic acid before when I’ve talked about soaking grains. Phytic acid inhibits the body’s ability to absorb calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc.
Often times you can soak phytic acid containing foods so that some of the phytic acid is removed; however soy is resistant to such phytic acid reducing methods. Only long fermentation can help with phytic acid, which is why fermented soy is not all that bad.
Soy is one of the top 8 allergens
Whether it’s because of soy being a highly processed food, a GMO, or something else entirely, more and more people are becoming allergic to soy.
Soy can mess up your thyroid
Soy is a goitrogen. Soy can interfere with thyroid function by hindering iodine metabolism.
Soy can cause Vitamin B12 issues
The b12 analogs that are in soy are not absorbed and in some cases can actually increase your body’s need for B12.
Soy can increase the body’s requirements for vitamin D
Most people are already deficient in vitamin D so eating soy can make that deficiency even worse.
Soy can contain high levels of aluminum
High levels of aluminum usually result from the processing used for making soy products.
Not all soy is bad. If soy is organic and properly fermented then it’s fine and can even be a good thing.
Good Soy
(preferably organic)
Tempeh
Miso
Natto
Soy Sauce
Soy to Avoid
Tofu
TVP (texturized vegetable protein) or soy protein isolate
Soybean oil
Soymilk
Soy dairy alternatives such as soy cheese, soy yogurt, etc
Soy protein
Edamame
Soy infant formula
Further reading on soy:
Dr. Mercola
Weston A. Price
List of studies showing the adverse affects of soy
The Whole Soy Story by Dr. Kaayla T. Daniel
I'm so pleased to see this post.
Yes the goitrogens…
This is so far an unknown thing for many.
I am taking medication for thyroid and started using soy products.
Doesn't work for me.
I quit using soy products and within a couple of days I was back to my usual self.
We do cook occasionally with organic soymilk but we also use almond milk and other alternatives – I think when it comes to soy products education and moderation are key, and of course buying organic. 😉
But I love edamame!! Alright…thanks so much for this post. My youngest son eats no meats and have been trying to figure out what to give him. I was contemplating giving him soy milk but I am so not to anymore! I've heard that almond milk is a good alternative for it, right?
Sofia
Would you mind please citing some of the sources of information for your blog post? I know this isn't an actual article, but I have "Show Me" people in my life that I would LOVE to have the study information. They are ignorant of GMO's and don't believe that anyone would use a component of Agent Orange (Roundup's glyphosphate) in the agricultural industry.
Almond milk is good and I'm also a fan of coconut milk.
Sorry Just Me,
I originally meant to add in some additional reading info but somehow completely forgot. It's added now. Those aren't the overly detailed, straight from the scientist sources so they might not be enough to convince skeptics but they contain much more info than my blog.
we used a lot of soy early in our marriage when we were veg's. We still think part of Jons skin issues were worsened by that. Soy screwed him up!
Aw sorry Alyssa! I still think Ransom's skin issues/eczema is either from vaccines or soy. (as both were introduced at basically day 1 and that's when he started eczema.) Got to love soy! Even though I obviously just wrote this post and I'm totally against soy, I'm finding that I really need to crack down on our food again and get rid of the soy. It's snuck back into our house a bit too much for my liking!
I was a vegetarian for 10 years and just consuming tofu and soy milk a couple days a week sent my thyroid into hypo mode and I became very B12 anemic. I did everything "right" to be a healthy vegetarian, but sometimes the best intentions can cause health issues. Soy causes instant joint pain for me now right after eating it. We now stay away from all soy except the rare fermented item. The issue with phytates and lectins is a problem with all grains and legumes. Which becomes problematic when your guts are shredded from living off of so much flour in this country.
We are vegetarians and also try to avoid soy, which can be difficult. We used to eat a lot of it when we first gave up eating meat and found it actually made my husband's voice crack- scary! Now that I have a little boy I won't let him eat the stuff.