« The Bottom Line on Soy | Main | Bedwetting and Baby Food »
Which soy to choose?
Organic soy
Most soybeans grown in the United States - as many as 80 percent - are genetically modified soybeans. They have been modified to allow them to withstand more toxic doses of pesticides. These beans have not been proven to be dangerous, but neither do we have the length of experience to conclusively prove that they are safe. I prefer non-genetically modified soybeans. Organic soybeans are not genetically modified, and have been grown without the use of toxic pesticides or other toxic chemicals.
Whole Soy Products
You can find soy milks made from soy protein isolates or from whole soybeans. There are promising health benefits from the isolates (from the FDA heart claims, up to an October 2004 study suggesting a protective effect against colon cancer). Nevertheless, I prefer products made from whole beans. These have a rich history, extending back thousands of years. Every time we look more carefully at whole foods we discover value in the way that nature balances the nutrients.
Apples are a great example of this. Neither apple skins nor apple flesh are powerful antioxidants alone. But when the apple and the skin are eaten together, the antioxidant effect is multiplied. To me, this balancing seems even more important for soy, with it's many potent ingredients.
Balance
Some people talk about soy as if it were the one true health food, the mystical secret of life. Others regard soy as a menace akin to asbestos. The truth lies in between. Soy is a particularly potent example of the everyday magic of whole foods in a varied diet - a gentle, but life-changing power. Sometimes humans over-process or over-indulge in things that could be good for us. But we don't need to. In whole foods, prepared with care, we can find the intersection of pleasure and health.
Now I need a snack! I think I'll go to enjoy a bowl of organic whole grain cereal topped with organic berries and a cup of delicious organic vanilla soymilk made from whole soybeans and organic vanilla. Yum!
More From This Series
Part 1 of 4 - Is Soy Healthy for Your Family?
Part 2 of 4 - Soy Wars
Part 3 of 4 - The Bottom Line on Soy
Alan Greene MD FAAP
July 14, 2006 | Permalink
Comments
Good and conclusive article. Am not a doc but i think natural organic soy may be of much help to people suffering iron overload. This will extend into helping diabetes and heart diseases associated with iron overload, or any other mineral overload.
Kuddos!!
Posted by: Okero | Nov 13, 2007 10:04:17 PM
I found the information very useful.Thank you.It is hard to find unbiased information these days.Most advocate to the far left or right instead of just looking at all the facts and making a more educated choice.We (my family and I) ended our use of Cows milk three weeks ago replacing that source of food with soy.tofu,soy milk.The change was mostly upsetting to my wife.Not knowing how to prepare meals with these items. We are learning fast to make enjoyable meals.The main reason for our diet change was my two children they have problems with ADHD someone suggested taking them off of all milk products. There has been changes even in these few weeks.they appear calmer and more focused. we will be improving our diet as we go. foods that are healthy for us.THANK YOU..Tavius Grant
Posted by: tavius grant | Sep 20, 2007 11:29:21 AM
My son is 3 1/2 and severely allergic to milk. At 9 months we went to soy formulas. He has been at 0-1% for body weight his entire life. Just recently we switched from soy milk to rice milk. You would not believe it. I two weeks time his thighs finally have some meat to them! The soy milk seems to have been blocking his nutrient absorbtion, and affecting his appetite. He is now eating like a horse! I am so happy when I hug him now and can actually feel a body that isn't just skin and bones. What a relief to finally see him thrive. I am hoping other parents will see this message and make the switch. Trying it is the least one could do. Please pass on these findings if you find it worthwhile.
Amy
Mom of 3
Woodbury, MN
Posted by: Amy | Mar 6, 2007 4:10:54 PM
