drink wholesome makes the best soy-free meal replacement shakes.
Written by Jack Schrupp & endorsed by Baylee Reller, RDN
What is soy?
Soy is undeniably one of the most controversial foods out there. On one hand, soybeans are an affordable, protein-rich legume that boasts a low cholesterol and saturated fat content. They are also packed with fiber, iron, calcium, and known for being one of only a few complete plant proteins, providing all nine essential amino acids that our bodies cannot synthesize.
On the flip side, soy raises a complex set of concerns. It is a common allergen, linked to adverse side effects, and the poster child for genetically modified crops that raise environmental and health issues. Here is a summary of the top four reasons to be wary of soy:
- Soy ranks is one of the the “Big 8” allergens, responsible for a whopping 90 percent of all food allergies.
- Soy contains isoflavones, a type of plant estrogen resembling human estrogen. Isoflavones can bind to estrogen receptors in the body, potentially leading to weak estrogenic or anti-estrogenic effects. Some research suggests this can cause an increased risk of chronic diseases such as breast cancer.
- Soy, the largest source of protein for animal feed, is also second only to beef in causing global deforestation and soil erosion.
- Soy is indisputably one of the most heavily genetically modified (GM) crops. While there is nothing inherently wrong with GM crops, many of them are engineered to withstand direct application of herbicides and pesticides. This raises the likelihood of chemical usage in food production and, subsequently, chemical residues in your food. According to the US Department of Agriculture, over 90 percent of soybeans grown in the US are genetically engineered to resist a herbicide called Roundup. As a result, most GM soybeans contain substantial residues of glyphosate, the primary Roundup ingredient classified as a probable human carcinogen.
