Dr. Mercola March 26 2005 2,064 views
Usually, men are at a higher risk than women of developing cardiovascular disease; however, once women go through menopause, their risk of cardiovascular disease increases to that of men.
Since it is known that postmenopausal women are at high risk of cardiovascular disease, researchers set out to learn if soy protein could lower that risk. Specifically, researchers hoped to discover if soy isoflavones (which exert weak estrogenic activity in the body and are structurally similar to estrogens) would positively alter blood lipid concentrations and if phytate (a chemical occurring in plants, capable of combining with calcium, zinc, iron, and other nutrients and interfering with their absorption by the body) would decrease oxidative stress indexes.
The study was a six-week double-blind study that involved 55 postmenopausal women, aged 47-72. Subjects were randomly assigned to one of four soy protein isolate treatments:
Beginning two weeks before the study and continuing through, subjects were required to avoid all supplements, as well as foods that were phytate-rich (cereals, legumes and nuts) and isoflavone-rich (primarily legumes) during the intervention. They were given 40-gram packets of soy protein they could use to make smoothies or add to their daily meals.
Results of the study directly contradicted that of previous studies: Researchers found that there was no considerable, beneficial effect of isoflavones or phytate in reducing oxidative damage or favorably changing blood lipids in postmenopausal women. Also, total and HDL cholesterol levels weren't much different between normal- and low-isoflavone groups either.
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition March 2005;81(3):590-596
It's not surprising to see additional studies tearing down the long-standing myth that soy is a "health" food. Regular visitors of this site are well aware of the dangers of soy, and are also aware that fermented soy products, like miso, tempeh and natto are actually okay. In fact they actually do decrease heart disease, but NOT because of the phytoestrogen element, only because they contain vitamin K2 which actually causes calcium to not be deposited in the blood vessel cell walls.
Non-fermented soy products contain phytic acid, which contains anti-nutritive properties. Phytic acid binds with certain nutrients, including iron, to inhibit their absorption.
When soybeans are fermented into products like natto or tempeh, this effect of phytic acid is blunted. The fermentation also creates probiotics-- that increase the quantity, availability, digestibility and assimilation of nutrients in the body. The fermentation process actually pre-digests the soy for you so most of the negative side effects of soy are eliminated. This would include problems such as:
And while I have run many articles that extensively explain the problems with non-fermented soy, one of the most well referenced books to date that effectively destroys the soy myth has just recently been published: Dr. Kaayla Daniel's The Whole Soy Story. This book will provide you with all the history and science of why soy is not what it has been cracked up to be.
Dr. Daniel's groundbreaking book reveals the truth about the soy myths that have infiltrated our culture. In it, you'll learn that soy:
The Whole Soy Story is an ideal book to read if you are considering using soy as a treatment or preventive measure for menopause-related issues, as well as osteoporosis, cancer, heart disease or any other condition. The information it contains is invaluable and something you won't find anywhere else.
For further information, please review these recent articles and studies I've posted that indeed show how regular consumption of processed soy products can actually be harmful to your health:
The amount of the soy isoflavone genistein, a chemical found in commercial soy formulas, may inhibits the intestinal growth of babies.
The soy industry may be responsible for suppressing research that links soy consumption to cancer.
Soy-based foods are no good as a hormone replacement for women.
Related Articles:
Think Soy is Healthy? Here's Why it's Not as Good as You Think The Truth About Soy Soy Supplements can Decrease Sexual Behavior
Think Soy is Healthy? Here's Why it's Not as Good as You Think
The Truth About Soy
Soy Supplements can Decrease Sexual Behavior