Possible link between Tofu and Dementia

[Petals]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/talking_point/7490202.stm

I knew it!  Something that tastes so blecky cannot possibly be good for you!   

[Jimbob]

Go to your pantry, folks.  You eat soy in so many products (where it makes absolutely no culinary sense) it's not funny.  My step-father is allergic to soy, and there are so few foods he can buy it's terrible. 

A cursory view in our kitchen found it in:

Hershey's chocolate
alfredo sauce
mayo
Miracle Whip
Starkist white albacore tuna packed in water
brownie & cookie mixes
canned soups
canned chili beans
Ranch Style Beans
trail mix
some cereals

We don't buy tv dinners, but it's in practically all of them.
It's in most baby formula, as well.

Basically, if it's processed in the least, you should assume it has soy until you read the ingredient list.  You'll find fewer surprises with that assumption.

I think the story is once again one of moderation.  Soy has both pros and cons.  The problem, istm, is that people who eat overall in moderation can become "soy gluttons" without ever knowing it because of its ubiquitous presence.  Just try to avoid soy for even a day and see just how difficult it really is.  Eat out once that day and see what happens, too.

[Jimbob]

http://www.onbahamas.com/blog/view/id_2081/title_the-soy-conspiracy/

[Bon Voyage]

Maybe it is those with pre-dementia that like the taste of soy products like tofu?

[memmy]

Lots of controversy surrounding this claim.

Faults in the argument against soy:
BIAS: Using only research that supports one point of view while ignoring studies that contradict it.

OVERGENERALIZATION: Assuming that the results of a small number of limited studies is directly applicable to all human beings.

LEAPS OF LOGIC: Drawing conclusions unrelated to the goals or methods of particular research studies.

FALLACY: Making assumptions about the relationship between two pieces of information without testing that relationship (correlation does not equal causation).

Who is the voice against soy?

There is just a huge amount of information and misinformation floating around on the internet about the supposed dangers of soy. The loudest anti-soy voices are coming mostly from a close-knit group associated with promoting the nutritional agenda of the Weston A. Price Foundation (WAPF). Sally Fallon, Kaayla T. Daniel, Mary Enig, Julia Ross and Joseph Mercola are all members of the board at WAPF, or honorary members.

The WAPF was founded by the early 20th century dentist Dr. Weston Price, who traveled around the world to research the diets of populations who enjoyed the greatest longevity. Today the foundation promotes a nutrition agenda based solely on "nutrient-dense whole foods and the vital fat-soluble activators found exclusively in animal fats.

[Jimbob]

In the link I posted, the Dr. stated what I'd stated before I found the link:  all things in moderation, and be aware that you're getting far more than you think.

She also pointed out the difference between the more basic/natural soy/tofu in the far east and the heavily processed stuff in American processed foods. 

[memmy]

I'd be more concerned about "heavily processed stuff in American processed foods", than soy itself.

[Imabear]

I first read the article that trueblue posted.  The writer admits that there are many unknowns and research is ongoing.  The author really didn't come to any firm conclusions, just some speculation.

It seems much of the concern is about estrogen like substances present in soy.  I've been reading a lot about this topic lately, because I recently was thrown into surgical menopause.  The thinking on estrogen replacement has been going through volatile change over the past few years.   Currently the thinking is that estrogen supplementation is beneficial for women like me.  Estrogen helps prevent cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and a few other diseases, along with all the usual menopausal symptoms, but should only be taken short term.  The negative effects occur when women continue to take estrogen into their 60's and older. 

There is much uncertainty about the effects of the estrogen-like substances present in soy products.  The article memmy posted claimed that they are very weak.  Unless there is an allergy or thyroid problem, moderate consumption seems to be safe.  Soy is of questionable benefit for those going through 'the change'.  I have chosen to add some soy to my diet, not in huge quantities, but I do snack on roasted soy nuts and eat an occasional Boca burger. :)

Oh, There was a claim in one of the articles about soy milk products, it's true, the products I've looked at have an extremely high sugar content.  Avoid them like the plague. 

[Bon Voyage]

I believe soy is a cheap garbage food meant for animal food.  My family doesn't eat a whole lot of processed foods and I don't use straight vegetable oil.  I try to avoid soy and soy products for my family as much as possible.

[Bon Voyage]

I believe soy is a cheap garbage food meant for animal food.  My family doesn't eat a whole lot of processed foods and I don't use straight vegetable oil.  I try to avoid soy and soy products for my family as much as possible.

Forgot to mention my wife has thyroid problems.  There can be issues with soy and thyroid medication.

[Petals]

I wrote another topic in this section asking about soy allergies, but no one replied.  I, too, have an allergy to soy and it's in so many foods that it is nearly impossible to avoid.  It's rare that anyone actually dies from a soy allergy, but I keep an epi-pen handy, just in case.   

[Bon Voyage]

I believe soy is a cheap garbage food meant for animal food.  My family doesn't eat a whole lot of processed foods and I don't use straight vegetable oil.  I try to avoid soy and soy products for my family as much as possible.

Forgot to mention my wife has thyroid problems.  There can be issues with soy and thyroid medication.

My wife has had problems digesting milk products with lactaid not helping much due to her pregnancy.  Like I mentioned before she is also on medication for hypothyroidism.  She bought some Silk to have some cereal this past week.  It inhibited the medication from working.  STAY AWAY from soy products if you have a thyroid problem.  My opinion is that folks are better staying away from soy as much as possible.

This link is about the dangers of soy and the thyroid:

http://thyroid.about.com/cs/soyinfo/a/soy.htm

[56Michael76]

I have a food  intolerance to soy and cancer took out my thyroid nearly 8 years ago.  So yeah, I'm not worrying and I'm happy!

[Petals]

Michael, did you develop your intolerance to soy BEFORE or AFTER your thyroid surgery?  I'm curious, because my problem developed after I was hospitalized for three days and had ultrasound tests and a CT scan.