I have decided to do a series on protein where I will give an overview of the major sources of protein sources for athletes and non athletes. Many popular sports supplements contain soy as their main protein source. Why is this? Well, soy is lactose free, animal free, low in fat, natural, and contains vitamin B12, good qualities if you’re a vegetarian or just looking for a healthy alternative right? In fact in a recent survey but the United Soybean Board 85% of consumers viewed soy as a healthy alternative. But, soy has recently come under heavy fire as a protein source as well as source of good nutrition.
Proponents of soy tout the long lived Asian cultures that have thrived off of soy for centuries as proof of its healthfulness. However, unlike those cultures, which ate the soybean in its whole and natural state, western producers fracture the product in two and separate the protein and the oil for our consumption. A vast majority of the soy products that we purchase are highly processed, one of the highest pesticide levels in all foods, and almost all soy products sold are genetically modified. Additionally soy has been found to;
• contain high levels of enzyme inhibitors which are responsible for gastric distress, reduce protein digestion and the uptake of amino’s
• High in phytic acid which block the body’s ability to absorb minerals
• High amounts of omega 6 fatty acids
• Could lead to increased rate of breast cancer, brain damage, infant abnormalities, thyroid disorders
Fermented soy products like tempeh and miso paste as well as organically produced soy can be a healthy part of your diet. A recent study concluded that up to 11 grams of soy (¼ C of tofu) was effective in reducing breast cancer, but many, ingest far more than that regularly. Its impossible not to, soy is the new corn, and has many names; its in flour, milk, cheese, ice cream, “meat”,lecithin, texturized vegetable protein, isoflavones, cereals, bars, and work out drinks. So, if you are going to eat soy products, stop buying the edemame out of the freezer section, eat in moderation, and try to get organic and non gmo. For a full analysis many soy products check out this report by the Cornucopia Institute, grading the quality of many commercial soy products. http://www.cornucopia.org/soysurvey/
