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Soy or no soy?

I am frequently asked about my thoughts on consuming soy products, in particular soy milks.  More information is available under Health Tips but in short here is a summary on the do’s and don’ts of soy:

  • NEVER consume genetically modified soy products – check ingredients as soy is often added to products and unless it specifically stipulates non-GMO and organic, do not purchase this
  • NEVER consume non-organic soy
  • Soy is best consumed in its fermented states – this includes tempeh, miso, tamari and natto.  Tofu is a bean curd and is beneficial for some Blood Types and Ayurvedic types.
  • Soy milk is also best avoided unless it is made from whole non-GMO, organic soy beans which have been prepared by traditional methods.  This involves soaking and steaming which is a slow process rendering maximum absorption of the nutrients.  At the moment, the only readily available milk brands that adopt this traditional process are Bonsoy and, more recently available https://www.happyhappysoyboy.com/.

The benefits of soy – Non GMO, Organic, properly prepared – include:

  • alkalising for the body
  • good source of fibre and plant proteins
  • contains no cholesterol
  • contains essential fatty acids – Omega 3
  • good source of potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron
  • contains some Vitamin A and Vitamins B1, B2 and B3

Therapeutic uses include:

    • regulate triglycerides
    • raise HDL (good cholesterol)
    • decrease oxidation of LDL
    • reduce the risk of atherosclerosis
    • gentle blood thinner
    • decreases high blood pressure
    • reduced risk of coronary artery disease and stroke
    • hormone balancing effect of the Phytoestrogens in soy products (isoflavones) have the capacity to regulate oestrogen activity
    • shown to reduce hot flushes
    • improve bone mineral density
    • lower cancers (breast, prostate)
    • antioxidant effects
    • regulate blood sugar
    • regulate bowel movement
    • prevent gallstones

The processes of fermentation, soaking and steaming break the bonding between mineral and phytate thus making the minerals bio-available.

In any case, I recommend consuming moderate amounts of soy only as, with all foods, a good variety and combination is best.