In today’s episode we take a close look at soy, soy products, how they’re processed and why they might be mis-labeled as a health food. We tackle their impact on nutrient absorption, hormone balance and more.
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Soy Facts
- Soy contains naturally-occurring anti-nutrients like phytic acid which impairs absorption of essential minerals including calcium, magnesium, copper, iron and zinc
- Soy contains protease inhibitors that impair the metabolism and absorption of protein
- Soy contains phytoestrogens which look and act like estrogen in your body
- Soy contains anti-thyroid agents that inhibit thyroid hormone production and impair cells’ ability to ingest iodine, an essential component of thyroid function
- MSG, a known neurotoxin, is created during the processing of many soy products
- Soy may decrease testosterone levels
- Soy may change the regularity of your menstrual cycle
- Phytoestrogens in soy can cross the human placenta
- Most soy products are highly, highly processed. The processing includes known toxins including hexane
Soy Tips
- Avoid processed soy products (and processed foods in general)
- Choose unprocessed or fermented soy (if you are a huge soy fan) like natto, miso or edamame
- Choose non-GMO, organic soy options
- Avoid soybean oils
- Avoid soy protein isolates
Research & Resources
The Whole Soy Story by Kaayla Daniel
Primal Body, Primal Mind by Nora Gedgaudas
Exposure to phyto and xeno estrogens in women
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