Soy: A Cautionary Tale

Before I go any further, let me say this is my opinion only, I do not promote any industry, nor am I condemning anyone, or anything. It’s just a blog, I am putting my thoughts out there for anyone to read or delete. So there, that’s my disclaimer.

Now what I want to point out to everyone is that this is a nation of extremes. If scientific data says “vitamin e is good for …whatever, not one week after it is mentioned on the news, labels are smacked on food product everywhere “CONTAINS VITAMIN E”  or “A GOOD SOURCE OF VITAMIN E” . Fast forward a year scientific data says “Uh-oh vitamin e is the cause of ….whatever.”

Well, yes,  uh-oh,  now what?

Lets take look at soy. The jury is still out, in my opinion, about soy. A few years back a woman I worked with mentioned in a casual conversation that she stayed clear of soy because there was a history of breast cancer in her family, and so this comment stuck in the back of my mind.  I started doing my research, consulting databases, journals, books, blogs, websites, reading everything I can get my hands on. My conclusion was:  if there is that much question about soy, it is best to stay clear of excess soy, especially as you approach Peri-menopause, menopause and post menopause.

The food industry has changed drastically starting in the 80’s. What has happened to the food we put on our tables and feed our children is the topic of many books and medical journals. I suggest if you have any specific questions go to your library’s online research databases and get up to the moment articles in peer reviewed  journals. Its the only way you can come to informed conclusions for yourself. Don’t let the media or anyone else tell you that something is a sure thing, because sooner or later another sure thing is going to prove it wrong.

I will leave you with this thought: my parents always said “eat everything in moderation” and that was what their parents told them. If it was good enough for them, it’s good advice for me.

Do your research, especially when it come to food trends. Talk to professionals, keep up with your annual physicals. Don’t follow news blindly. Libraries have research databases that you can access remotely from your own home, take advantage of your library’s ILL services, you can get information from practically anywhere in multiple formats. You only have one body, make sure you practice preventative maintenance.