We have been led to believe that soy is a health food. However, contained in the United States Food and Drug Administrations Poisonous Plant Database, which contains references to the scientific literature describing studies of the toxic properties and effects of plants and plant parts, under soy there are 288 records. The deleterious effects soy has on our bodies are caused by several different substances -- we’re going to go over just a few.
One of the substances contained in soybeans is goitrogens. These are naturally occurring and interfere with the function of the thyroid gland. Goitrogens get their name from the term “goiter,” which means enlargement of the thyroid gland. Other foods that contain goitrogens include: broccoli, cabbage, mustard, peanuts, turnips, brussel sprouts, and others. However, unlike soy, the goitrogens in these foods are easily neutralized by cooking or fermentation. Heat, pressure or alkaline solutions will neither deactivate nor remove goitrogens from soy. They are virtually in all soy foods, with the highest concentration being in products that are not fermented like tofu and soy sauce.
Another nasty substance found in soy that can inflict damage upon your body is phytoestrogens. Isoflavones are examples of phytoestrogens and are in many plants, with the highest concentration being in soy beans. Phytoestrogens, although not hormones, are very similar and can bind to estrogen receptor sites and have been shown to cause negative effects.
Phytoestrogens' ability to decrease testosterone has been shown in several studies. In fact, as long ago as 164 BC, monks included tofu in their diet as an aid to spiritual enlightenment and abstinence. They found the more tofu they consumed, the lower their libido.
A LETTER WRITTEN BY SCIENTIST TO THE FDA CONCERNING SOY’S HEALTH BENEFITS
