Our western culture has been inundated with processed soy “Wonder-food” products; Soy milk, soy ice cream, soy burger, soy cheese, and even soy baby formula. Now three decades into the soy craze, we are finding that processed soy products have the potential to cause digestive problems, block protein absorption and impede proper thyroid function. Processed soy products can also indirectly deplete the body of zinc and other vital nutrients.[i]

Unlike the Western thought of “more is better”, if we observe the Asian way of consuming soy it is usually found in a balanced, small, and fermented portion in the form of tofu, tempeh, or miso alongside fresh vegetables, sea vegetables (high in minerals), protein assortment, meat, fish, chicken, and grain.

The use of soy infant formula is seen by some nutrition conscious scientists and pediatric advocates as “criminal.” Soy infant formula is not a food. It is only in the last decade that some pediatricians are becoming aware enough to put an end to soy infant formula as an option for infants.

Other Ills of Soy

Soy oil is processed using hexane (used in making gasoline, glue, and heavy-duty cleaners.[ii] Soy can cause endocrine disturbances. Soy is responsible for many environmental and social woes in Paraguay where bio-fuel is produced. Bio-fuel soy bean plantations are desecrating jungles and stripping small farmers of their livelihoods. [iii]

Healthy soy consumption should be limited to fermented soy only, in small amounts, used no more than twice per week. If you are interested in becoming more informed on soy, please read Dr. Daniel’s book: The Whole Soy Story: The Dark Side of America’s Favorite Health Food, by Kaayla Daniel Ph.D.

[i] Lee R, John MD, Hanely, Jesse MD. What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Premenopause—1999: 276.

[ii] UTNE Magazine-Whole New Diet, by Julie Hanus. July-August 2007, p. 66.

[iii] UTNE Magazine-Biofuel’s Big Bean-by Howard and Dangl July-August 2007, p. 68.

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