Part of the legume family, soybeans are an east versus west controversy. Originally from China, 5,000 years ago, it has been used as a form of food and medication. In comparison, the United States, which was introduced to the plant in the early 1800’s, is relatively new. As such, the reaction to soy in both cultures is vastly different.
These beans scientifically known as glycine max is an extremely nutritious and cheap source of protein making it a staple around the globe of many today.[1]
As with most things too much of a good thing can be bad. Soybeans contain a decent amount of oxalates with is naturally found in living organisms unfortunately when the body has too much of this substance it can crystalize. Then there is also the cancer scare, “no phytonutrient in soy has received more widespread attention than genistein—an isoflavone that has been extensively studied in relationship to cancer risk.”[2] The main concern that has been going around along with others with regard to the extensive nutrients the bean is so chock full of.
“Soybeans also offer many unique nutrients less familiar to most people. In some cases, the health benefits of these nutrients are only beginning to be understood by researchers.” [2]
Besides the questionable aspects that are being researched there are also historical uses of the bean holistically. It is also known as the ‘meat of the field’ due to its high protein in comparison to other vegetables and fruits making it an excellent meat substitute.
Soya is believed to help minimize illnesses such as lowering cholesterol, slow down tumor growth, stifle menopausal symptoms, suppresses appetite and more. Though there haven’t been any conclusive studies to verify these claims. These beliefs are due to the amount of nutrients the soybean is loaded with including, molybdenum, copper, manganese, phosphorous, protein, iron, omega-3 fats, fiber, vitamin B2, magnesium, vitamin K and potassium to only name a few. These nutrients and others that reside in the bean have those beneficial effects on the body.
Soy comes in many different forms such as processed, oil, whole food and fermented. The best way to get the full benefits of soy is to ingest it in whole food or fermented form. “Unfortunately, in the United States, we seldom consume soybeans in their whole natural form (either fresh or dried). Instead, we process soybeans…” [2]
Due to how the U.S. ingests soybeans the full nutritional value of the bean isn’t utilized since people from the western culture didn’t digest the bean in its whole form nor in its fermented. Westerners also don’t receive the full nutritional value from the beans because it isn’t metabolized the same way it is by those in the Asian culture. It makes sense since culturally soy has only been introduced to western society recently and hasn’t been that intricately used in a useful way. While soy has been eaten for generations in its most useful form in the eastern culture.
The pros and cons to soy can continue as long as the holistic medicine and western medicine battle continues. In the end, different remedies work for different people and works negatively for others. The best way to decide to for extensive research and a discussion with your general practitioner.
[1] soybean | plant | Britannica.com. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.britannica.com/plant/soybean
[2] Soybeans. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice...
