edamame?

[RoundTuit]

So I know that soy is not great for you, what about edamame soybeans. I just love them, but I'm curious if anyone knows how they rate on the "good for you" scale?

Kim

I finally got a "round tuit"! [8D]

[gillmings]

I really think it depends a lot on the person. Also, there's a lot of controversy about soy, but I think most of the bad press is about certain aspects and misconceptions and not a true picture. I believe there are a lot of benefits to soy, personally, and I wish I liked edamame, because it's supposed to be one of the more beneficial ways to eat soy.

From what I gather, certain forms of soy are nutritionally worthless because it's too hard for our bodies to digest and assimilate properly (like soy flour and many of the protein powders). Many of the problems, too, are associated with GMO soybeans and the use of lots of pesticides, which buying organic fixes. There are also many reports of problems with soy oil, which, again, is an isolated part of the soybean that probably shouldn't BE isolated.

There are, however, reports of many good properties of soy. One misconception is the hormone factor. People get stuck on the fact that it contains phytoestrogens, so therefore think it's bad. What many don't understand is that is GOOD. Unlike animal estrogens (including human), phytoestrogens take the fast, safe route to the estrogen receptors and attach, blocking the less healthy estrogens that take the slow path. This is part of what accounts for the good benefits studied regarding the successful use of soy products for menopause symptom relief.

Also, many people are allergic to soy, as it is one of the most common allergens, which could also be related to some of the things that have been done with it which aren't so healthy. My mom and I have both been treated with NAET for soy, so I use healthy forms and don't worry about it. I think some people also avoid it out of hand because of some of the strict Blood Type rules in the book, but I think everyone has to find out for themselves. Yes, people with thyroid issues can have problems with soy -- depending on the forms they're eating and the amounts. But I also think some people who assume they have thyroid problems don't, and even if they do, it doesn't mean it's the type that soy aggravates.

Anyway, that's my opinion. I've been studying it for years because of my own concerns and I HATE it when mainstream media tries to report on something they don't know anything about. I've read a lot, and focused on the findings of experts whom I already trust, so I pay more attention to what they have to say about it. Soy can cause problems, but I think it gets an undeserved bad rap most of the time.

Personally, I won't use soybean oil or dry soy products. We love organic tofu now that we've learned to use it in yummy ways and it replaces many animal products in our diet. I also use tempeh and natural tamari and some soy cheeze and milk, as well as edamame when my daughter's in the mood for it! And when I'm out of eggs, I use a heaping Tablespoon of soy flour and a T of water in the recipe to get the job done.

I say try the edamame. At worst, it's got to be better than most snack foods out there!

-Moyne

"She is too fond of books, and it has addled her brain." -Louisa May Alcott

[RoundTuit]

Good points, Moyne. I think they are probably ok, being that they are in their most natural state, basically a GM food. So I'm thinking that if I am moderate, add some to my salads occasionally, it should be fine.

I was just curious what others thought.

Kim

I finally got a "round tuit"! [8D]

[abzoeh]

I'm not in the soy-hating club so I say go for it. I eat edamame all the time, also eat soy nuts, those are YUMMO and I don't find they affect my diet negatively at all.

Just keep Tapping...just keep Tapping...

Ally

[MistyRainbow]

I just posted this in another thread ... my friend and I have a theory about soy. We think that all these American abberations (like soy milk, isolated soy protein, tvp) are must worse than the traditional Asian uses (like miso, tempeh and tofu ... organic of course for me!) I think this bears out in what you're saying Moyne, in a more simplified way! And I eat 4:9

I have verified hypothyroidism and am on synthroid. They warn you not to eat soy flour w/in four hours of taking the medication, so I apply that to any soy product.

Not sure what I think of edamame. I like them but stopped eating them when dx w/the thyroid issues b/c, for me, the potential to eat way too much is greater with the edamame than with tofu, tempeh or even miso.

Signed,
Misty


((I'm still walkin', so I'm sure that I can dance.))