A Soy Story
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The more we learn about soy, the more mystifying it becomes.
Until recently, scientists suspected that the soy foods in Asian diets help explain the lower rates of breast cancer, prostate cancer, osteoporosis and heart disease in places like Japan, China, and Singapore.
Hundreds of studies in the past 20 years, (mostly in the West) tried to figure out what it is about soybeans that might be responsible. In study after study, results linking soybeans with lower cancer rates were weak and inconsistent, with some even identifying a link between diets high in tofu with higher evidence of cognitive decline.
So far, the disconnect remains elusive. Maybe diets in Asia include different soy foods than North American diets, or maybe genetics and lifestyle make a difference. Until we have more conclusive answers, we're wondering if we should eat soy at all and, if so, how much and what kind?
Since soy is a plant based source of protein, and a low calorie alternative to meat in our diets, we asked Dr. S. W. Flowers, a holistic medical practitioner in Maplewood, NJ, for his suggestions. Dr. Flowers believes that a healthy diet should include only a small amount of processed soy products like tofu and soy milk. I recommend about 20 to 60 gms a week.
"The high heat used to process these foods destroys the fragile proteins. Soy also contains an acid that can interfere with absorption of calcium and other nutrients and increase the body's requirement for Vitamin D and B12, none of which is good for post menopausal women who are at risk of osteoporosis, " says Flowers.
To soy lovers, this is a disappointingly puny serving size and Flowers suggests that to get the most benefit from soy, it's best to eat fermented products such as tempeh, miso, and soy sauce. And always go for the organic soy products, which are not easy to find.
To order organic edamame online, visit Melissa's
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