Soy

Soy is everywhere and in so many processed foods. Protein bars, smoothies, yogurt, burgers, pizza, pretzels, cheeses, and milk. Many have chosen to drink soy milk daily. It has become a staple in some homes.

“Soy is nature’s only plant source with all eight essential amino acids and a denser source of protein than any other bean. It’s low in cholesterol and saturated fat, high in fiber, calcium, magnesium and VitaminB6.” * It is loaded with the good stuff.

However, it also has a high level of phytoestrogens. This may sound positive, but this does present some challenges. How much is too much for a female and male body, especially a young one? The hormone balances in the body are delicate and critical for ones health. Over stimulated or under fed hormonal systems can play havoc with many bodily functions. Moms, you experience this every month. The question is, how much soy is enough to contribute to your health and how much is too much?

Nancy Clark, R.D. recommends two or three servings a day.* For an adult, who lives in a larger body, this is her good advice. We would suggest you limit that to one serving for a child. On the day more is consumed, cut back on the following day.

For parents who do not want to serve their children cow’s milk, calcium-enriched rice and almond milks are good alternatives. Also try goat’s milk, yogurt and cheeses. Serving soy milk and other soy foods every day is probably not the best idea.

Lean toward buying organic as so much soy food is now genetically modified and mass produced with commercial farming methods.

Follow these recommendations and reap the maximum health benefits of the soy bean.

* Over-Soyed?”, RUNNERSWORLD.COM, March 2007, p.36.