There are many Americans who are worried about their health and that’s why they are trying to implement some changes in their diet. This is the reason why some of them have replaced meat and eggs with tofu.
There is no doubt that the soy industry supports this change and they do everything they can to make this change look like a good move, but the truth is that tofu and other processed soy products are not healthy.
You will feel better if you stick to organic eggs, raw dairy products, and meat that comes from animals that are fed naturally. According to many experts, the soybean products consumed in Asia can be very helpful, but the ones consumed in Western countries (processed soy products) are not healthy because the processing procedure keeps anti-nutrients in the products and there is evidence that the procedure itself leaves carcinogenic and other dangerous residues too.
Health Problems Associated With Soy
There are reports of many different health issues related to a soy-rich diet and some of them include:- Healthline.
- Thyroid problems like weight gain and hair loss.
- Cancer.
- Early puberty.
- Brain damage.
- Allergies.
Now Let’s Check Some Other Facts About Soybeans
- They are rich in natural toxins. These anti-nutrients found in soybeans include a large amount of inhibitors that compromise the work of the enzymes necessary for proper protein processing. Even cooking cannot completely remove their negative effects. After a longer period of use, people can expect gastric distress and lack of amino acid uptake which leads to pancreatic problems and cancer.
- They contain goitrogens. This means that they affect the thyroid function negatively.
- They contain hemagglutinins. These compounds lead to the clustering of red blood cells.
- They are rich in phytates. Phytates prevent proper absorption of minerals like magnesium, zinc, iron, and calcium and without proper absorption, the body won’t work properly.
- They are genetically modified. At least 80% of soybean products are genetically modified and they come with one of the highest percentages of contamination by pesticides.
You Can Still Eat Soy in a Safe Way
Several types of soy are completely healthy and they are all fermented. Once the long fermentation process is finished, the level of anti-nutrients and phytic acid in soybeans becomes very low and their useful properties become available for our body. This fermentation process also lowers the levels of potentially dangerous isoflavones, which have a structure similar to estrogen, and have the ability to disrupt the normal production of estrogen. So, in case you like soy and you want to continue eating it without negatively affecting your health and actually feel some health benefits, you can stick to these healthy options:- Tempeh – this fermented soybean cake has a solid texture and tastes like mushroom.
- Natto – these fermented soybeans have a sticky texture and those who like cheese will love them because they taste similar. Natto is packed with nattokinase, a strong blood thinner. It is also a good source of vitamin K2 and helpful bacteria.
- Miso – Miso is a type of soybean paste with a buttery texture. It is often used in miso soup.
- Soy sauce – the traditional soy sauce is created by fermenting soybeans, enzymes, and salt. Just make sure that you are using unprocessed soy sauce.
Stick to unprocessed, fresh, and fermented foods and avoid processed foods. This rule should be practiced in the case of soy products too.
Via Food NDTV
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