I’m one of those people who thought — for a while — that soy milk was a healthy alternative to regular milk. I was quite proud of myself for ordering my chai tea latte with soy at Starbucks. Thankfully, more and more voices are being raised, declaring that there are more dangers than benefits when it comes to soy. I first heard the warning bells from Jillian Michaels’ posts on Facebook, and wanted to share this article by Marisa Vicario with you, as well. You may want to think twice about buying that carton of soy milk. Stay tuned tomorrow to learn about some healthier alternatives to soy. – Ed.
By Marisa Vicario
We consume it in everything from our morning coffee to burger substitutes but products like soy milk and veggie burgers could actually be more dangerous than we think.
Ever since the FDA deemed it heart-healthy, soy and soy-based products have been cropping up all over supermarkets and health food stores. The legume native to East Asia is an ingredient found in 60 percent of processed foods from baby food to ice cream, but lately there has been widespread controversy surrounding the health claims. In fact, some studies claim that soy can accelerate the onset of breast cancer, lower sperm count and decrease libido.
What is at the root of the concerns about soy?
Allergens: One of the top eight allergens, soy is commonly difficult to digest.
Phytoestrogens: Plant hormones that act like female estrogens called phytoestrogens are found in soy. The research is out on whether these compounds can prevent certain cancers, but it is also known that phytoestrogens have the ability to disrupt natural hormone function in the body especially during times such as pregnancy, infancy, puberty, the reproductive years and menopause and may alter sexual development.
Soy Isoflavines: Also questionable are soy isoflavines, a chemical compound derived from the soybean, which also have an estrogenic effect. While they are being studied for their role in relieving symptoms of menopause, cancer prevention, slowing osteoporosis and reducing the risk of heart disease, soy isoflavines are also being investigated for causing hyperthyroidism.
Phytic Acid: All legumes contain some phytic acid but soy contains higher-than-average levels. Phytic acid blocks mineral absorption which can cause zinc and calcium deficiencies.
Genetic Modification and Processing: Finally, over 90 percent of the soy on the market today is genetically modified and most soy products are highly processed. Soy protein isolate, the main ingredient in most soy foods that act as substitutes for meat and dairy as well as fast foods, baked goods and diet beverages is processed at high temperatures using a high pressure extrusion process and then sprayed with nitrates and MSG.
But not all soy is created equal. Organic soy that has been fermented such as miso, tempeh and natto are far safer foods than organic or genetically modified soy foods. Fermentation reduces phytic acid levels in soy making them more nourishing and digestible.
While, the jury is still out on whether the health risks pertaining to soy outweigh the benefits, there are a few rules of thumb that can be helpful:
* Read ingredients and avoid processed foods and genetically modified forms of soy.
* Enjoy old-fashioned soy (miso, natto, tempeh) in moderation
* Avoid excess soy consumption during key stages of life: pregnancy, infancy, puberty, the reproductive years and menopause
* Avoid soy if you are taking thyroid medication.
* Listen to your body and avoid soy in all forms if the body doesn’t agree with it.
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Marissa Vicario is a certified health and wellness coach based in Manhattan. For more information, visit http://www.mwahonline.com.
You know how, when you’re going through something that’s even just mildly traumatic, it seems to happen in slow motion? That’s how it happened for me, and I remember every detail: a) My feet caught, b) I tried to right myself but couldn’t, then c) I made some very hard contact with the ground. My right knee took the brunt of it, followed by my right hip, right elbow, right shoulder, then both hands. The only good thing was that my head didn’t hit the pavement, too.
workout, but until my knee is completely healed, I’m laying off the lunges. Depending on your pain level, either forgo the lunges or just don’t lunge as far. This applies to squats, as well. Only go as low as is comfortable for your knee.
eat only in moderation, emotions associated with the holiday season can blow all self-discipline out the window. If we’re sad, stressed, or frustrated, it’s easy to think, “I deserve this,” or simply, “Who cares?”
