Guest guest Posted November 9, 2009 Report Share Posted November 9, 2009 Years ago, my then husband tried to tell me about how bad soy was. That was when I learned how difficult it was to buy anything that didn't contain some kind of soy. Of course, his reasoning was that there was something in it that contributed to " mind control " ...personally I thought he was a bit nuts. (note he's now my ex). However, when I learned about how bad it was for the thyroid, and then listened to the news media's stories about the epidemic of childhood obesity, I immediately saw a tie between baby formula which is mostly soy-based and the pandemic of fat children (combine that with sedentary activities in front of TV and computers...and kids are going to have the deck stacked against them) Now, this about the cancer-causing effects of soy, and that could explain the ever-increasing rates of cancer. I'm 52, and I know that in 2009 there's more cancer than there ever was 30-40 years ago. If I was a conspiracy nut I might think there was some tie between soy and Big Pharma and money...but I'm not... Cheryl (tx) > > While this has likely been mentioned, many may not be aware of soy being dangerous, and worse. > http://www.soyonlineservice.co.nz/ has a lot on it, well documented as well. > > > " Most people remain unaware that soy is known to contain an array of potent chemical toxins. The modern manufacturing processes of high-profit industries make no effort to remove these potent toxins. High levels of phytic acid, trypsin inhibitors, toxic lysinoalanine and highly carcinogenic nitrosamines are all present in soy products. > Phytoestrogens that disrupt endocrine function and are potent antithyroid agents are present in vast quantities in soy, including the potentially devastating isoflavone Genistein.... > > Bruce > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 9, 2009 Report Share Posted November 9, 2009 "If I was a conspiracy nut I might think there was some tie between soy and Big Pharma and money...but I'm not... :)" lol Na, they just don't want anyone living too long, that would bankrupt the pension plans. Add on idophobia and they win. Bruce Just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they aren't out to get you... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 9, 2009 Report Share Posted November 9, 2009 Wow, if this is true the Asian community must be dropping like flies.SandyFrom: Bruce <bruce@...>Subject: Soy dangersiodine Date: Monday, November 9, 2009, 12:45 AM  While this has likely been mentioned, many may not be aware of soy being dangerous, and worse. http://www.soyonlin eservice. co.nz/ has a lot on it, well documented as well. "Most people remain unaware that soy is known to contain an array of potent chemical toxins. The modern manufacturing processes of high-profit industries make no effort to remove these potent toxins. High levels of phytic acid, trypsin inhibitors, toxic lysinoalanine and highly carcinogenic nitrosamines are all present in soy products. Phytoestrogens that disrupt endocrine function and are potent antithyroid agents are present in vast quantities in soy, including the potentially devastating isoflavone Genistein... . Bruce Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 9, 2009 Report Share Posted November 9, 2009 http://www.becomehealthynow.com/article/soy/1086/ > > From: Bruce <bruce@...> > Subject: Soy dangers > iodine > Date: Monday, November 9, 2009, 12:45 AM > > > > > > > >  > > > > > > > > > >  > > > While this has likely been mentioned, many may not > be aware of soy being dangerous, and worse. > http://www.soyonlin eservice. co.nz/ has > a lot on it, well documented as well. >  >  > " Most people remain unaware that soy is known to > contain an array of potent chemical toxins. The modern manufacturing processes > of high-profit industries make no effort to remove these potent toxins. High > levels of phytic acid, > trypsin inhibitors, toxic lysinoalanine and highly carcinogenic nitrosamines > are all present in soy products. > Phytoestrogens > that disrupt endocrine function and are potent antithyroid agents are present in > vast quantities in soy, including the potentially devastating isoflavone > Genistein... . > Bruce > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 9, 2009 Report Share Posted November 9, 2009 Speaking from my own experience, , according to the article you provide Asians still consume much more than I do so if what I take in in soy products is harmful to me then I repeat the Asians must be dropping like flies. I respectfully disagree with you and Bruce.It's a fact Eastern Asians including American Asians live longer than Americans. I guess it's because they do not eat soy.Yes, I realize there is a pro soy movement but then again there is a pro milk, pro beef, pro chicken, pro vitamin, pro this and pro that movement.Everything in moderationSandyFrom: S <plshake@...>Subject: Re: Soy dangersiodine Date: Monday, November 9, 2009, 8:57 AM http://www.becomehe althynow. com/article/ soy/1086/ > > From: Bruce <bruce@...> > Subject: Soy dangers > iodinegroups (DOT) com > Date: Monday, November 9, 2009, 12:45 AM > > > > > > > >  > > > > > > > > > >  > > > While this has likely been mentioned, many may not > be aware of soy being dangerous, and worse. > http://www.soyonlin eservice. co.nz/ has > a lot on it, well documented as well. >  >  > "Most people remain unaware that soy is known to > contain an array of potent chemical toxins. The modern manufacturing processes > of high-profit industries make no effort to remove these potent toxins. High > levels of phytic acid, > trypsin inhibitors, toxic lysinoalanine and highly carcinogenic nitrosamines > are all present in soy products. > Phytoestrogens > that disrupt endocrine function and are potent antithyroid agents are present in > vast quantities in soy, including the potentially devastating isoflavone > Genistein... . > Bruce > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 9, 2009 Report Share Posted November 9, 2009 Here are lots more articles on soy http://westonaprice.org/search-results.html?cx=006599781855607243500%3Aofb8viwlk8e & cof=FORID%3A11 & q=soy & sa=Search#872 ~ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 9, 2009 Report Share Posted November 9, 2009 I am not in any way an expert- but I really wonder if they eat more than the average american. I see soy in everything- since it is really hard to get away from soybean oil in all processed foods. I rarely eat processed foods, but you get my point. Pat > > > > > > From: Bruce <bruce@> > > > Subject: Soy dangers > > > iodinegroups (DOT) com > > > Date: Monday, November 9, 2009, 12:45 AM > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >  > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >  > > > > > > > > > While this has likely been mentioned, many may not > > > be aware of soy being dangerous, and worse. > > > http://www.soyonlin eservice. co.nz/ has > > > a lot on it, well documented as well. > > >  > > >  > > > " Most people remain unaware that soy is known to > > > contain an array of potent chemical toxins. The modern manufacturing processes > > > of high-profit industries make no effort to remove these potent toxins. High > > > levels of phytic acid, > > > trypsin inhibitors, toxic lysinoalanine and highly carcinogenic nitrosamines > > > are all present in soy products. > > > Phytoestrogens > > > that disrupt endocrine function and are potent antithyroid agents are present in > > > vast quantities in soy, including the potentially devastating isoflavone > > > Genistein... . > > > Bruce > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 9, 2009 Report Share Posted November 9, 2009 asians eats much fermented soy and that is completely different story.then soy is ok Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 9, 2009 Report Share Posted November 9, 2009 I have read that Asians consume mostly fermented soy and there is a difference. And I remember recently reading a specific article that provided statistics about stomach cancer and the like in Asian countries where a good bit of soy is consumed. It was challenging the assertion that soy keeps Asians fromn getting cancer. It was enough to give pause. But I did not save it and wish I had.Bests, CeceFrom: S <plshakeverizon (DOT) net>Subject: Re: Soy dangersiodinegroups (DOT) comDate: Monday, November 9, 2009, 8:57 AM http://www.becomehe althynow. com/article/ soy/1086/ > > From: Bruce <bruce@...> > Subject: Soy dangers > iodinegroups (DOT) com > Date: Monday, November 9, 2009, 12:45 AM > > > > > > > >  > > > > > > > > > >  > > > While this has likely been mentioned, many may not > be aware of soy being dangerous, and worse. > http://www.soyonlin eservice. co.nz/ has > a lot on it, well documented as well. >  >  > "Most people remain unaware that soy is known to > contain an array of potent chemical toxins. The modern manufacturing processes > of high-profit industries make no effort to remove these potent toxins. High > levels of phytic acid, > trypsin inhibitors, toxic lysinoalanine and highly carcinogenic nitrosamines > are all present in soy products. > Phytoestrogens > that disrupt endocrine function and are potent antithyroid agents are present in > vast quantities in soy, including the potentially devastating isoflavone > Genistein... . > Bruce > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 9, 2009 Report Share Posted November 9, 2009 This is true, and I agree that much of our processed food does contain soy products. I hardly eat any processed foods if at all so from that perspective I feel safe in saying soy will do me no harm and I read labels. I wonder if Asians have soy products in their processed foods too?I remember a time when coconut oil was used in many of our processed foods and there was a huge outcry that it was very damaging to our health...now it turns out coconut oil is good for you....hum.Best regards--SandyFrom: S <plshake@...>Subject: Re: Soy dangersiodine Date: Monday, November 9, 2009, 9:35 AM I am not in any way an expert- but I really wonder if they eat more than the average american. I see soy in everything- since it is really hard to get away from soybean oil in all processed foods. I rarely eat processed foods, but you get my point. Pat > > > > > > From: Bruce <bruce@> > > > Subject: Soy dangers > > > iodinegroups (DOT) com > > > Date: Monday, November 9, 2009, 12:45 AM > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >  > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >  > > > > > > > > > While this has likely been mentioned, many may not > > > be aware of soy being dangerous, and worse. > > > http://www.soyonlin eservice. co.nz/ has > > > a lot on it, well documented as well. > > >  > > >  > > > "Most people remain unaware that soy is known to > > > contain an array of potent chemical toxins. The modern manufacturing processes > > > of high-profit industries make no effort to remove these potent toxins. High > > > levels of phytic acid, > > > trypsin inhibitors, toxic lysinoalanine and highly carcinogenic nitrosamines > > > are all present in soy products. > > > Phytoestrogens > > > that disrupt endocrine function and are potent antithyroid agents are present in > > > vast quantities in soy, including the potentially devastating isoflavone > > > Genistein... . > > > Bruce > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 9, 2009 Report Share Posted November 9, 2009 Fermented Soy like the sauce or Tofu....not included in danger warning....also it is what they have done to the Soy Beans ...making them resistant to the pesticide made by Monsanto. iodine From: hollis302000@...Date: Mon, 9 Nov 2009 06:49:56 -0800Subject: Re: Soy dangers Wow, if this is true the Asian community must be dropping like flies.SandyFrom: Bruce <brucebkdesign (DOT) ca>Subject: Soy dangersiodine Date: Monday, November 9, 2009, 12:45 AM  While this has likely been mentioned, many may not be aware of soy being dangerous, and worse.http://www.soyonlin eservice. co.nz/ has a lot on it, well documented as well. "Most people remain unaware that soy is known to contain an array of potent chemical toxins. The modern manufacturing processes of high-profit industries make no effort to remove these potent toxins. High levels of phytic acid, trypsin inhibitors, toxic lysinoalanine and highly carcinogenic nitrosamines are all present in soy products. Phytoestrogens that disrupt endocrine function and are potent antithyroid agents are present in vast quantities in soy, including the potentially devastating isoflavone Genistein... .BruceHotmail: Trusted email with powerful SPAM protection. Sign up now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 9, 2009 Report Share Posted November 9, 2009 I have a friend who has a lot of soya products and is also vegetarian. I think she has a very overactive thyroid. She is very fit and runs swims and teaches yoga. She drinks soya milk. Could this be why? Her fingernails are very badly malformed. Adrienne. > > > > While this has likely been mentioned, many may not be aware of soy being dangerous, and worse. > > http://www.soyonlineservice.co.nz/ has a lot on it, well documented as well. > > > > > > " Most people remain unaware that soy is known to contain an array of potent chemical toxins. The modern manufacturing processes of high-profit industries make no effort to remove these potent toxins. High levels of phytic acid, trypsin inhibitors, toxic lysinoalanine and highly carcinogenic nitrosamines are all present in soy products. > > Phytoestrogens that disrupt endocrine function and are potent antithyroid agents are present in vast quantities in soy, including the potentially devastating isoflavone Genistein.... > > > > Bruce > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 9, 2009 Report Share Posted November 9, 2009  In Japan they eat very little soy...they just add a touch of tofu to dishes, unlike Americans who over do everything Soy dangersiodine Date: Monday, November 9, 2009, 12:45 AM  While this has likely been mentioned, many may not be aware of soy being dangerous, and worse. http://www.soyonlin eservice. co.nz/ has a lot on it, well documented as well. "Most people remain unaware that soy is known to contain an array of potent chemical toxins. The modern manufacturing processes of high-profit industries make no effort to remove these potent toxins. High levels of phytic acid, trypsin inhibitors, toxic lysinoalanine and highly carcinogenic nitrosamines are all present in soy products. Phytoestrogens that disrupt endocrine function and are potent antithyroid agents are present in vast quantities in soy, including the potentially devastating isoflavone Genistein... . Bruce Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 9, 2009 Report Share Posted November 9, 2009 I just read that fermented soy, eaten twice a week, was responsible for mental decline.From: S <plshakeverizon (DOT) net>Subject: Re: Soy dangersiodinegroups (DOT) comDate: Monday, November 9, 2009, 8:57 AM http://www.becomehe althynow. com/article/ soy/1086/ > > From: Bruce <bruce@...> > Subject: Soy dangers > iodinegroups (DOT) com > Date: Monday, November 9, 2009, 12:45 AM > > > > > > > >  > > > > > > > > > >  > > > While this has likely been mentioned, many may not > be aware of soy being dangerous, and worse. > http://www.soyonlin eservice. co.nz/ has > a lot on it, well documented as well. >  >  > "Most people remain unaware that soy is known to > contain an array of potent chemical toxins. The modern manufacturing processes > of high-profit industries make no effort to remove these potent toxins. High > levels of phytic acid, > trypsin inhibitors, toxic lysinoalanine and highly carcinogenic nitrosamines > are all present in soy products. > Phytoestrogens > that disrupt endocrine function and are potent antithyroid agents are present in > vast quantities in soy, including the potentially devastating isoflavone > Genistein... . > Bruce > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 9, 2009 Report Share Posted November 9, 2009 Asians also don't use the amounts of pharma during their lives like the US citizen does. The asians I see, eat lots of fresh foods vs us. > > > > > > From: Bruce <bruce@> > > > Subject: Soy dangers > > > iodinegroups (DOT) com > > > Date: Monday, November 9, 2009, 12:45 AM > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >  > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >  > > > > > > > > > While this has likely been mentioned, many may not > > > be aware of soy being dangerous, and worse. > > > http://www.soyonlin eservice. co.nz/ has > > > a lot on it, well documented as well. > > >  > > >  > > > " Most people remain unaware that soy is known to > > > contain an array of potent chemical toxins. The modern manufacturing processes > > > of high-profit industries make no effort to remove these potent toxins. High > > > levels of phytic acid, > > > trypsin inhibitors, toxic lysinoalanine and highly carcinogenic nitrosamines > > > are all present in soy products. > > > Phytoestrogens > > > that disrupt endocrine function and are potent antithyroid agents are present in > > > vast quantities in soy, including the potentially devastating isoflavone > > > Genistein... . > > > Bruce > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 9, 2009 Report Share Posted November 9, 2009 Monsanto etc have genetically modified soy, corn etc and the use of pesticides in growing giant agri biz Soy/corn farms. Hence the need for Steph's site and all the people here who have great sources of remedy! > > Here are lots more articles on soy > http://westonaprice.org/search-results.html?cx=006599781855607243500%3Aofb8viwlk\ 8e & cof=FORID%3A11 & q=soy & sa=Search#872 > > ~ > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 9, 2009 Report Share Posted November 9, 2009 Here is a list of links that I've collected over the years, and an answer to the question " Why aren't Asians dropping like flies? " I tend to agree with Cece. nne A summary of results from various research listed below: http://www.westonaprice.org/soy/index.html 1. High levels of phytic acid in soy reduce assimilation of calcium, magnesium, copper, iron and zinc. Phytic acid in soy is not neutralized by ordinary preparation methods such as soaking, sprouting and long, slow cooking. High phytate diets have caused growth problems in children. 2. Trypsin inhibitors in soy interfere with protein digestion and may cause pancreatic disorders. In test animals soy containing trypsin inhibitors caused stunted growth. 3. Soy phytoestrogens disrupt endocrine function and have the potential to cause infertility and to promote breast cancer in adult women. 4. Soy phytoestrogens are potent antithyroid agents that cause hypothyroidism and may cause thyroid cancer. In infants, consumption of soy formula has been linked to autoimmune thyroid disease. 5. Vitamin B12 analogs in soy are not absorbed and actually increase the body's requirement for B12. 6. Soy foods increase the body's requirement for vitamin D. 7. Fragile proteins are denatured during high temperature processing to make soy protein isolate and textured vegetable protein. 8. Processing of soy protein results in the formation of toxic lysinoalanine and highly carcinogenic nitrosamines. 9. Free glutamic acid or MSG, a potent neurotoxin, is formed during soy food processing and additional amounts are added to many soy foods. 10. Soy foods contain high levels of aluminum which is toxic to the nervous system and the kidneys. Research Shows Soy's Effects American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol 68, 1431S-1435S, " Effects of soy-protein supplementation on epithelial proliferation in the histologically normal human breast " -- Study showed that short-term use of dietary soy stimulated breast cell proliferation, which can increase the risk of breast cancer. Anti-thyroid isoflavones from soybean -- November 1997 article from Biochem Pharmacol in which " it was observed that an . extract of soybeans contains compounds that inhibit thyroid peroxidase- (TPO) catalyzed reactions essential to thyroid hormone synthesis. " Breast and soy-formula feedings in early infancy and the prevalence of autoimmune thyroid disease in children. -- April 1998 article from the J Am Coll Nutr. that documents the association of soy formula feedings in infancy and autoimmune thyroid disease. From the Honolulu Star-Bulletin: " A Hawaii study shows a significant statistical relationship between two or more servings of tofu a week and 'accelerated brain aging' and even an association with Alzheimer's disease, says Dr. Lon White. " ...these are not nutrients. They are drugs. They will have some benefits and some negative things. " A 1975 report lists soyfoods as minor sources of protein in Japan and China.1 Major sources of protein listed were meat including organ meats, poultry, fish and eggs. Isoflavones http://www.westonaprice.org/soy/dangersisoflavones.html China (1990 survey)3 3 mg/day Japan (1996 survey)4 10 mg/day Japan (1998 survey)5 25 mg/day Japan (2000 survey)6 28 mg/day In Japanese subjects receiving adequate iodine, causing thyroid suppression after 3 months7 35 mg/day In American women, causing hormonal changes after 1 month8 45 mg/day In American women, causing changes presaging breast cancer after 14 days9 45 mg/day FDA recommended amount10 24 mg/day AdvantaSoyTMClearTM 30-50 mg/ 100 g servingAs evidence on the toxicity of soy isoflavones accumulates, warnings have begun to appear in the popular press. An article appearing in the Washington Post Health Section was entitled: " You have to be soy careful: tofu and similar foods may be beneficial, but some experts fear that too much could be unsafe. " 11 Writing for the New York Times, health columnist n Burros published the following comment on isoflavone supplements, which provide 50-100 mg isoflavones per capsule: " Against the backdrop of widespread praise. . . there is growing suspicion that soy-despite its undisputed benefits-may pose some health hazards. . . . Not one of the 18 scientists interviewed for this column was willing to say that taking isoflavones was risk free. " 12 See more PEER REVIEWED research here: http://www.westonaprice.org/soy/soy_studies.html http://wwwbmj.com/cgi/content/extract/331/7511/254-a BMJ 2005;331:254 (30 July), doi:10.1136/bmj.331.7511.254-a Health committee warns of potential dangers of soyaJerusalem Judy Siegel-Itzkovich Israeli manufacturers of soya products were rattled by the recommendation issued by the country's health ministry that consumption of soya products be limited in young children and avoided, if possible, in infants. After a year's work, a committee of experts also advised that adults who eat soya products do so in moderation, pending authoritative future studies. Although research showing possible harm-a higher risk of cancer, male infertility, or other problems-from soya is based on animal or retrospective human studies, the committee of 13 issued recommendations based on the precautionary principle. Soya contains phytoestrogens that may have some of the effects of the human hormone if consumed in large quantities. Soya consumption is high in Israel, and use of soya based baby formula is among the world's highest per capita. Nevertheless, the ministry decided not to prohibit the sale of soya based formula without a doctor's prescription, which . . . [Full text of this article] http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Health/wireStory?id=1531123 By JAMIE STENGLEDALLAS Jan 22, 2006 (AP)- Veggie burgers and tofu might not be so great at warding off heart disease after all. An American Heart Association committee reviewed a decade of studies on soy's benefits and came up with results that are now casting doubt on the health claim that soy-based foods and supplements significantly lower cholesterol. The findings could lead the Food and Drug Administration to re-evaluate rules that currently allow companies to tout a cholestorol-lowering benefit on the labels of soy-based food. The panel also found that neither soy nor the soy component isoflavone reduced symptoms of menopause, such as " hot flashes, " and that isoflavones don't help prevent breast, uterine or prostate cancer. Results were mixed on whether soy prevented postmenopausal bone loss. Based on its findings, the committee said it would not recommend using isoflavone supplements in food or pills. It concluded that soy-containing foods and supplements did not significantly lower cholesterol, and it said so in a statement recently published in the journal Circulation. From: Sandy <hollis302000@...> http://www.becomehe althynow. com/article/ soy/1086/ > Wow, if this is true the Asian community must be dropping like flies.> Sandy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 9, 2009 Report Share Posted November 9, 2009 Show of hands...how many have eaten at Asian restaurants? How many have noticed soy sauce on every table? How many have eaten dishes with soy sauce added? How many have noticed dishes made with tofu?Guess it's just me and I guess they only serve soy products in American Asian restaurants.FYI, Ladies and Gentlemen, on the internet you can find any number of articles supporting your claims. It's true that not all of Asia eats large amounts of soy products but Asia is a very large area and there are some areas that do eat soy every day. One being Okinawa. Have you ever heard of the Okinawa Centenarian Study? They have the most longest-lived people on the planet and soy makes up 12 percent of their diet. Oh and where is Okinawa located? Japan!http://www.okicent.org/index.htmlAbout the study...The authors of the Okinawan Centenarian Study analyzed the diet and health profiles of Okinawan elders and compared them to other elder populations throughout the world. They conclude that high soy consumption is one of the main reasons that Okinawans are at extremely low risk for hormone–dependent cancers, including cancers of the breast, prostate, ovaries, and colon. Compared to North Americans, they have a staggering 80 percent less breast cancer and prostate cancer, and less than half the ovarian cancer and colon cancer. This enormously reduced cancer risk arises in part, the study’s authors say, from the Okinawans large consumption of isoflavones from soy. This is an important finding. The lowest cancer rates in the industrialized world are found in the Okinawans who consume the most soy. Other studies have confirmed the link between soy consumption and reduced cancer risk. The Japan Public Health Center Study found the lowest breast cancer rates in those prefectures where women ate the most soy products. And a recent study published in the British medical journal Lancet showed that women who ate the most flavonoids (mostly isoflavones from soy products) had a substantially lower risk for breast cancer than those who had lower flavonoid intake. Oh and then there is this...NutritionUpdate on the soy controversy by Dixie Mills, MDWe’ve wondered for a long time why there are still people who question the safety of soy foods and supplements. We’ve used soy at the clinic for 10 years to help relieve menopausal symptoms, and we’ve reviewed all of the myths about it — that soy causes breast cancer, interferes with tamoxifen or the digestion of protein, causes developmental delays in infants fed soy formula, and many others. In our experience, and in countless studies we’ve looked at, we’ve found nothing to support these myths. Which only makes sense, since soy has been an important part of Asian diets for thousands of years and continues to be a popular food choice. Countless forms of soy foods and supplements available are everywhere — from soy bars, shakes, tofu, and milk sold in the grocery store to more exotic foods like sushi and edamame (young, natural soybeans boiled and served whole) — and there is just no reason to believe that any of these foods are harmful. And yet, I keep hearing from women that they, their friends, or their partners are worried about the safety of soy. It’s absolutely true that soy products are not for everyone — there are some women who are allergic or sensitive to soy. Other women have digestive or thyroid problems that need to be addressed before eating soy is a good idea. But I decided to research why soy has been fingered as a “dangerous†food, and why some of these anti-soy voices are so angry, if not downright frightened, about a little green bean. Given that soy is eaten by millions of people around the world every day, it’s puzzling that some people regard soy so negatively. While I’m not sure that we’ve found all the answers, we here at Women to Women have looked into whether there is any scientific merit to the claims of those who demonize soy, and what we’ve found only confirms our understanding that soy is a healthy food with many benefits for women. So let’s talk about who is campaigning so aggressively against soy, and take a look at the science behind this issue. Who is the voice against soy? There is just a huge amount of information and misinformation floating around on the internet about the supposed dangers of soy. The loudest anti-soy voices are coming mostly from a close-knit group associated with promoting the nutritional agenda of the Weston A. Price Foundation (WAPF). Sally Fallon, Kaayla T. , Enig, Ross and ph Mercola are all members of the board at WAPF, or honorary members. The WAPF was founded by the early 20th century dentist Dr. Weston Price, who traveled around the world to research the diets of populations who enjoyed the greatest longevity. Today the foundation promotes a nutrition agenda based solely on “nutrient-dense whole foods and the vital fat-soluble activators found exclusively in animal fats.†The WAPF agrees with many of the same ideas we have about the benefits of whole, organic foods produced without harmful chemicals and additives. But their main principles disregard the fact that some of the longest-lived peoples in the world enjoy a diet that is rich in plant proteins — not the least of which includes soy. And it is puzzling that they single out the soybean as harmful when it is a staple in so many healthful foods from around the world and has been shown to have health benefits from many years of ongoing research. What are their claims about soy? The internet is a marvelous invention, but just because anyone’s voice can be heard nowadays doesn’t mean that what’s being said is true — or worse, that it hasn’t been taken out of context. And some of the claims the shrillest voices are making against soy really are outrageous and frightening. Here are just a few: Soy phytoestrogens disrupt endocrine function and have the potential to cause infertility and to promote breast cancer in adult women.Megadoses of phytoestrogens in soy formula have been implicated in the current trend toward increasingly premature sexual development in girls and delayed or retarded sexual development in boys.Women with the highest levels of estrogen in their blood [have] the lowest levels of cognitive function. This kind of “medicalese†is a problem because it almost sounds like real science — enough so that others on the internet cite this website as a source for publishing some truly strange and ridiculous headlines of their own: Soy reduces penis size; or Tofu shrinks brains; or Soy is making kids “gay.†It gets almost comical as the list goes on. It’s no wonder so many women are uncertain about the safety of soy — but the good news is that there is just no real evidence behind these extreme claims. At Women to Women, we have examined hundreds of studies and reviews on soy from the leading peer-reviewed research journals around the world. Everything we know so far about soy points to the many positive health benefits of soy products, or demonstrates inconclusive results. So I was interested to learn where these detractors were getting their information from, and what I found was quite surprising. Faulty science and the campaign against soy One of the most important lessons in science and statistics for us to understand is that just because two factors seem related, does not mean one caused the other. Another is that we have to carefully examine how someone reaches their conclusions, because faulty reasoning leads to incorrect answers. So let’s look at the reasoning of the people who consider soy unhealthy and see how it stacks up. Many of the most strident anti-soy groups list page after page of resources in support of their claims. To the untrained eye, it might appear as though there is scientific substantiation against soy. But more often than not, they are misrepresenting the research findings. For example, I found that the WAPF listed articles or reports (not necessarily scientific studies) by year, out of context, without listing any other articles that came out that year, making it seem as though that one study was “the truth†for that year. Also, many of the studies on soy showing ambiguous results have been conducted on non-human subjects — usually rats or other rodents. In much the same way dogs can’t tolerate chocolate, rodents and humans can’t always digest the same foods or substances in the same ways. There are enough similarities that we can learn a lot by experiments in rats, but enough differences that it’s important to know up front when rats, not humans, are the test subjects. Sometimes studies in animals give us the only information we have, but we need to be cautious about drawing conclusions from studies based on animal models. From there, the next step is to design a study to see whether the findings apply to humans as well. The WAPF doesn’t say that the studies were actually done on rats when they discuss the findings — perhaps because doing so might make their claims seem less believable, without the same results being seen in people. Here’s another kind of “sleight of hand†explanation the WAPF gives on their website. A study published in 1997 in the journal Pediatrics suggested that girls in the US are entering puberty at an earlier age than in the past, and here’s what the WAPF concluded: (WAPF) Our Comment: The widespread use of soy-based formula, beginning in the 1970’s, is a likely explanation for the increase in early maturation in girls. The study indeed came from Pediatrics, published in 1997 — but nowhere in the article’s content or summary do the researchers ever link their findings to soy products. Here is how the authors themselves worded their conclusion: Conclusions. These data suggest that girls seen in a sample of pediatric practices from across the United States are developing pubertal characteristics at younger ages than currently used norms. Practitioners may need to revise their criteria for referral of girls with precocious puberty, with attention to racial differences. The fact that more African-American girls were maturing earlier than in the past was one of the researchers’ points, in the context that precocious puberty creates social and psychological concerns. But because African-Americans in general have been shown to be more lactose-intolerant, the WAPF leapt to the conclusion that soy must be the culprit without looking at the facts. In statistics, this is called a fallacy, and I could not find any literature to date that supports this idea. In fact, nearly all infant formulas, both cow milk and soy-based, contain corn syrup or sucrose, providing calories that might contribute to obesity — which in girls can lead to early puberty. Unfortunately, this kind of “magical†guesswork can be found all over the internet when it comes to soy — and without good science, many are resorting unnecessarily to scare tactics. The best thing we all can do is adopt a considered approach to the shouting match about soy. For whatever personal, political or economic reasons, there are people out to make misleading, confusing, and downright scary statements about soy — but a wild guess is just not the same thing as a sound conclusion. We can counterbalance the loud, alarmist, but scientifically thin voices against soy with a mass of positive research data that speaks volumes about soy’s safety — not to mention the fact that thousands, if not millions, of people consume soy all the time with no ill effects! So let’s take the science at face value. While we know that science doesn’t always get it right, there is a wealth of research that shows that when eaten in small amounts every day, soy can be an extremely healthy, low-fat, body-beneficial food that gives you lots of protein without a lot of harmful side effects. In other words, the good far outweighs the remote possibility of bad. But just so you can enjoy soy without worry, there are things you may want to know about how best to include soy in your diet, considering both health benefits and concerns.Nutritional and health benefits of soy — what’s in a bean? by Dixie Mills, MDhttp://www.womentowomen.com/healthynutrition/healthbenefitsofsoy.aspxSandyFrom: nne <nne.@...>Subject: Re: Soy Dangersiodine Date: Monday, November 9, 2009, 1:04 PM Here is a list of links that I've collected over the years, and an answer to the question "Why aren't Asians dropping like flies?" I tend to agree with Cece. nne Reply to sender | Reply to group Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 9, 2009 Report Share Posted November 9, 2009 From years of being in the medical field, I am writing in response to this. One of the unique items of a human being is adaptation. The asian community who consumes huge amounts of soy has adapted to this consumption. This has taken years and years to do i am sure. However, on the whole, soy is not a product good for those whose body has not adapted to this food. I know for myself, soy raises my blood pressure and after being on a soy diet my cholesterol was sky high. I never attributed it to soy until i began to research the reasonings. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 10, 2009 Report Share Posted November 10, 2009 The reason I've always read that Okinawans live long is self imposed caloric restriction (it is in their culture to only eat until 70% full), afaik the only proven way to increase lifespan, provided nutrients are at least adequate. IIRC they consume about 1400 calories average, per day, seniors less and hard working people (especially men) somewhat more but still less than westerners. Westerners average well more than 2000 per day, and most Western guidelines recommend about 2000 for average people. Okinawans also make mild exercise (also associated with longer lifespan) a significant part of their daily life, such as Tai Chi, walking a lot and lots of gardening. I don't think soy consumption has much to do with it. Other cultures where caloric restriction of one type of another (intermittent fasting is also supposed to work) is more common also tend to live longer, although I can't recall off the top of my head which ones right now. Seafoods are also correlated with living longer, as well as warm climates, and iodine may be a connection here with the seafoods but I believe it has to be in conjunction with caloric restriction for really significant lifespan lengthening. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 11, 2009 Report Share Posted November 11, 2009 From what I have read, the issues with soy have a lot to do with how it is prepared. Fermented soy is fine and like a lot of fermented foods, probably even good for you. My impression is that tofu is probably all right in moderation. But soy powders which are added to most of our processed foods are dangerous. They are high in phytates which will inhibit mineral absorption, goitrogenic meaning they will suppress the thyroid and perhaps lead to thyroid cancer, and contain phytoestrogens which may disrupt the endocrine system and possibly contribute to early sexual development in children. Traditionally, Japanese primarily ate soy fermented and modest amounts in the form of tofu as part of a diet heavy with seafood and seagreens. I think it's necessary to look at the form of soy and the diet in total to understand this. Ann > > From: Nuss <cuarrech@...> > Subject: Re: Re: Soy Dangers > iodine > Date: Tuesday, November 10, 2009, 12:59 PM > > > > > > > > Â > > > > > > > > > > The reason I've always read that Okinawans live long is self imposed caloric restriction (it is in their culture to only eat until 70% full), afaik the only proven way to increase lifespan, provided nutrients are at least adequate. IIRC they consume about 1400 calories average, per day, seniors less and hard working people (especially men) somewhat more but still less than westerners. Westerners average well more than 2000 per day, and most Western guidelines recommend about 2000 for average people. Okinawans also make mild exercise (also associated with longer lifespan) a significant part of their daily life, such as Tai Chi, walking a lot and lots of gardening. I don't think soy consumption has much to do with it. Other cultures where caloric restriction of one type of another (intermittent fasting is also supposed to work) is more common also tend to live longer, although I can't recall off the top of my head which ones right now. Seafoods are > also correlated with living longer, as well as warm climates, and iodine may be a connection here with the seafoods but I believe it has to be in conjunction with caloric restriction for really significant lifespan lengthening. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 11, 2009 Report Share Posted November 11, 2009 I would also like to point out that they also eat a lot of seaweed in Okinawa, which contains iodine. -Undiagnosed Asperger's SyndromeStay at home mom to 3, Wife to -6-6-02-Autism Spectrum, the light of my lifeKaty-11-19-03-undiagnosed genetic syndrome that includes cleft palate-Pierre Robin Sequence, scoliosis, heart defects, short stature, low muscle tone, developmental delay, oral defensiveness, g tube fed part time-working on oral feeding, slightly dysmorphic features, and my joyJ.D-no issues except he is totally in love with mommy, cutest baby in the worldvisit my blog http://busiestmommyinamerica.blogspot.com"If you think my hands are full, you should see my heart!"From: Sandy Subject: Re: Re: Soy Dangers FYI, Ladies and Gentlemen, on the internet you can find any number of articles supporting your claims. It's true that not all of Asia eats large amounts of soy products but Asia is a very large area and there are some areas that do eat soy every day. One being Okinawa. Have you ever heard of the Okinawa Centenarian Study? They have the most longest-lived people on the planet and soy makes up 12 percent of their diet. Oh and where is Okinawa located? Japan! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 16, 2009 Report Share Posted November 16, 2009 It could also be their genetics either in their ability to handle soy or the reason for their longevity, since genetics does play a huge role in life span. -Undiagnosed Asperger's SyndromeStay at home mom to 3, Wife to -6-6-02-Autism Spectrum, the light of my lifeKaty-11-19-03-undiagnosed genetic syndrome that includes cleft palate-Pierre Robin Sequence, scoliosis, heart defects, short stature, low muscle tone, developmental delay, oral defensiveness, g tube fed part time-working on oral feeding, slightly dysmorphic features, and my joyJ.D-no issues except he is totally in love with mommy, cutest baby in the worldvisit my blog http://busiestmommyinamerica.blogspot.com"If you think my hands are full, you should see my heart!"From: Nuss Subject: Re: Re: Soy Dangers I personally do not believe soy is "bad," but I do not think it is a significant reason that Okinawans, on average, live a few years longer than other people and have more centenarians. I believe that it is a politically correct thing for researchers to say. Soy, outside of anti-soy circles, is hot stuff. That soy consumption is correlated with Okinawans is not causation for longevity. I'd like to see the rat study that showed ANY increased lifespan from soy consumption alone, in the presence of normal calories and normal exercise. Okinawans also live in proximity to innumerable plants that continuously offgas their species-specific oils and gases into the air and provide much of the "flavor" in the air of the region, but I don't think anyone would say that is a significant contributing factor. Just background noise. Other people who have never touched soy have lived to be equally as old and other cultures for whom soy is a non-existent part of the diet live or have lived, on average, as long. Cretans I believe are a star example, now that my brain is working a little better. They're in the middle of the Mediterranean - not soy country. A lot of people said it was olive oil for them (another "hot topic" a few years ago), but rat studies do not bear this out. Caloric restriction is the ONLY thing proven to increase the mean lifespan and potential lifespan of any species so far tested. But, just as a fun mental workout, I'll delve into this a little more. IIRC, exercise, caloric restriction and intermittent fasting (increasing in that order) also cause the body to produce protective compounds, it could be these that protect against an otherwise unhealthy soy. IIRC they protect against neurodegenerative disease, in many species of lab animals. It could be another aspect of their diet that detoxifies soy. Maybe you have to eat it with sweet potatoes, perhaps there is a compound in sweet potatoes that detoxifies soy. It could be that traditionally prepared tofu and other soy products is different enough from TVP and hydrolyzed soy protein and so on that the former are fine and the latter are not. It could be a fundamental difference in how tofu is prepared traditionally (even something as easily overlooked as cooking time or type of coagulant, there are several). It could be a combination. It could be none of the above. I do know that soy, in certain forms at least (raw especially) does contain compounds that inhibit utilization of certain minerals, vitamins and proteins, not only in the soy itself but in other foods eaten around the same time. It also contains compounds that negatively affect certain body parts (such as the thyroid). At least, in the types and amounts currently tested. Again, it could be one or more of innumerable other factors in the Okinawan diet and/or lifestyle that renders soy innocuous for them, but not for most of us. The types (method of production, method of agriculture, variety of bean, method of processing, etc..) of soy available in our grocery stores could be vastly different to the types of soy that is available traditionally to Okinawans. It could be that the newer generation are relying more on convenience soy, prepackaged tofu perhaps made with a faster and more reliable but less nutritive coagulant, and hydrolyzed soy (quick "soy sauce", very common now) instead of traditional fermented soy sauce, etc.. Maybe it's good that they're eating less than their elders, if the newer soys are the culprit. There's just so much to think about and too many factors.. I think those researchers were very premature and much too PC to say that "soy did it."Sincerely,Ellie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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