Soy Alert!

Courtesy of Weston A. Price Foundation

Myth: Modern soy foods confer the same health benefits as traditionally fermented

soy foods.

Truth: Most modern soy foods are not fermented to neutralize toxins in soybean and

processed in a way that denatures proteins and increases levels of carcinogens.

Myth: Soy foods provide complete protein.

Truth: Like all legumes, soybeans are deficient in sulfur-containing amino acids

methionine and cystine. In addition, modern processing denatures fragile
lysine.

Myth: Soy foods can prevent osteoporosis.

Truth: Soy foods can cause deficiencies in calcium and vitamin D, both needed for

healthy bones.

Myth: Phytoestrogens in soy foods can enhance mental ability.

Truth: A recent study found that women with the highest levels of estrogen in their

blood had the lowest levels of cognitive function; in Japanese Americans, tofu

consumption in mid-life is associated with the occurence of Alzheimer's

disease later in life.

Myth: Soy estrogens (isoflavones) are good for you.

Truth: Soy isoflavones are phyto-endocrine disrupters. At a dietary level, they can

prevent ovulation and stimulate the growth of cancer cells. As little as four

tablespoons of soy per day can result in hypothyroidism with symptoms of

lethargy, constipation, weight gain and fatigue.

Myth: Soy foods are safe and benficial for women to use in their premenopausal

years.

Truth: Soy foods can stimulate the growth of estrogen-dependent tumors and cause

thyroid problems. Low thyroid function is associated with difficulties in

menopause.

Myth: Soy foods are good for your sex life.

Truth: Numerous animal studies show that soy foods cause infertility in animals. Soy

consumption lowers testosterone levels in men. Tofu was consumed by

Buddhist monks to reduce libido.

Myth: Soybeans are good for the environment.

Truth: Most soybeans grown in the US are genetically engineered to allow farmers to

use large amounts of herbicides, creating toxic runoff.