In Asian cultures people eat small amounts of whole soybean products. Unfortunately, in the western culture food processors separate the soybean into two individual components - protein and oil. Dr. Kaayla Daniel, author of The Whole Soy Story, has written, "Today's high-tech processing methods not only fail to remove the anti-nutrients and toxins that are naturally present in soybeans but leave toxic and carcinogenic residues created by the high temperatures, high pressure, alkali and acid baths and petroleum solvents." She explains that numerous studies now demonstrate that soy does not reliably lower cholesterol but actually raises homocysteine levels in people which has been found to increase the risk of stroke, birth defects, and heart disease. Other common problems linked to high-soy diets include thyroid problems, premature puberty, brain damage, cancer, kidney stones, food allergies, and weakened immune system. In addition, approximately 80% of the soy used in this country comes from genetically modified soybeans. Non-fermented soy products contain phyoestrogens (isoflavones like genistein and daidzein) which mimic and sometimes block the hormone estrogen. They contain phytates which block your body's absorption of minerals. They have enzyme inhibitors which discourage protein digestion. They contain high amounts of omega-6 fat which is pro-inflammatory.

Why are so many people (approximately 85% according to surveys) favorable to soy? Dow Chemical and DuPont have heavily promoted processed soybeans for health conscious folks who wanted to avoid meat and milk in their diet and supported earth-friendly environmentalists. These marketing campaigns resonated with many folks. Unfortunately, recent published studies including one from the American Heart Association no longer support the health claims about soy that were initially endorsed by the U.S. government.

Many people like to eat tofu occassionally in their diet. As long as you are not on a high-soy diet, it is probably not a problem. Eating a diet rich in vegetables and fruits allows you to eat other things like meat or soy in moderation. However, if you have food allergies you will want to be careful and do further investigation. We do know that properly fermented products like natto, tempeh, and miso do not cause the same problems within the body. It is the unfermented soy products used primarily in western processed foods that cause the problems. These unfermented, processed soy products include soy milk, soy cheese, soy burgers, and soy ice cream. In addition, soybean oil is commonly sold as vegetable oil which consumers view as healthier but isn't. Undoing this misinformation is a slow process. The Soyfoods Association of North America reported that soy food sales increased from $300 million in 1992 to nearly $4 billion by 2007. The importance of educating people so they can make an informed decision regarding their health is critical.