What is soy and how is it useful? This question interests almost everyone. What is this connected with? The fact is that recently more and more of the mentioned ingredient has been added to our usual food products. Thus, it began to gradually replace meat, as well as other components.
So what is soy and how is it beneficial? Photos of this product and its features will be presented below.
How do they use it?
Soybean - what is it and what properties do the fruits in question have? Their unique properties allow the production of a wide range of different products.
Before we tell you why soy is harmful, we should tell you that it is very often used as an inexpensive substitute for meat and dairy products. These legumes are also included in feed for farm animals.
Soybean genetics
The genetic history of soybeans begins on January 14, 2010. It was on this day that an article on the soybean genome was published in the journal Nature. Scientists were able to determine the DNA sequence of the plant genome and found many genes capable of encoding proteins.
Fact: Soybeans contain 46,430 protein-coding genes. This figure is 70% higher than that of Tal's rhizome (plant precursor to soybean).
Soybeans are one of many crops that have undergone genetic modification. It is genetically modified, and not plant-based, soy that is now included in most food products. Scientists who discovered the amazing properties of genes gradually began to introduce the food product into everyday use, providing the public with new information about the quality, safety and benefits of using soybeans.
In 2006, 92% of all US acreage was sown with this plant component. Imports grew at warp speed, but the world was only able to partially accept the genetically modified product. People were afraid of the GMO acronym, protested against artificial products and boycotted manufacturers.
Agronomists have benefited from genetically modified soybeans. Such a product is much easier, faster and cheaper to grow. The price of the plant, however, remained stable.
Research and development continues to this day. Some countries are moving away from soy and are using special IP certification to track the supply of the traditionally grown plant ingredient. Manufacturers undertake to provide information about the organic or genetic origin of the components included in the composition. Unfortunately, many manufacturers have begun to speculate on the term “organic”, and the modern consumer does not pay attention to bright inscriptions and labels, but simply carefully studies the composition.
Possible risks associated with the consumption of genetically modified products
There are 2 main categories of risk: food and environmental.
Nutritional risks
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Frequent and long-term consumption of genetically modified foods leads to a decrease in the protective function of the immune system. The transgenic protein can cause an allergic reaction and act as a stimulating allergen for other infections and pathologies.
Scientists note that people who consume artificial products are less susceptible to antibiotics. Decreased susceptibility complicates the treatment process. With soy, specific marker genes enter the body, which block the medicine, reduce its effectiveness and can lead to human death. Artificial products accumulate herbicides and increase the risk of developing cancer pathologies.
Product benefits
What properties does soy have? The benefits and harms (to health) of this product are the subject of frequent debate among many experts. Moreover, most of them consider such fruits to be unique in a number of respects.
Scientists have found that the product in question contains a huge amount of genestein, phytic acid and isoflavonoids. They have an effect that is similar to the action of such a female sex hormone as estrogen. This feature of soybean determines its some healing properties, namely the ability to reduce the risk of cancer.
It should also be noted that phytic acid suppresses the development of benign and malignant tumors, and genestein is a unique substance that slows down the growth of cancer tumors.
Soy benefits and harms for women
Soy isoflavones have a beneficial effect on the female body with the help of natural components similar in action to sex hormones. These components do an excellent job of reducing night sweats and hot flashes. Therefore, the benefits of soy for women during menopause are beyond doubt. During the period of changes in the activity of the sex glands, representatives of the fairer sex are strongly recommended to introduce soy-based products into their regular diet. Such products include soy milk. One glass of this product, drunk per day, supplies the female body with the daily requirement of useful elements.
But pregnant women are strictly not recommended to eat soy. The harm of soy to women's health is due to the fact that its consumption can negatively affect pregnancy. There is another danger in soy products: soy isoflavones can develop an allergic reaction to their components in the unborn baby. Therefore, during pregnancy you should avoid eating certain products of this kind.
Basic properties
Soybean - what is it and what are its properties? Soy products that have been obtained by fermentation are very often included in the daily diet of both adults and adolescents. Such dishes are used not only as a preventive measure, but also for the treatment of diathesis, diabetes, various types of allergic reactions, urolithiasis and cholelithiasis. Moreover, soy is indicated for diseases of the cardiovascular system and liver.
Not long ago, experts discovered that the product in question contains lecithin, acetylcholine and phosphatidylcholine. These substances effectively restore and reconstruct brain cells and nervous tissue, and also have a beneficial effect on learning, thinking abilities and memory.
It should also be said that all of the above-mentioned elements play an important role in supporting the sexual function and reproductive system of a person. In addition, they restore strength after mental and moral stress, and also support the patient’s motor activity.
What else is the product in question useful for? Lecithin, which is part of it, is able to control cholesterol levels in the blood, enhance the metabolism of adipose tissue and participate in other metabolic processes of the body. This component also inhibits tissue degradation and the aging process, reduces signs of arteriosclerosis, treats amnesia, muscle dystrophy and glaucoma.
Soy isoflavones: benefits and harms
Soybeans are a storehouse of valuable nutrients. It is an excellent substitute for animal products. After all, this plant contains a wonderful substitute for animal protein. Therefore, eating soy is recommended not only for vegetarians, but also for people who are allergic to lactose and animal proteins.
Soy is especially popular among vegetarians. This product contains about 40% proteins. Therefore, it is an excellent substitute for fish and meat. Soybeans are widely used to make pasta, chocolate, cheese, etc.
Soybeans easily cope with burning fat deposits in the largest gland of the human body - the liver. They contain lecithin, which helps improve fat metabolism. Soy itself is low in calories. At the same time, it saturates the human body very quickly, which helps people feel full for a long time.
Why is soy harmful in foods?
In addition to the impressive list of beneficial properties of the product in question, it also has a large number of harmful qualities. By the way, the latter can easily negate all the benefits of its use in the daily diet.
Most soy products available in the local market are hazardous foods. The only exception is food that was obtained through fermentation.
The most dangerous is genetically modified soybean. Experts say that such an ingredient is contaminated with herbicide residues and does not contribute at all to maintaining normal health.
Soy sauce - benefits
The aromatic liquid has an overall positive effect on the body, prevents the premature appearance of wrinkles, maintains vigor, and relieves nervous tension. Women will appreciate its properties during menstruation; in addition, soy sauce relieves pain, relieves unpleasant symptoms during menopause and cholecystitis. Phytoestrogens and healthy vitamins help representatives of the charming sex remain young and beautiful for a long time.
The invaluable benefit of soy sauce is that the tasty seasoning contains niacin, which has a beneficial effect on heart function. This chemical regulates the fat content in the bloodstream, promoting the production of good cholesterol. Isoleucine is useful for the liver, improving its function, and a low percentage of carbohydrates will help normalize weight.
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How does it affect human health?
In the course of numerous studies, experts have found that regular consumption of soy products causes the development of gastrointestinal diseases, thyroid dysfunction, diseases of the immune system, disorders of reproductive function and cognitive abilities, as well as infertility, heart problems and even cancer.
Here are some of the consequences that have been associated with frequent consumption of soy and soy products:
- mammary cancer;
- stones in the kidneys;
- brain damage;
- food allergies (serious forms);
- disturbances in the functioning of the thyroid gland;
- diseases of the immune system;
- sexual dysfunction in women.
It should also be noted that American scientists found that among those members of the stronger sex who consumed soy products 3 times a week for a long time, the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease increased almost 2 times. Also, the abuse of this food often led to weakening of memory, a decrease in brain mass and disruption of thought processes.
What are the benefits of soybean
Soybean is a legume plant that grows in East Asia. Its grains are used to make soy milk, tofu, miso paste, sauces and many other products. These products are quite nutritious. They are in demand among vegetarians, as they help saturate the body with protein of non-animal origin.
Soy products contain the following beneficial substances:
- Proteins. Soy is not as rich in protein as meat or eggs. However, this product contains more protein than many other types of plant foods. Soy products are not recommended to be processed at high temperatures as this reduces the quality of the proteins.
- Polyunsaturated fatty acids. These substances help lower total cholesterol levels. However, it has not yet been proven that consuming soy reduces the risk of heart disease.
- Calcium. This microelement is necessary to strengthen bones. It reduces the likelihood of osteoporosis.
- Isoflavones. These compounds are natural estrogens. They act like natural female hormones. Isoflavones help reduce hot flashes during menopause.
Experts believe that fermented soy products such as miso, tempeh, natto and some types of tofu are the most beneficial. During their preparation, soybeans are broken down and become more easily digestible. In addition, fermented foods are natural probiotics.
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Negative impact on humans
As mentioned above, soy contains phytic acid. Its excessive intake into the body helps to block the full absorption of zinc, calcium, iron and magnesium. In addition, using soy products, scientists have learned to control the birth rate of laboratory animals. The fact is that in large quantities, phytoestrogen can suppress the reproductive function of the body and significantly reduce its ability to conceive.
It should also be noted that many manufacturers add soy to infant formula. This often leads to early puberty in girls and developmental (physical) disorders in boys. In this regard, the introduction of soy products into baby food is completely unacceptable.
Are the harms of soy exaggerated?
You can often hear opinions about the dangers of soy products. However, nutritionists believe that the dangers of soy are exaggerated.
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The following harmful properties are usually attributed to soy foods:
- Ability to cause hypothyroidism. Soy products do affect thyroid function. But they can only cause harm if there is iodine deficiency in the body. Therefore, in eastern countries, seaweed is always consumed along with soybeans. However, if you already have problems with the thyroid gland, then it is better to exclude soy products from the menu.
- Increased risk of Alzheimer's disease. This pathology has a complex origin; it is based on the death of neurons. The harmful effects of soy phytoestrogens on brain cells have not been proven by science.
- The ability to provoke the appearance of stones in the kidneys and bladder. Soy is rich in vegetable protein. Excessive consumption of such food can cause urolithiasis. However, this applies to any type of protein food, not just soy products.
We can conclude that the harm of soy has not been proven. However, this does not mean that this product can be eaten in unlimited quantities. If you completely switch to a soy diet, your body will suffer from a deficiency of nutrients. Soy protein is not as rich in micronutrients as milk or meat protein.
For gastritis
People suffering from gastrointestinal diseases are forced to adhere to a strict diet. The list of products for them is limited as much as possible by specialists. Is soy sauce good for this? It all depends on the quality: natural in moderate doses is not at all harmful, which cannot be said about its fake “brother”. Seasoning made unscrupulously can aggravate symptoms, developing intolerable pain and obesity.
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You need to choose soy sauce for gastritis as carefully as possible:
- When examining the ingredients on the label, you should ensure that the product is produced through natural fermentation.
- There should not be any GMOs or harmful additives inside, and the contents of the container may be slightly transparent and viscous. A glass bottle will help you quickly verify this.
