Soy Beans - Good or Bad?
Soy has had its share of positive and negative press. It is still very popular in the health food industry and used most often in products serving as meat substitutes. I enjoy soy beans, particularly eating edamame when dining out at a favorite Japanese restaurant. Let’s take a look at why soy is the health food of choice among many clean eaters.
Health benefits of the soy bean
Soy beans are very nutritious. They contain fiber, calcium, iron, zinc, B-vitamins (except for B-12) and are complete proteins — meaning that they contain the essential amino acids that our bodies need. Essential amino acids cannot be produced by the body and must be supplied through our diets. Soy beans are virtually fat-free and cholesterol free. Many vegetarians enjoy soy because the protein provided is comparable to animal protein without all of the fat, cholesterol, and possible steroids that come from eating meat. Lactose intolerant folks turn to soy milk for their cereal, coffee, etc.
If you are a protein shake drinker, you also have soy protein powder alternatives that offer the protein benefits while being low in fat. Many products in health food stores are made from soy including dessert items such as ice cream. You can eat ice cream without the guilt and lactose if that is an issue for you.
Why soy may not be a healthy alternative
While soy does have benefits there are some downsides to the product as well. The biggest coming from the fact that soy contains isoflavones which is known to mimic estrogen. This could be a cause for concern with breast cancer. Soy may also block calcium absorption. That is also a major downside when you consider osteoporosis. You may also want to consider the processed soy products. Any food that is processed has potential risks and processed foods are a no-no when you’re devoted to a clean eating lifestyle.
Soy will continue to be marketed as a health food alternative. Whether you choose to consume soy, it’s best to remember it’s all about moderation. Research more about soy yourself and if you want to be certain consuming it is safe for you, check with your doctor.
