Soy-licious or Soy Bad For You?

Who to believe on whether soy is good for us or wreaking havoc on us? I used to say go with your gut. As always, there is no one-size-fits-all and the key to eating any food (good or bad) is moderation. If and when you do eat soy, make it an organic, non GMO variety. The following two doctors give their opinion.

According to Ann Louise Gittleman, bestselling author of Fat Flush Plan, she suggests eating soy food that is either fermented soy or none at all. Her belief is that fermented soy contains anticancer agents and nutrients such as calcium, minerals, copper, iron, magnesium, potassium, selenium, and zinc. The microflora in fermented soy is also beneficial for its ability to help break down glucose in food. Gittleman recommends one to two servings a week of fermented tempeh or miso soy products.

Stephen T. Sinatra, author of Heart Sense For Women, believes consuming soy can help prevent breast cancer by lowering blood cholesterol, lowering serum estradiol levels, and prolonging the menstrual cycle. He refers to soy as an outstanding source of calcium and phytonutrients that help support bone mass. He does however, not recommend soy products to women with estrogen dependant tumors or one week before, during or after radiation. Sinatra’s Modified Mediterranean Diet recommends eating tofu, tempeh, soybeans, or soymilk one to two times a week.

Both Gittleman and Sinatra agree on the potential of soy to disrupt hormones and although both doctors recommend it, the type of soy product they recommend differs. Experience has shown me that my body digests sprouted or fermented soy better than regularly processed soy. Use your best judgement by listening to your body and any upset or bloated feelings. Above all, moderation is key.

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