Soy: Superfood or Health Hazard?

The debate around soy's health benefits has persisted for many years. Some studies show that soy is good for your health, while others suggest it could be harmful and should be avoided altogether.

In places like the U.S., soy products have long been promoted as health foods, enjoying a positive reputation.

Soy is rich in quality protein, dietary fiber, iron, calcium, zinc, magnesium, and B vitamins. It also contains phytochemicals, which are antioxidants.

When components are isolated from a whole plant, their effects change. Similarly, isolated phytoestrogen from soy behaves differently compared to its natural form. The interaction with other plant parts leads to different outcomes.

About ninety percent of the world's soy is genetically modified, which increases phytic acid content, affecting digestion and absorption. This modification may also contribute to leaky gut syndrome and harm the digestive flora.

Soy-based foods such as spreadable cheeses, desserts, processed cheese, schnitzels, hot dogs, burgers, and others can be problematic health-wise. The issue is that the soy isn't in a whole-food form, and these products usually contain high amounts of fat, sometimes even trans fat. Their salt and sodium content is high, and desserts often have high sugar levels, along with stabilizers and preservatives.

Any product processed in ways that damage the healthful components of soy does not benefit health and might even pose risks.

The industry uses soy proteins due to their abilities to thicken, foam, bind liquids, and create meat- or milk-like textures. Soy protein is also used in the meat and fish industries as a cheap additive to increase volume, texture, and color, and even in snack and sweet industries. We can't really know how much soy is in a product when soy is used as an additive.

For some people with slow thyroid function, consuming soy is not recommended, while for those with fast thyroid function, it's encouraged to consume it to help slow down and balance the function.

Eating soy products is advised to balance blood sugar and cholesterol, prevent inflammation and oxidation, support bone health, and maintain hormonal balance.

The best products are whole and non-processed, like dried soybeans, edamame - fresh or frozen soybeans, organic soy milk, and non-GMO tofu, emphasizing organic options.

Zohara Shavit is an N.D. naturopath and iris diagnostician with many years of experience in therapy, consultation, and workshop facilitation. To arrange a free workshop, call 073-2221290