Soy

Jenelle Green
Paper #3
How Beneficial is Soy?
Soybeans come from a subtropical plant that is native to southeastern Asia. It grows on a plant that can get up to five feet tall and comes in a pod with about three to five beans per pod. Soy has been a staple in Asia for at least 5000 years. It was invented in second century China. Soy was introduced to Europe in the 1700s and was introduced to America in the 1800s. Currently half of the world’s supply is grown in the Midwest.
Studies are showing now that Soy may not be as healthy as we have assumed it is. Information we now have is suggesting soy may increase the risk of breast cancer in some women. It may also affect the brain function in some men. The studies have also suggested it can lead to hidden developmental abnormalities in infants.
The concerns are in the chemical makeup of soy. Although it has a lot of healthy substances to it, it contains a chemical that mimics estrogen. In some studies, it has been shown to alter sexual development in animals. Two glasses of soy milk a day is said to be enough to alter a woman's menstrual cycle.
Critics have pointed out that soybeans are not suitable for human consumption until after fermentation for an extensive amount of time to be able to be digested properly. They also contain an anti nutrient called phytic acid which is in all beans, but has higher levels in soybeans. Phytic acid is said to block the absorption of certain minerals.
"I like soy," said Stephanie Palmer a 21 year old mother of two. "I give it to my oldest daughter and she drinks it up great and she is really picky."
Although there are negative things related to the consumption of soy, it also holds some beneficial value.
Soybeans also contain phytochemicals which are biologically active components that come from plants. One of the chemicals is called Isoflavones. Isoflavones are being studies in the relation to the relief of certain menopausal symptoms, cancer prevention, and slowing or reversing osteoporosis and reducing the risk of heart disease.
In 1999 the FDA began allowing soy products to claim they decreased cholesterol and the risk of heart disease. Since then, sales have skyrocketed. Americans began eating more tofu instead of meat and adding soy to their diets regularly.
Leena HIlakivi-Clarke, a Georgetown University professor who has studied the link between soy and breast cancer says, "Soy is a low fat protein that's beneficial in a balanced diet."
So basically soy does have benefits, but many have been blown out of proportion. For example, the claim that soy prevents heart disease isn't true in all people. The stipulation is that it helps prevent heart disease in post menopausal women because it has isoflavone which again, mimics estrogen. Post menopausal women are lacking a lot of estrogen so in their case it helps. For healthy young women who have plenty of estrogen, it does nothing.
The suggestion is do alternate between meat and soy or tofu. It can be beneficial if you are eating a healthy balanced diet on a regular basis.