The benefits of soy are out there. People are pushing them in your face through ads and tv. You may come across some high protein diet bars. You may also see a fancy new high protein diet drink. You’ve heard about soy and these products have it. So, why not try it? Well, it’s time to understand more about why not.
Soy is promoted as an equal. It’s mainly an alternative for dairy forms of protein. They make soy seem sexy to appeal to women. It does not contain lactose for the lactose intolerant. Soy is also easier to manufacture as it’s grown by the acre. Soy is even promoted as heart healthy.
So why the article? You may be wanting to go pick up some soy. Well, there are the negatives that are buried deep in the hoopla. Every smart advertiser knows it’s best to run with one positive thought or idea. Why broadcast the bad? It’s easier to make the negatives seem unproven. If the bad outweighs the good, then it’s not really that good.
Soy contains isoflavones. These isoflavones are the source of phytoestrogens. The word estrogen should create some interesting thoughts. For men, it should be a red flag. For women, it may be a positive, but it’s far from it. Phytoestrogens basically mimic estrogen in the body.
In males, this can trigger all of the normal side effects. These side effects can include lactation, gynecomastia, testosterone suppression, and weakened immune system. In females, there is debate as to whether these increase or decrease breast cancer risk. Researchers tend to agree that phytoestrogens open the pathways to breast cancer. It also tends to create issues for postmenopausal women. If there is the potential, then why risk it?
Soy also contains phytates. These are also found in grains. Phytates are generally destroyed in the processing of grains. In soy, it is a bit different. Phytates tend to block the absorption of various minerals causing deficiencies. Some of the blocked minerals like zinc can help maintain natural testosterone levels.
The best offense is a good defense. Manufacturers and advertisers are smart. Offer up a ton of information promoting the positives. That way it can seem as though soy is not as bad as reported. This overwhelming amount of information can lead people to second guess. This is exactly what has occurred lately in the debate on soy.
As always be sure to read the facts. Decide what is best for you. If something has both positives and negatives, weigh them out. People shouldn’t take a blind eye to serious issues in the food industry. The few positives are being pushed ahead of the vast amount of negatives. Stay ahead of the game. Read and read some more.
