The Soy Situation

The Soy Situation

The controversy about soy beans, soy products, and the phytochemical fractions found in them have raged for years, but as we learn more about the products, the dispute grows louder, greater. The powers attributed to those phytochemicals have been listed as ability to treat atherosclerosis, hyperlipidemia, and osteoporosis, as well as breast and prostate cancer.

Soy also can be used as a dietary staple which can provide a measure of weight control, sport nutrition benefits (in lean body mass maintenance), a really good source of Omega-6 fatty acids, and a primary source of vegetable Omega-3 fatty acid precursors. When processed in a properly controlled, scientifically correct manner, there are very few limitations to soy. It can be used as a primary source of healthful nutrients and constituents.

The news, however is not all good. Mega commercial manufacturers and distributors (most found in the meat, dairy, fast food, and junk food industries) have mounted strong lobbies in Washington, and other centers of governmental control, to denigrate soy and its associated industries. Opinions generated about health ramifications are often the result of misinterpretations of offered scientific or medical findings.

It should be noted that some conservative institutions still maintain a large intake of saturated fat is consistent with continued general health. Others still cling to the old axiom that consumption of large amounts of fats and protein is an efficient method for losing weight. This, in the face of an overwhelming body of evidence that states an excessive intake of fats to be detrimental to the individual and leads to cardiovascular disease, some cancers, and obesity. Government Policy

The government of the United States, through the FDA (food and drug administration) has recently issued a statement supporting one claim of soy proponents. It said that the correct amount and form of soy protein may lower blood cholesterol levels. The statement reads:

Twenty five grams of soy protein a day, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease.

Although the FDA recommends 25 grams, that quantity sits on the lower end of the effective range for lowering cholesterol levels as demonstrated in clinical trials. In this scenario, the results obtained would be much less than optimum, leading to the supposition that soy does not work as advertised, a misinterpretation that the opposition lobby would pounce on. In a worst case situation, a prescriptive drug would then be given, one which has the possibility of causing liver involvement plus incurring a large drug bill.

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