The Soya Controversy
Soya milk has become very popular over the last few years as people try to find a healthy alternative to dairy milk. Soya based protein bars, soya nuts, cheese and yoghurt as also popular. But what is the truth about soya? Is it as healthy as we all think it is?
Legumes have a protective layer (phytate layer) to stop them from sprouting until there is sufficient water and warmth. Unlike other legumes, the phytate layer in soybeans cannot be broken with just soaking, sprouting or cooking because it is much thicker. Consequently, the phytic acid in soybeans block the absorption of calcium, magnesium, copper, iron and zinc.
Soya has also been shown to interfere with protein digestion and disrupt pancreatic function by releasing trypsin inhibitors. A study has shown that animals which are fed soya have stunted growth.
Soya has been shown to have other detrimental health effects.
- It has been shown to increase the risk of hypothyroidism, an autoimmune thyroid disease.
- It has been shown to block the absorption of vitamin B12 and increasing the body’s need for vitamin D therefore increasing the need for these vitamins
- Modern soya processing produces carcinogenic nitrosamines and toxic lysinoalanines
- It is toxic to the nervous system and kidney’s because it contains high levels of aluminium
- All soybeans are genetically modified unless organic is stated
Up until 2006 the American Heart Association recommended soya to lower the risk of heart disease. Their advice was based on a single study funded by the soya industry. After reviewing 22 recent studies on soya, they reversed this recommendation.
What products should I be wary of?
- Soya milk
- Soya protein powder/bars
- Soya nuts
- Soya cheese
- Soya burgers
- Soya yoghurt
- Soya ice cream
- Soya baby formula
- Textured vegetable protein
- Textured vegetable protein
- Hydrolyzed vegetable protein (HVP)
- Vegetable protein concentrate
- Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)
- Soya lecithin
Are there any products I can be eating?
There are some properly fermented/cultured soya products which have been the natural part of the Japanese diet for generations. These are considered extremely healthy and include:
- Miso
- Tamari
- Natto
- Tempeh
Resources
Daniel, Kaayla T. The Whole Soy Story: The Dark Side of America’s Favorite Health Food New Trends Publishing, Inc., March 2005
Sacks, Frank M et al. Soy Protein, Isoflavones, and Cardiovascular Health; An American Heart Association Science Advisory for Professionals from the Nutrition Committee, Circulation 113:1034-1044, 2006
Bell, DS et al. Use of soy protein supplement and resultant need for increased dose of levothyroxine, Endocrine Pract. May-June; 7(3):193-4, 2001
Online at Myths and Truths about Soy – Weston A Price Foundation
