Tofu and soy-based products are considered staple foods in a plant-based diet. Not only are soybeans, tofu, and tempeh free from artery-clogging, saturated animal fat, their highly absorbable protein and calcium content rivals animal flesh pound for pound. Soymilk has a similar amount of protein and calcium, compared to cow’s milk, but lacks the naturally occurring cholesterol, animal fat and estrogen (as well as the blood and pus cells found in nearly all cow’s milk).
Despite the fact that soy is a protein-dense, calcium-rich, amino acid-packed, nutritional powerhouse – that has been enjoyed globally by healthy populations for millennia – misconceptions around its consumption have been spreading and encouraging unfounded fears. Why is this happening? Because the unprecedented surge in the popularity of veganism and plant-based diets that is occurring is perceived as a direct threat to the bottom line of the (massively profitable and powerful) animal agriculture industry. Though many companies like Tyson, Maple Leaf and Con Agra are diversifying and coming up with their own plant-based food lines to accommodate consumer trends and stay competitive, others continue to dig in their heels and rally against this unstoppable trajectory in the only way that they can – through disingenuous propaganda. This is their last ditch attempt to toe the (old) line and create confusion for as long as they can get away with it. Let’s bust the biggest myths:
Myth #1: “Soy contains estrogen and causes hormone imbalances.” – Let us not conflate estrogen with phytoestrogen. According to Holly Wilson, MD: “While soy does not contain estrogen, animal foods do. Many consumers are aware that animals used for meat and dairy are commonly supplemented with synthetic growth hormones, but what they don’t consider is that animal flesh and cow milk also contain their own naturally occurring estrogen – and this is true even of grass-fed and organic animals.” Dairy is where 60-80 percent of the actual estrogen in human diets comes from – from pregnant or recently pregnant, massive one-ton bovines!
Myth #2: “Soy causes cancer.” – The isoflavones found in soy do not have the estrogenic effect of inducing tumor growth. In fact, soy isoflavones have demonstrated a protective benefit against hormone-dependent cancers.” – Holly Wilson, MD Myth #3: “Most soy products are GMO.” What is true in that statement is that 81 percent of the global soybean crop is genetically modified, but approximately 85 percent of all GMO soybeans end up in farmed animal feed. Of the soy directly consumed by humans, non-GMO soy foods such as tofu, tempeh and soymilk are widely available in stores that offer soy products, and they are clearly labeled non-GMO.
In summation, unless you have an actual soy allergy or have experienced a negative reaction to the consumption of soy, you can happily eat it and smile. :)