In the past I heard a lot about soybeans benefits. First time, when I tried one of them -which was the tofu – was in our honeymoon, with my husband in Malaysia. I was surprised, it was nothing like I expected. It’s not that it was bad, but it tastes like a traditional white cheese, that is popular in my home country.
Soybeans were known in the ancient and current Chinese and other Asian cultures. Soy now is almost in every product you know. Soy lecithin is one of the most used food additives from chocolate candies to some smoothies. Also, it maybe found in a bread bun, or used for raising the livestock are feed soy. Also used in some infant formulas.
Health benefits of Soy:
Soy is high in B vitamins and minerals, and low in fats.also it’s complete protein, means it has all the essential amino acids the body needs, other benefits are
- According to a recent review by Harvard Nutrition Center, it may reduce the risk of breast cancer and other kinds of cancer for women. But they warned that some reports suggest that soy supplements may stimulate the growth of breast cancer cells.
- According to FDA eating 25 g of soy protein daily may reduce the LDL cholesterol that may cause heart diseases.
- May reduce the risk of Osteoporosis
- May reduce the symptoms of menopause, here listen to Mara Z. Vitolins, Dr.P.H., M.P.H., RD talking about how soy can reduce the symptoms of menopause like hot flashes but this is a controversial area of research, and more studies are needed.
Fermented or unfermented?
As there are many opponents for unfermented soy like tofu soy milk ,because its has compounds that may lead to thyroid cancer, there are limited studies that support these claims. It may better to stick to the Fermented like tempeh, tamari, soy sauce, and miso.
What about Our planet?
Most of the soybeans here in market are genetically modified, and that may be a problem for the lands, livestock, energy, and sustainability issues. So you may want to keep away from these soybeans. China and India produce GMO free soy.
So should you eat Soy or not?
Before months ago, I wanted to write about soy, but I hesitated, because it’s a very controversial subject. The studies that support soy health benefits are way more, and much reliable than the ones that claimed it’s not safe to eat, now I’m astonished. The title of my draft was, “why soy is not healthy for you?”. After doing extensive research and try to cite the best reliable sources, here I am saying soy is good for you.
Personally, I’m not a big fan, but I’ll start eating it myself , after I was avoiding it the last two years, but that doesn’t mean ill go crazy over it. And I will not drink soy milk I’ll pick non GMO ones, and no more than two servings a day, and I advice you to do same.
Here is what you should know my readers,until now there are doubts about soy, and the component that makes soy healthy, can be found in many other food items. In order to be healthy and live a full of energy life, you do not have to follow trends. Search and try different varieties from different food groups, and be physically active, and remember there is no magic food.
(Note: I did not cover all health benefits for soy, as most of them are unproved)
