Is Soy Bad?

Soy has become so popular because of the industry advertising. It started me off as a believer! There was considerable research done in 1966 about the harmful substances within the soybeans. And now, it’s claimed to be the “miracle” food.

Production of soybeans in the U.S. is 40 times more now than it was starting in the 20th century. First it’s made for animal feed and then manufactured into soy oil, vegetable oil, margarine, and shortening.

Why has the soy industry concentrated on finding alternative uses and new markets for soybeans? Because it’s cheap and very profitable. It’s disguised in everything from hamburgers, hot dogs, baby formula, flour, and much more. It’s often marketed as low-fat, dairy free, or as a high protein meat substitute for vegetarians. The soy derivatives you need to look for are textured vegetable protein (TVP), partially hydrogenated soybean, soy protein isolate (SPI) hydrolyzed vegetable protein (HVP).

One of the dangerous substances in the soybean is phytic acid, also called phytates. These acids block the body of essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, iron and especially zinc. But, you never hear about that.

When you start to read labels very carefully you will be amazed at the soy contents in snack foods, fast foods, and pre-packaged frozen meals. It’s also in canned tuna! Why you need soy in tuna?

They say soy foods are a source of high-quality protein that provides health benefits that may help to prevent or treat certain chronic diseases. This is definitely not so for someone with a severe allergy to soy – like me. You may not be allergic to soy, but you could have a soy intolerance. Soy is bad so look for healthier alternatives.

Soy does not reverse child obesity and provide critical vitamins, minerals, fiber and protein. They claim soy foods contain less calories and fat grams making weight loss easier. Kid friendly foods like soymilk, frozen pizza, taco-style meat and chicken-style nuggets. Is soy bad? This doesn’t sound like a healthy diet to me.

Soy is bad because they are not filled with bone-building and heart-healthy soy protein, or reduce overall calories and fat grams. If this was true, I would not have gained weight with my active lifestyle. And what about women who are in their forties that start gaining weight? I believe it’s because of the all the soy products that they are consuming. And, they could possibly be developing thyroid disease and not know it. Don’t believe what you hear about women going through menopause. It didn’t reduce my “hot flashes”, lower my cholesterol, decrease my risk for heart disease, or osteoporosis. Is soy bad? It sure is! Soy nearly killed me! And I thought I was following a healthy diet.

When it comes to fad diets they claim soy foods help promote healthier eating habits with low carb diets. They say many soy foods are naturally low in fat and saturated fat, while being high in heart-healthy protein. The example they use is a soy veggie burger provides 12 grams of soy protein with 5 grams of fat, 1 gram of saturated fat and just 3 grams of net carbs. That soy veggie burger is what landed me in the hospital…my body said “enough all already!” It took four days in the intensive care unit for me to get the “wake-up” call.

Everyone know their own bodies. If you are not feeling like yourself lately, try to eliminate soy products – I bet you will start feeling like your old self again!

Is soy bad? Let your body be the judge… listen to it.

Dianne Gregg (81 Posts)

After developing a severe allergy to soy that nearly killed her, Dianne Gregg learned the truth behind this supposed health food. “The Hidden Dangers of Soy” is the culmination of her efforts to educate others on the issue in hopes more will avoid soy’s underreported—yet widely researched—negative health impacts.