Some people are really afraid to consume soy despite the incredible benefits. Of course the dairy industry is tops on the list to discredit soy as they see soymilk as a threat. There are two huge soy critics (Sally Fallon and Mary Enig) who are very outspoken against soy. I won't get into their rants on here, but will gladly provide you with information easily discrediting their statements.
Soybeans have been around for over 5,000 years...even considered a sacred crop in China. The greatest herbalist in Chinese history, Li-Shi-Chen, wrote about soy in 1578 as being an effective remedy for kidney disease, water retention and poisoning. To this day, the Chinese use soybeans to cure many conditions, from the common cold to diseases.
Soy is a healthy source of protein. Half of the body's non-water weight is protein, so it is essential to our diet. However, most people consume TOO much protein, especially from animal sources. If it comes from an animal, it also comes with saturated fats and cholesterol. Soy protein is equal in quality to animal protein; without the fats and cholesterol. In addition, soy contains fiber...AND it is far cheaper than meat.
As stated above, the Chinese consider soybeans a super food. I'll tell you why. Soy is a cancer fighter. Soy foods contain:
- protease inhibitors, which interfere with the digestion of protein from food. This is important because these inhibitors protect against harmful radiation and free radicals and have actually been shown to inhibit cancers of the lung, pancreas, colon, mouth and esophagus.
- phytate which is a phosphorous storage and extremely essential.
- phytosterols....another cancer-protective element and is highly effective in regulating the colon.
-saponins which are antioxidants
-isoflavones...these are plant estrogens and bind to estrogen receptors in the body(breast tissue). They keep natural and more powerful human estrogen from binding to those same site. High levels of estrogen are linked to some breast cancers, so this binding is obviously important.
-genistein...it is an isoflavone that converts cancerous cells to normal cells. Also inhibits tumor growth. That in itself is amazing (the power of whole foods).
The benefits of soy do not stop at merely fighting cancer. It also fights heart disease. As we know, high cholesterol is linked to cardiovascular disease. Soy actually lowers cholesterol. Soy also wards off osteoporosis. It helps the kidneys. It helps lower blood pressure. It helps with gallstones. I think the Chinese were onto something here :)
Let's clear up a HUGE misunderstanding: soy foods do NOT contain estrogen, they contain phytoestrogen. NOT THE SAME.
You can find soy in soybeans, edamame, soy nuts, texturized vegetable protein, soy flour, tofu, tempeh, miso, soy sauce, soy milk.
Read labels as well...non-GMO soy is a must. :) So don't shy away from soy, simply educate yourself on the facts and enjoy.
Thanks for reading!
Soybeans have been around for over 5,000 years...even considered a sacred crop in China. The greatest herbalist in Chinese history, Li-Shi-Chen, wrote about soy in 1578 as being an effective remedy for kidney disease, water retention and poisoning. To this day, the Chinese use soybeans to cure many conditions, from the common cold to diseases.
Soy is a healthy source of protein. Half of the body's non-water weight is protein, so it is essential to our diet. However, most people consume TOO much protein, especially from animal sources. If it comes from an animal, it also comes with saturated fats and cholesterol. Soy protein is equal in quality to animal protein; without the fats and cholesterol. In addition, soy contains fiber...AND it is far cheaper than meat.
As stated above, the Chinese consider soybeans a super food. I'll tell you why. Soy is a cancer fighter. Soy foods contain:
- protease inhibitors, which interfere with the digestion of protein from food. This is important because these inhibitors protect against harmful radiation and free radicals and have actually been shown to inhibit cancers of the lung, pancreas, colon, mouth and esophagus.
- phytate which is a phosphorous storage and extremely essential.
- phytosterols....another cancer-protective element and is highly effective in regulating the colon.
-saponins which are antioxidants
-isoflavones...these are plant estrogens and bind to estrogen receptors in the body(breast tissue). They keep natural and more powerful human estrogen from binding to those same site. High levels of estrogen are linked to some breast cancers, so this binding is obviously important.
-genistein...it is an isoflavone that converts cancerous cells to normal cells. Also inhibits tumor growth. That in itself is amazing (the power of whole foods).
The benefits of soy do not stop at merely fighting cancer. It also fights heart disease. As we know, high cholesterol is linked to cardiovascular disease. Soy actually lowers cholesterol. Soy also wards off osteoporosis. It helps the kidneys. It helps lower blood pressure. It helps with gallstones. I think the Chinese were onto something here :)
Let's clear up a HUGE misunderstanding: soy foods do NOT contain estrogen, they contain phytoestrogen. NOT THE SAME.
You can find soy in soybeans, edamame, soy nuts, texturized vegetable protein, soy flour, tofu, tempeh, miso, soy sauce, soy milk.
Read labels as well...non-GMO soy is a must. :) So don't shy away from soy, simply educate yourself on the facts and enjoy.
Thanks for reading!
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