You have supporters and opponents of soy. My opinion?
The great soy debate
If there is much debate about anything, it is about soy products. Are they healthy or not? The answer to that question is nuanced. In fact, it depends on who eats it and what products you choose.
Not suitable for whom?
You can allergic for it. In that case, of course, soy is always a must.
In addition, some people are sensitive to certain substances in soy that can affect your brain and immune system. With autism, ADHD, ADD, immune problems and chronic fatigue syndrome, your symptoms may increase if you eat soy. This is caused by 'soy morphine', a substance covered by the exorphins. A lot of research is currently being conducted into how these substances work. Not everyone reacts to them in the same way.
At certain thyroid diseases it is also better not to eat large quantities. Certain substances in soy (goitrogens) are said to be not so good for people with Hashimoto's thyroid disease, for example.
How soy affects your hormone balance is also different for each person and depends on your gut flora and hormonal balance. It contains phytoestrogens and some people have bacteria that can convert this substance while others do not. Some women with menopause symptoms benefit from eating it while some men who are deficient in its counterpart testosterone actually have problems.
In short, we are all different and when it comes to nutritional advice, customisation is essential.
Who is it suitable for?
If you are not allergic, not sensitive to exorphins and do not have thyroid disease, what about it?
For vegans soya can be a nice addition because of the proteins it contains. In fact, its biological value is very high . With other plant sources, as a vegan you have to combine proteins (such as grains and legumes) to get the same utilisability of your protein.
In the health world, people talk a lot about the substance phytic acid in soy. This substance is said to make minerals less well absorbed by the body. On the other hand, phytic acid also has positive properties and is even used in some detoxification products.
Genetically modified soya
Then there is the discussion about genetically modified version. In the Netherlands, it mainly concerns 'non-organic' used as animal feed, but in countries like America, this 'genetically modified version' is just in the shops. In the Netherlands, manufacturers are obliged to mention it on the packaging if genetically modified raw materials have been used.
To make it all a little more complicated, it is also important how the soybeans have been processed. This way fermentation of soy or processing with the help of bacteria change its composition and effect. This causes a kind of pre-digestion, so to speak, which breaks down some of the substances and renders them ineffective (such as phytic acid and goitrogens ). This in turn creates a different effect on the eater.
My advice: if you do not digest, tolerate soy optimally and get symptoms from it, it is a must. If not, eat it in moderation in a varied diet.
Ir. Ralph Moorman
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