The controversy for soy being linked to breast cancer and other women's health issues has been going on for a long time. I have done my fair share of research on the topic, but I encourage you to do the same and form your own fact-based opinions.
Soy CAN BE a great plant-based protein source. For those that are vegetarian or cannot consume the conventional meat sources, soy is often used. In fact, soy protein is extremely common in every day foods. Protein shakes/bars often use whey or soy protein, sometimes both, in their ingredients. Tropical Smoothie Cafe is a local restaurant that provides the option of adding soy protein in your shake. Even Starbucks now allows the option of adding soy milk to your high maintenance coffee orders.
Realistically, though, soy contains a weak plant source of estrogen (phytoestrogens). This type of estrogen is different than xenoestrogens; which are a more chemical based soy form, most often found in plastic bottles and cleaning supplies. One can argue the harmful affects of a glass of soy milk vs. drinking your water from a plastic bottle that has once been above room temperature. The safest bet is to drive to a natural spring for your water and buy a cow for your milk, but that extreme measure doesn't even rule out exposure to e-coli.
Last year, Women's Health did a story on "The Latest Research on Soy and Breast Cancer: What You Need To Know." The bottom line of their research shows that small amounts of soy are okay. So, when you're choosing ingredients for your meals, just make sure you don't over do it. While one serving of tofu can be a valuable protein source, it may not be necessary for a daily tofu breakfast, tofu lunch, soy milk coffee and three, above room-temperature plastic bottles of water.
Soy CAN BE a great plant-based protein source. For those that are vegetarian or cannot consume the conventional meat sources, soy is often used. In fact, soy protein is extremely common in every day foods. Protein shakes/bars often use whey or soy protein, sometimes both, in their ingredients. Tropical Smoothie Cafe is a local restaurant that provides the option of adding soy protein in your shake. Even Starbucks now allows the option of adding soy milk to your high maintenance coffee orders.
Realistically, though, soy contains a weak plant source of estrogen (phytoestrogens). This type of estrogen is different than xenoestrogens; which are a more chemical based soy form, most often found in plastic bottles and cleaning supplies. One can argue the harmful affects of a glass of soy milk vs. drinking your water from a plastic bottle that has once been above room temperature. The safest bet is to drive to a natural spring for your water and buy a cow for your milk, but that extreme measure doesn't even rule out exposure to e-coli.
Last year, Women's Health did a story on "The Latest Research on Soy and Breast Cancer: What You Need To Know." The bottom line of their research shows that small amounts of soy are okay. So, when you're choosing ingredients for your meals, just make sure you don't over do it. While one serving of tofu can be a valuable protein source, it may not be necessary for a daily tofu breakfast, tofu lunch, soy milk coffee and three, above room-temperature plastic bottles of water.