I have decided that it's time to talk about soy. It's healthy right? The media sure talks about it being a "healthy" source of protein just like they tell us that whole grains are good for the heart and that eggs are bad for the heart. What in the world should we believe? I personally, based on the latest research and lots of study, do not recommend consuming soy and choose not to put it in my body. I recommend that everyone avoid soy milk and soy products for that matter.
The media tells us that soy foods prevent heart disease because it lowers cholesterol. Yes, it can do that, but lowering cholesterol does not prevent heart disease like we use to think. It can actually increase disorders in our bodies like cancer, autoimmune disorders, hypothyroidism, intestinal disorders and developmental problems for our kids to name a few. Don't take the media's word for it. Do your own research! Here's what I know.
Soy isoflavones are a class of phytoestrogens which mimic estrogen in the body. Altering estrogen levels is dangerous. For men, this can decrease sperm production, lower libido, and cause weight gain (man boobs anybody). For women, higher levels of estrogen can put us at greater risk of cancer and lower fertility. Higher estrogen levels can pretty much guarantee that you will experience sugar cravings and the weight gain begins.
Many soy products go through a lot of processing before they reach the grocery store and most are genetically modified. This is not a good thing! Soy can also cause gastric distress such as gas and bloating because soy is difficult to breakdown and digest. It increases the body's requirements for vitamin D, which most of us are already low in anyways.
If you choose to use soy products, that is okay! You are free to choose what you put in your body and you know what works best for you. I am just putting my opinion out there and giving you the nutritional information.
Stroud Fitness
Leslie
