Understanding the Truth Behind Soy Products
You’ve heard about them. You’ve seen them on the grocery store shelves. Many modern diets incorporate them. But what’s the truth about soy products? Are they good for you? Are they bad for you? There’s a lot of conflicting information out there. Your nutrition store in Eau Claire, WI wants to help set the record straight.
Much of the confusion surrounding this issue is due to a confusion between soy food and soy compounds. Let’s take a look at these two different products and gain some insight as to whether soy is a good choice for you.
Soy Food vs. Soy Compounds
In the U.S., we rarely consume soybeans in their natural state. This whole form offers great nutritional value and multiple potential health benefits. However, the soy we usually take in is not truly soy food. Instead, it is processed soy or soy compounds.
What’s the difference? It’s all soy, right? Wrong. As we know from extensive research on many product types, processed foods rarely have many of the same health benefits as whole, natural foods. Thus, products such as soy bars, soy protein powders and similar options only contain soy protein isolates. They don’t offer the full nutrition from the whole soybean. To reap the benefits of soy, you must consume soy foods that are unprocessed, such as tofu and edamame. These are missing the preservatives, sodium and added sugar you’ll get with processed soy compound products.
These processed soy compounds are what have given soy a bad reputation. As we process soybeans with solvents to remove oil, combine it with other proteins or make it into a soy concentrate, we are extracting most of the health benefits and introducing health risks.
Risks and Benefits
As scientists have studied soy, they have discovered that it contains compounds that could interfere with thyroid function, promote cancer growth and affect female fertility. Other studies have demonstrated that soy consumption can reduce cholesterol and help women who are suffering during menopause.
After much debate, the final consensus is that natural foods and moderation are the answer. As mentioned, you should consume soy in as close to its natural state as possible to reap the health benefits. As for frequency, three to five servings of soy foods per week seems to be a good choice. Of course, if you have any health concerns that you think might be affected by soy consumption (such as thyroid issues), you should consult with your physician regarding any dietary choices.
Otherwise, stick with soy foods and avoid soy compounds to get the best results from our friend the soybean.
Otherwise, stick with soy foods and avoid soy compounds to get the best results from our friend the soybean.
Get More Info
Do you have additional questions about soy products? Your nutrition store in Eau Claire, WI has answers. At Mother Nature’s Food, we carry a wide selection of gluten-free, grain-free and organic products. Our staff is happy to review any of our products and help you find the best solution for your nutritional needs. Stop in today to discover what we have to offer or contact our team with any questions.
Categorised in: Health Tips