Soy: Is it Healthy or Not?

Soy is one of those food that’s always in the news.  First it’s good for you, then it’s bad for you, then it’s good for you again.  So which is it?

The answer to that depends on what kind of soy, how much soy, and what else you’re eating.  Here are some answers to common questions about soy.

What soy products are healthiest?

Whole soybeans, or products made from whole soybeans, offer the most health benefits and least risk.  As with most foods, the less processed, the better!  Aim to get your soy fix from edamame (whole soybeans), soy milk (buy the kind that has “whole soybeans” near the top of the ingredients list) and tofu.  Other foods with soy derivatives — like protein bars, fake meat, some veggie burgers, some cereals and snack foods — are highly processed and have so much other stuff added to them that they are no longer healthy.

What is soy protein isolate?

Soy protein isolate is a soy derivative that’s often used to make meatless “meats,” protein bars, and some protein shakes and smoothies. It’s also added to many packaged, processed foods. lt’s these processed soy products that have been linked to undesirable health outcomes. Limit your intake of processed soy-containing foods. (These are not really good for you anyway).

How much soy is OK?

Health experts suggest that 1-2 servings of whole soy per day is healthy for most people, especially if it’s used as an alternative to fatty meat or other animal protein.  This amount may also help to reduce the risk of heart disease.

Is it worth buying organic soy?

Most soybeans grown in the United States – about 85 percent – are genetically modified.  While we don’t know exactly how this affects our health, I personally would rather not offer myself as a guinea pig.  So I recommend buying organic soybeans, which are not genetically modified, and have been grown without the use of pesticides or other toxic chemicals.

Is soy milk healthier than cow’s milk?

Milk is healthy primarily because of it’s naturally-occurring protein and calcium content.  Soy milk also has protein (6-7g per cup, as opposed to 9-10g per cup of skim cow’s milk) and is fortified with calcium, so it’s a healthy choice for those who can’t have dairy.  If you do choose to drink soy milk, buy the unsweetened variety or one that’s lower in sugar (5 grams or less per serving).  Here is a chart of milk vs. milk alternatives so you can compare all the options.

Does soy increase the risk of breast cancer?

In short: no.  The science here is mixed, as some studies have concluded that soy is beneficial for preventing breast cancer, while others have shown a relationship between eating lots of (processed) soy and an increased risk.  One thing is for sure though – eating whole soy foods instead of processed or fatty meats, is a healthy choice.  As with anything, eat real, whole soy products, and do so as part of a diet rich in fruits and vegetables.

If you have other soy questions, leave a comment with your question and I’ll add the answer to this list!