Good Soy or Bad Soy
Vegans and health enthusiasts depend on soy consumption for their protein supply, but more and more people are recognizing the hazards of soy over its benefits. First, take a look at soy-based infant formula, which is an alternative for babies who cannot tolerate animal milk. Apparently, a recent study showed evidence that these soy-based formulas for infants actually contributed to low immune systems, and thus more frequent infections and diseases among babies given this type of formula.
The Proceedings of the National Academy of Science published an article in May 2002 to question the real deal about soy. In an experiment, researchers injected test mice with soy daidzein and isoflavones and the result was decreased thymic weight, or shrinking of the thymus gland. What is the relevance of this? The thymus gland has a lot to do with immune system responses, and if it atrophies or shrinks, it means, it won’t be able to do a good job of protecting the infant from diseases or infections. In fact, Naomi Baumslag, a Clinical professor of Pediatrics at the Georgetown University Medical College, encourages parents to breastfeed instead of resorting to soy-based infant formulas.
Clinical Professor of Pediatrics at Georgetown University Medical College, Naomi Baumslag, an expert on breast feeding, explains numerous reasons for parents to avoid soy infant formula: According to the professor, soy contains excessive amounts of phytoestrogens, manganese, lectins, enzyme inhibitors and phytic acid. These substances can also be found in legumes and grains which are frequently eaten in third world countries where wheat and rice are too expensive. These substances block zinc and iron absorption, so the effect is malnutrition and disorders caused by nutrient deficiencies.
