Is tofu and soy bad for you?!
Answers:
Soy is very good for you. It's rich in isoflavins which protect against cancer. Soy protein stimulates the increase of thyroid hormones which reduce the bad cholesterol levels in the blood. Soy has been linked to some thyroid problems such as goiter development, but this is dependent on the level of iodine in the body (and diet), so it is really iodine which is the problem as with sufficient iodine soy intake shows a protective effect against the same problems.
The only negative effects of general soy consumption I'm aware of come from feeding it to infants as formula, which may increase the risk of some thyroid problems but the research which showed this is not particularly reliable.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles…
http://jn.nutrition.org/content/125/3_Su…
Well, if you're on the fence about soy, try just eating some beans. =3 Beans are very, very good for you, and they are an excellent lean protein.
As for tofu and other unfermented soys, I think they should only be eaten in moderation. The fermented soys - miso, natto, and tempeh - can be eated as often as beans. You can also make bacon out of tempeh.
Vegan
My understanding is that if you don't have a thyroid issue, you're fine, especially if you stick to tofu, tempeh and miso, as they're made from the whole soybean. I did some research a couple of years ago when somebody told me the phytoestrogens in soy were OMG BAD FOR YOOOOU. Turns out there'd have to be a *much* higher level of them in soy to have any measurable effect. Your doctor's just paranoid.
Vegan with a dairy allergy.
Soy should only cause thyroid problems if you already have thyroid issues. That said, moderation is key as with any type of food. You can get protein from other sources, such as quinoa (a chewy grain that you can use for pretty much anything from hot cereal to side dishes).
You can use nut milks instead of soy milk--I prefer almond, but there are hazelnut, hemp, and even coconut milks available now.
That is what I have heard. I don't think anyone really knows. Just eat what grows out of the ground naturally and you should be fine.
Too much soy isn't good for your stomach. It can give you really bad stomach cramps. There are other ways of getting your daily protein. Eat beans and nuts. Also try eating fish that's high in omega-3s :)
Just like any other food, they're fine in moderation. As long as you're not eating them excessively, you'll be fine.