Soy, infant formula, Nutrition
Is Soy a wonderfood or a danger?
Thu/Jun/07 08:42 PM
Soy is everywhere these days. It must be good for you, right? Soy=tofu right? Milk formula allergies are common and soy is a good choice, right? Many of these issues have not been fully explored by research before Americans jump in with both feet (and their wallets). It is alarming that the public knows so little about a product that is used so widely. Let's look at some data. (I recommend a nice brochure with some basics.) Since the site to which I refer you is so good I will just highlight a few items. First soy as it was and is traditionally consumed in Asia is FERMENTED soy. The process of fermentation actually reduces some of the toxic substances found in the processed bean paste. This renders the product much safer for human consumption. Second traditional used of fermented soy was as a condiment not a main course. his means much less soy is consumed in a traditional Asian diet than in a modern Vegan diet. Third, the osteoporotic benefits of soy are overblown. Look at some of the items in the link and see how bone formation may actually be harmed by soy intake. Finally formula....my big worry. By 1998 almost 25 % of US babies were using soy formula. That number has now grown. With the advent of "reflux" as a fad diagnosis in infants these days misguided WIC and other nutrition advocates for children have pushed soy formula as an alternative. AT THE SAME TIME we are promoting phytoestrogens (like those found in soy) as a way to relieve some of the effects of menopause in older women. We cannot have it both ways. SOme countries in the European Union agree and have now issued warnings against the widespread use of soy IN MALE INFANTS. It seems logical that the estrogen effect of these product on male infants can have widespread and long term effects on males. MOM READ FIRST before you given your child, especially your male child, a daily continues phytoestrogen dose.
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