Soy Myths Debunked

Defining GMO Vs. Non-GMO

GMOs, or “genetically modified organisms,” are plants or animals with DNA that has been tweaked by genetic engineering. GMO foods were created to help reduce the chance of crops failing, assisting plants in growing with enhanced nutrition and resistance to diseases.

It also has allowed for more efficient use of land and kept food prices from rising exorbitantly. The issue in the limelight with GMO foods is whether or not it harms our agriculture and health in the long run.

Since the safety of eating GMO foods has not been verified, more Americans opt for non-GMO foods, because not only may non-GMO foods be safer, they are also tastier and more nutritious.

Why Non-GMO is More Nutritious

Researchers believe that when non-GMO fruits and vegetables grow in natural conditions with greater stress, they develop higher nutritional content, which can be found in the following foods:

1. Organic strawberries taste better and are more nutritious. They even have a higher amount of vitamin C and antioxidant activity compared to conventionally grown strawberries.
2. Non-GMO soy has been found to have 12-14% more amounts of cancer-fighting isoflavones (phytoestrogens).
3. Canola (rapeseed) has a higher amount of vitamin A and E and fat composition compared to genetically modified canola.
4. Organic tomatoes are sweeter and have higher vitamin C levels and antioxidant compounds, such as lycopene.

Choosing Non-GMO Soy

Almased, the low-glycemic high-protein diet is comprised of three ingredients; one main ingredient is non-GMO soy.

In Almased’s latest research, results show that Almased has no significant impact on sex hormones such as testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, as well as thyroid hormones and cortisol even when consumed three times per day.

Moreover, previous research showed that Almased did not affect the hormones of women in remission from (negative type progesterone/estrogen receptor) breast cancer. In fact, after using Almased for weight loss, the women surveyed stated that they have a better mood and overall quality of life. In a five-year follow-up, the women remained cancer-free.

To help you separate fact from fiction, here are some of the popular soy myths debunked:

1. All Soy in the U.S. Is Genetically Modified (GMO)

While the majority of soybeans grown in the US are genetically modified (93%), there is a small percentage that is non-GMO, such as the soy in Almased. Genetic engineering helps to introduce new characteristics to crops so that those crops become more resistant to herbicides, therefore making it easier for farmers to control weeds.

If you would like to avoid GMO soy products, look for the terms “non-GMO” or “organic” on the label. Certified organic products are not allowed to use genetically modified ingredients (excluding water and salt).

2. Soy Causes Breast Cancer

Soy is the most abundant source of isoflavones, which are phytoestrogens, capable of having estrogen-like effects. Breast cancer is one of the main concerns when it comes to soy and its hormonal impact on the body.

However, according to current research, the consumption of soy doesn’t show a link to breast cancer; actually, it shows a protective association. Researchers state that it is OK to eat moderate amounts of soy.

Isoflavones also have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that benefit your overall health. There is still more research needed to be more explicit about the safety of soy for breast cancer survivors.

3. Soy Inhibits Thyroid Function

Research has found that neither soy foods nor isoflavones affect thyroid function in healthy men or women. For people with hypothyroidism, soy-like many other herbs, drugs, fiber & calcium supplements – may increase the amount of thyroid medication because it may interfere with the absorption of the medicine.

However, it is not necessary for thyroid patients (except for infants with congenital hypothyroidism) to forego soy products. It is recommended to take medication on an empty stomach and wait about 30-60 min with food consumption after taking it.

4. Unfermented Soy Is Bad for you

For a lot of people, fermented soy is an acceptable form of soy to consume and considered to be a healthier option. Traditional Asian cultures are often referred to support this statement.

However, Asian countries consume mostly unfermented soy, e.g., tofu and soy milk. While fermentation may improve mineral absorption and may create other potentially beneficial compounds, there is little evidence that these foods are superior to unfermented ones.

5. Soy Causes Feminizing Effects in Men

While individual cases of changes in sex hormones in men consuming soy have been reported, these men consumed extremely high doses of soy (3 quarts of soymilk per day, e.g.), and the effects reversed when the soy intake discontinued.

In reality, clinical studies in men show that isoflavones don’t affect testosterone levels or circulating estrogen levels. Even at isoflavone levels significantly higher than those of a typical Asian male consuming a soy-rich diet, isoflavones have not been found to have feminizing effects.

What about the effects of soy on men?

Because soy contains phytoestrogens, men may worry about including it in their diet. However, studies do not indicate that soy negatively impacts the production of testosterone in men.

Men can rest easy knowing the phytoestrogens in soy are not estrogens – only animal products contain estrogens, while soy contains none.

Soy Protein

Unlike most plant proteins, soy contains all the nine essential amino acids, providing a complete source of dietary protein. Soy is also a rich source of various vitamins, minerals, and beneficial plant compounds.