Byron J. Richards, CCN See book keywords and concepts |
Soy protein is potentially problematic, especially if a person is consuming soy protein drinks. It may lower thyroid function in many individuals. Pay attention, if a person likes soy protein but is getting tired and not losing weight it may be problematic. On the other hand, if soy protein is not getting in the way of progress then it may not be a problem.
Rule 4 becomes even more important the older a person becomes. This is because there is less ability to tolerate stress. A poor breakfast adds to the wear and tear of the body and induces an unstable energy level before the day is over. |
Bottom Line Health See book keywords and concepts |
| The Japanese consume an average of 11 g of soy protein per day per person—and the rate of heart disease in Japan is among the lowest in the world. (Americans consume an average of 2 g of soy per day.) How soy helps...
• soy protein lowers LDL ("bad") cholesterol by 4% to 5%—more when it is used as a substitute for red meat or other dietary sources of saturated fat. soy protein may increase the activity of cellular receptors, which "trap" LDL and take it out of circulation.
•Soy is rich in isoflavones, a class of chemical compounds that act like weaker versions of the hormone estrogen. |
Mike Adams, the Health Ranger See article keywords and concepts |
Brown rice protein also doesn't have the controversy currently surrounding soy protein, even though I personally think soy protein is an outstanding protein source, and I eat it every single day. For people who want to stay away from soy protein because of some things they're reading in the press, rice protein is a highly recommended source.
Note that with the addition of the rice protein, you're now covering three macronutrient groups in this food bar. With the almonds you have the fats and the healthy oils. With the dates and the agave nectar, you have the complex carbohydrates. |
Dr. Steven R. Gundry See book keywords and concepts |
Soy protein powder A vegetarian alternative to protein or whey powders, soy protein powder can be used in shakes and smoothies. Be sure to select a product without any added sugars, such as Twinlab's VegeFuel.
Stevia Unlike artificial no-calorie sweeteners, stevia is a natural product, an herb about 300 times sweeter than sugar. Although it gets bitter when exposed to heat, stevia can be used to sweeten smoothies and other uncooked foods. You'll find it in packets, boxes, or convenient sprinkle-top containers in any natural foods store and in some well-stocked grocery stores. |
Ron Garner See book keywords and concepts |
A final indignity to the original soybean is high-temperature, high-pressure extrusion processing of soy protein isolate to produce textured vegetable protein (tvp). ... Nitrites, which are potent carcinogens, are formed during spray drying, and a toxin called lysinoalanine is formed during alkaline processing. Numerous artificial flavorings, particularly msg, are added to soy protein isolate and textured vegetable protein products to mask their strong "beany" taste, and impart the flavor of meat. |
Mike Adams, the Health Ranger See article keywords and concepts |
Brown rice protein also doesn't have the controversy currently surrounding soy protein, even though I personally think soy protein is an outstanding protein source, and I eat it every single day. For people who want to stay away from soy protein because of some things they're reading in the press, rice protein is a highly recommended source.
Note that with the addition of the rice protein, you're now covering three macronutrient groups in this food bar. With the almonds you have the fats and the healthy oils. With the dates and the agave nectar, you have the complex carbohydrates. |
Mehmet C. Oz., M.D. and Michael F. Roizen, M.D. See book keywords and concepts |
Foods with soy protein. Getting 25 grams a day of soy protein in foods like tofu and other soybean products decreases your bad LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
þ Stanols and sterols. Good plant cholesterol in foods like the spread Benecol or Take Control helps your arterial health by displacing the lousy cholesterol in your arteries.
þ Dark chocolate. Recent studies show that eating dark chocolate may lower blood pressure as effectively as the most common antihypertensive medications and may increase HDL cholesterol and lower LDL cholesterol. |
Jonny Bowden, Ph.D., C.N.S. See book keywords and concepts |
And a recent article on soy protein infant formula by the Journal of Pediatrics, Gastroenterology and Nutrition suggested that soy protein formula had no nutritional advantage over cows' milk protein and that the "high concentrations of phytate, aluminum and phytoestrogens (isoflavones) ... might have untoward effects."
FDA Reconsidering Its Position on Soy
The universal acceptance of all things soy may be showing signs of cracking, even among the establishment organizations. |
Bottom Line Health See book keywords and concepts |
| Soy protein lowers LDL ("bad") cholesterol by 4% to 5%—more when it is used as a substitute for red meat or other dietary sources of saturated fat. soy protein may increase the activity of cellular receptors, which "trap" LDL and take it out of circulation.
•Soy is rich in isoflavones, a class of chemical compounds that act like weaker versions of the hormone estrogen. Isoflavones, known as phytoestrogens, enhance the ability of arteries to relax and/or dilate, improving blood flow. This is true for men and women.
•Soy lowers blood pressure by as much as 15 points, according to some studies. |
Jonny Bowden, Ph.D., C.N.S. See book keywords and concepts |
In research on soy protein, there is some evidence that the isoflavones may be responsible for helping to ease menopause symptoms. soy protein and isoflavones such as those found in tempeh may possibly reduce the risk of heart disease and sonic cancers. Tempeh also contains saponins, health-promoting components of vegetables and legumes with strong biological activity, including acting as natural antibiotics. There is some suspicion that saponins may have cancer-protective or cancer-fighting activity. |
| And a recent article on soy protein infant formula by the Journal of Pediatrics, Gastroenterology and Nutrition suggested that soy protein formula had no nutritional advantage over cows' milk protein and that the "high concentrations of phytate, aluminum and phytoestrogens (isoflavones) ... might have untoward effects."
FDA Reconsidering Its Position on Soy
The universal acceptance of all things soy may be showing signs of cracking, even among the establishment organizations. |
Gabriel Cousens See book keywords and concepts |
Stefano Guandalini, Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago, writes, "A significant number of children with cow's milk protein intolerance develop soy protein intolerance when soy milk is used in dietary management." Interestingly enough, researchers recently detected and identified a soy protein component that cross reacts with caseins from cow's milk. Cross reactions occur when foods are chemically related to each other.
Matthias Besler of Hamburg, Germany, and an international team of allergy specialists report on the website www.allergens. |
Jonny Bowden, Ph.D., C.N.S. See book keywords and concepts |
In research on soy protein, there is some evidence that the isoflavones may be responsible for helping to ease menopause symptoms. soy protein and isoflavones such as those found in tempeh may possibly reduce the risk of heart disease and sonic cancers. Tempeh also contains saponins, health-promoting components of vegetables and legumes with strong biological activity, including acting as natural antibiotics. There is some suspicion that saponins may have cancer-protective or cancer-fighting activity. |
Gabriel Cousens See book keywords and concepts |
In 1976, researchers learned that the fetus is capable of producing IgE antibodies against soy protein during early gestation and newborns can be sensitized through the breast milk of the mother and later react to foods they've "never eaten." As Dr. Stefano Guandalini, Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago, writes, "A significant number of children with cow's milk protein intolerance develop soy protein intolerance when soy milk is used in dietary management. |
Bottom Line Health See book keywords and concepts |
| How soy helps...
• soy protein lowers LDL ("bad") cholesterol by 4% to 5%—more when it is used as a substitute for red meat or other dietary sources of saturated fat. soy protein may increase the activity of cellular receptors, which "trap" LDL and take it out of circulation.
•Soy is rich in isoflavones, a class of chemical compounds that act like weaker versions of the hormone estrogen. Isoflavones, known as phytoestrogens, enhance the ability of arteries to relax and/or dilate, improving blood flow. This is true for men and women. |
Brenda Watson and Leonard Smith See book keywords and concepts |
Uncultured soy products, which include texturized vegetable protein (TVP), isolated soy protein, soy protein isolates, soy milk, soy flour, soy nuts, and edamame bean, pose a digestive challenge for some people. Soy that has been fermented or broken down by beneficial bacteria (similar to how cabbage becomes sauerkraut, or milk becomes yogurt) is the least challenging to people's digestion. These forms include tempeh, miso, and natto, which are superior to other forms of soy. |
Michael Friedman, ND See book keywords and concepts |
The animal study findings indicate soy protein consumption might be capable of generating a thyroid hormone profile similar to that found in low T3 syndrome and ESS; in other words, soy protein consumption might cause a shift in thyroid hormone profiles toward unchanged or increased T4 and rT3 at the expense of T3 production. Human data with respect to the possible influence of soy products on peripheral conversion is currently lacking. |
| Findings also indicated T3 was higher among casein-fed animals and lower among animals fed an equivalent amount of soy protein concentrate. soy protein consumption also was found to contribute to age-related alterations in thyroid hormone in animals. These alterations included a decline in T4, fT4, T3, and 2,3'-T2 and an increase in rT3. |
| In animal experiments soy protein elevated plasma T4 concentrations.129430 This may have been due to an increased glandular production of thyroid hormones or to an elevation of T4 subsequent to inhibition of the peripheral conversion of T4 to T3. Considering the latter, evidence has demonstrated that consumption by animals of roasted soy beans can result in reduced plasma T3, possibly because of an effect on peripheral T4 deiodination.131 Findings also indicated T3 was higher among casein-fed animals and lower among animals fed an equivalent amount of soy protein concentrate. |
Byron J. Richards See book keywords and concepts |
These women were willing to eat ill-tasting unnaturally prepared soy protein because they were tricked into believing it would reduce their risk of cancer or heart disease.
The truth is that soy protein may induce digestive damage, interfere with thyroid function, and confuse sex-hormone signaling systems. And there is as much data stating that it causes breast cancer as reduces breast cancer. Ninety percent of the soy grown in the U.S. is now genetically modified food. We do not know what the GMO phytoestrogens contained in soy will do when they interact with human breast tissue. |
Michael Friedman, ND See book keywords and concepts |
Potter SM, PertileJ, Berber-Jimenez MD. soy protein concentrate and isolated soy protein similarly lower blood serum cholesterol but differently affect thyroid hormones in hamsters. J Nutr 1996;126:2007-11.
131. Rumsey TS, Elsasser TH, Kahl S. Roasted soybeans and an estrogenic growth promoter affect the thyroid status of beef steers. J Nutr 1997;127:352-58.
132. Mitsuma T, Ito Y, HirookaY, et al. The effectsof soybean diet on thyroid hormone and thyrotropin levels in aging rats. Endocr Regul 1998;32:183-86.
133. Duncan AM, Merz BE, Xu X, et al. |
Tori Hudson, N.D. See book keywords and concepts |
New research states consuming 25 grams of soy protein (containing 50 mg of isoflavonoids) daily for five weeks may decrease systolic blood pressure by nearly 6 percent.114
There are many other positive soy studies, too numerous to list here, but to be fair, let's talk about those soy studies that have not showed lipid-lowering effects. A recent study looked at daily soy consumption in the form of a 50-mg isoflavone bar and found no significant change in lipids, except an increase in HDL, when consumed for eight weeks. |
Kevin Trudeau See book keywords and concepts |
Really the only kind of flour you want to see is organic wheat flour or organic other types of grain flour, such as rye, millet, etc.
14. soy protein Isolate
This is a common ingredient in protein shakes and protein or food bars. Stay away from this. You will virtually never see organic soy protein isolate. The reason is that in the processing of soy protein isolate, hexane is often used, which is a petroleum solvent similar to gasoline. Certainly these chemicals, or residues of these chemicals, remain in the food, but they are never listed on the label. |
Tori Hudson, N.D. See book keywords and concepts |
For some women, and this has been borne out in some studies, soy protein and soy isoflavones can be helpful in reducing the frequency and severity of hot flashes. For the specifics in regard to bone effects and cardiovascular effects, please refer to the osteoporosis and heart disease chapters.
If you choose to increase soy foods or take soy beverages, powders, or supplements, a word about dosages and addressing some of the highly publicized controversies about soy is important. |
| New research states that consuming about 25 grams per day of soy protein can decrease blood pressure.114'122-124
Good Carbs, Bad Carbs. It seems we all love carbohydrates. Complex carbohydrates, such as found in brown rice, whole wheat, rye, oats, barley, millet, whole fruits, and vegetables are high in borh fiber and vitamin content and therefore the preferred form of carbohydrates. Refined carbohydrates, on the other hand, must be placed in the group of unhealthy foods. Sugar, a refined carbohydrate, is a significant factor in the development of atherosclerosis. |
David W. Grotto, RD, LDN See book keywords and concepts |
Whey protein contains the highest concentration of branched chain amino acids (BCAAs), which are the building blocks for muscle repair and development, compared with egg, milk, and soy protein. The non-denatured forms (uncooked) have high amounts of the amino acid cysteine, which, in turn, produces a cell protector called glutathione.
Home Remedies
Both Hippocrates and Galen valued whey protein and recommended it to their patients. "Whey cure" baths were the rage in Switzerland in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries and a popular society event. |
Elson M. Haas, M.D. See book keywords and concepts |
Soy protein may contain a small level of nitrites formed in processing, and these could generate carcinogenic nitro-samines. soy protein is not a complete food and should not be consumed exclusively. Diet powders usually have added amino acids and vitamins and minerals. Consult a doctor or nutritionist for weight-loss programs with soy protein. In general, moderate amounts of the soy protein isolates are safe.
Soy sauce—hydrolyzed and fermented soybeans. This is a salty food flavoring prepared by acid hydrolysis and mold fermentation of soybeans. Usually, the Aspergillus mold species are used. |
Byron J. Richards, CCN See book keywords and concepts |
Pay attention, if a person likes soy protein but is getting tired and not losing weight it may be problematic. On the other hand, if soy protein is not getting in the way of progress then it may not be a problem.
Rule 4 becomes even more important the older a person becomes. This is because there is less ability to tolerate stress. A poor breakfast adds to the wear and tear of the body and induces an unstable energy level before the day is over. |
Bill Sardi See book keywords and concepts |
This is very puzzling, given the fact that the American Heart Association says the inclusion of soy protein foods as part of an otherwise healthy diet is well justified. Good for the heart but unclear for breast health. [Endocrinology 1:293-311, 2002]
Another report says: "Of current concern is the effect of phytoestrogen compounds on the growth of pre-existing breast tumors. |
Jonathan V. Wright, M.D. and Alan R. Gaby, M.D. See book keywords and concepts |
Let's see—much more fish, chicken, turkey, less beef and pork, add some soy protein, no milk or dairy except maybe a little cheese later on, eat those eggs . . . and you didn't mention it yet, but on the 'positive' side, lots of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains—and eliminate sugar, white flour, and food chemicals."
"Excellent summary, and you're right, I should have emphasized the vegetables, fruits, and whole grains first. I also should mention other foods which lower cholesterol. In addition to soy protein, garlic, onions, oat bran, carrots, and alfalfa sprouts are all beneficial. |