Experts Finally Recognize The Dangers With Soy

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Experts Finally Recognize The Dangers With Soy

 

The Nutrition Committee of the American Heart Association has examined

decades' worth of studies on the health benefits of soy, and has found

little evidence that soy-based foods and supplements significantly

lower cholesterol, as has sometimes been claimed.

 

Potential Labeling Change

 

These findings could result in the FDA changing rules which currently

allow companies which produce soy-based foods to advertise a

cholesterol-lowering benefit on the label.

 

No Benefits

 

While a very large amount of soy protein might lower LDL ( " bad " )

cholesterol by a few percentage points, there were no observed

benefits with regard to HDL ( " good " ) cholesterol, triglycerides,

lipoprotein, or blood pressure. The benefits of soy supplements to

cardiovascular health are therefore likely " minimal at best " .

 

Circulation January 17, 2006

 

Baking Business.com January 23, 2006

 

News January 22, 2006

 

Dr. Mercola's Comment:

 

Considering the growing number of studies regarding the harm you can

do to your body by eating non-fermented soy, it's not completely

surprising that the conventional medical establishment may finally be

getting it ...

 

In addition to the complete lack of benefits with regard to

cholesterol, the AHA review also found that, contrary to some popular

myths:

 

* Soy isoflavones don't prevent various forms of cancer (prostate,

breast or uterine).

* Neither soy protein nor soy isoflavones are useful in limiting

menopause-related symptoms.

* The jury remains out on any soy-related benefits in treating

osteoporosis.

 

A telling quote by a noted cardiologist that speaks volumes about

soy's true worth: " If [patients] are radically altering their diet,

where they're only eating soy in the hopes that this is going to bring

their cholesterol down, they're deluding themselves. "

 

In fact, non-fermented soy products contain a number of potentially

health-disrupting " anti-nutrients " , such as phytic acid. You would be

wisest to avoid any such foods, which include:

 

* Tofu

* Soy milk

* Soy hot dogs and other " meatless " products made with soy or

textured vegetable protein (TVP), which is usually soy based

* Soy yogurt and ice cream

* Soy protein

 

The fermentation process, however, drastically decreases the levels of

the dangerous components of soy, and also aids in liberating otherwise

difficult to digest nutrients in the soybean, making them more

available for absorption.

 

Fermented soy products (such as miso, soy sauce, natto, and tempeh)

are therefore safe to eat. However, don't expect " miracle cures " for

your cholesterol even from safe soy foods and can certainly be part of

a healthy diet.

 

If you really want to lower your cholesterol levels, there are two

primary strategies that work well over 99 percent of the time if

properly implemented. They are:

 

* Daily cardiovascular exercise

* Low grain diet

 

A healthy food plan with little to no grains and sugars will

effectively lower insulin levels, as elevated insulin levels are one

of the primary drivers for raising cholesterol.

 

And just as important is exercising regularly. The key to exercising

effectively is to keep in mind three important variables: length of

time, frequency and intensity. I encourage my patients to gradually

increase the amount of time they are exercising to 60 to 90 minutes a

day. Initially the frequency is daily.

 

This is a treatment dose until you normalize their weight or insulin

levels. Once normalized, you will only need to exercise three to four

times a week.

 

Also, you should exercise hard enough so that it is difficult to talk

to someone next to you. When you are exercising that hard your

cardiovascular system is under such a significant amount of stress

that the mere act of talking makes you unable to provide your body

with enough oxygen.

 

However, if you cannot carry on a conversation AT ALL, then you have

gone too far and need to decrease the intensity.

 

 

 

Related Articles:

 

Soy-Bean Crisis

 

Soy: Is it Healthy or is it Harmful?

 

Think Soy is Healthy? Here?s Why it?s Not as Good as You Think