Ok, sorry if I’m being dramatic. Nothing irritates me more that fear mongering in the health and fitness industry. It is dangerous, irresponsible, and the tactic that spun me into vegetarianism leaving me sick, tired, and metabolically damaged after 3 years.
Soy.
- According to Chris Kresser, studies have linked soy to malnutrition, digestive problems, thyroid dysfunction, cognitive decline, reproductive disorders, immune system breakdowns, low sperm counts, and even heart disease and cancer.
- Soy isoflavones (estrogen), while said to be healthy for women, can actually prevent ovulation and cause cancer cells to develop.
- Soy is highly processed. Modern processing methods make soy from the waste of soybean oil. So it’s easy and cheap to make, meaning it makes a great filler.
- Soy in baby formula is linked to early puberty, an increased risk of infertility, and cancer later in life in females. For males, an increased risk for a delay or retardation of the development of sex organs. A study from New Zealand found that the hormones in soy baby formula is equivalent to 5 birth control pills per day. And guess what- 30%-40% of all babies in the US drink formula with soy in it.
- It is estimated that 90% of all soy sold in the US is genetically modified and Round-Up ready, increasing chemical run off around the world. Soybeans can also be farmed using monocropping, which is a contributor to soil erosion and the loss of biodiversity.
- Soy is an anti-nutrient, meaning it keeps the body from absorbing nutrients. It specifically depletes Vitamins B12 and Vitamin D.
So contrary to popular belief, soy is just not that good for you. But so what? Neither are Oreo’s, pizza, or soda. Well, I can tell you definitively when I am eating any of those. And furthermore, I can tell you definitively that I’m eating a soy burger or Tofurky. But what happens if you don’t know that you’re consuming soy?
The biggest danger of soy is that it’s added to 70% of processed food products (remember- cheap). It’s commonly found in canned tuna, soup, protein powders, pizza, bread, bread crumbs, imitation crab meat, bacon bits, chewing gum, cosmetics and even CHOCOLATE. Soy is also an additive in over the counter and prescription drugs and vitamins.
- Artificial flavoring
- Natural flavoring
- Textured Vegetable Protein (TVP)
- Textured plant protein
- Hydrolyzed vegetable protein (HVP)
- Vegetable oil
- MSG (monosodium glutamate)
- Lecithin
- Vegetable Broth
- Vegetable Gum
- Vegetable Starch
Eat fresh meat, fish, veggies, and fruit. When you do have to venture into the processed section of the grocery store for your olive oil, nuts, and coconut milk, read the labels. Get the unflavored version of everything you can.
Do the best you can with what you have! If you keep it whole and minimally processed, you’ll not just avoid the soy, but most of the other nasty fillers as well.
Is this all news to you, or have you been avoiding soy all along? Share your experience in the comments!
Cheers!
Kelsey