• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
The VGN Way
  • SEARCH
  • ABOUT US
  • PRESS
  • Privacy Policy
  • VEGAN GLUTEN FREE FOOD GUIDE
  • FAQs
  • INSTAGRAM
  • HOME
  • Easy Vegan Comfort Food Recipes
  • Modern Footer
  • Work With The Vgn Way
  • The Vgn Way Vegan Gluten-Free Web Stories
  • DISCLOSURE
  • Subscribe
  • Instagram Featured Recipes
  • Recipe Index
  • Modern Sidebar
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipe Index
  • Easter Recipes
  • Resources
  • Comfort Food
  • About Us
  • Atlanta Vegan Restaurants
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipe Index
    • Easter Recipes
    • Resources
    • Comfort Food
    • About Us
    • Atlanta Vegan Restaurants
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    The VGN Way » Vegan Gluten-Free Lifestyle Resources

    Is Soy Protein Good Or Bad For You?

    Published: Apr 7, 2020 · Modified: Apr 30, 2021 by Tywana Ishman,MS, RD,LD · This post may contain affiliate links ·

    Sharing is caring!

    0 shares
    Soy Just The Facts
    Different forms of soy include: edamame (featured above), tofu, soy milk, meat substitutes, miso, tempeh, textured soy protein - teaspoon and soy sauce

    Soy What?

    Soy or soya beans and its derivatives have been staples in many food cultures for centuries. Soy has played a role in nearly every vegetarian or vegan diet in some form before the current meatless meals movement became mainstream. However, in recent years, soy’s reputation has come under scrutiny, deemed by some as a contributor to several modern medical controversies.

    Soy products do contain phytoestrogens, which are compounds that have chemical structures and functions similar to estrogen. The most widely studied types may be found in edible plants and soy has an abundance of a particular phytoestrogen, called isoflavones. For that reason, theory based population studies have made it possible to suggest beneficial effects for postmenopausal women and people potentially affected by heart disease, bone disease, and breast and prostate cancers. Unfortunately, there is also so much publicized conflicting information due to a lack of well designed studies that consider influencing factors and the length of the observation time to make evidence based recommendations. 

    Soy is used worldwide as animal feed and has led to monocrop agricultural practices, the proliferation of genetically modified organisms to enhance its hardiness, and changes to our ecology and plant and wildlife habitats. Also, the prevalence of food allergies appears to be on the rise. According to the National Institutes of Health: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, five percent of children and four percent of adults in the United States are affected by some food allergy. Soy is among the top eight foods that cause allergic reactions. 

    But, but, but … it is also worth mentioning that soy has various commercial uses that show up in our everyday lives, as well: fuel, construction materials, paints, auto parts, candles, plant based cleaning products, apparel, footwear, and more.

    But, What About the Food Though?

    Although soy has received a bad rap in modern times, it has been a jack of all trades in foodland for centuries. Think of everything we get from this humble plant - a versatile protein source that comes in different textures and moisture contents. It takes on any flavor you command. Let’s not forget to mention the oils, chips, meat and milk alternatives, fermented products, soy sauce, amino acid preparations that we use to create various flavor and interest in meals. Did you know that one cup of tofu provides 18 grams of protein, nine grams of fat, and three grams of carbs? As for vitamins and minerals: calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, B vitamins, beta carotene and more. 

    Soy is very much a part of our modern day lives, but it’s up to you to determine how large its role will be. In our opinion, it’s best to incorporate a variety of foods in your diet so that you're not consuming too much of any one or two things. Too much of anything, even kale, is not the business.

    Check out some of our favorite soy/tofu recipes:

    • TOFU SCRAMBLE
    • SESAME SWEET LIME TOFU WITH RICE
    • TOFU CHIK’N NUGGETS
    • SOY FREE CHICKPEA TOFU

    Be sure to check out more of our plant-based dinner recipes.

    What questions do you have? Leave us your questions/comments below or on Instagram at #thevgnway.

    Live Love and Eat Good Food!

    The Vgn Way

    Resources:

    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4270274/

    https://www.niaid.nih.gov/diseases-conditions/food-allergy

    https://www.worldwildlife.org/industries/soy

    https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/339354/nutrients

    Uses for Soybeans

    More Vegan Gluten-Free Lifestyle Resources

    • Healthy Vegan Air-Fryer Recipes
    • Beyond Steak Review
    • Califia Farms Dairy-Free Heavy Whip Review
    • Las Vegas Vegan Travel Guide

    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, we're Nija & Shad! Thank you, for visiting The Vgn Way (the vegan way)! No matter how you spell it. We’ve made it our mission to make this site a great place to share delicious, simple, plant-based, vegan & gluten-free recipes with you.

    More about me →

    Healthy Vegan Recipes

    • Spicy Kale Wrap Salad
    • Oven Roasted Sheet Pan Portobello Mushroom Fajitas (Vegan + Gluten-Free)
    • 50+ Easy Gluten Free Vegan Lunch Ideas For Work Or School
    • Healthy Vegan Air-Fryer Recipes
    • Vegan Stuffed Bell Peppers (Air-Fryer & Oven Baked)
    • Loaded Hummus
    • Vegan Lemon Blueberry Muffins
    • High Protein Chickpea Waffles (Vegan & Gluten-Free)

    Vegan Comort & Soul Food

    • Vegan Soul Food Recipes
    • Easy Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Bread (Southern Style)
    • Black-Eyed Pea Hummus
    • Crispy Gluten-Free Cornbread Crackers
    • Lemon Pepper Cauliflower Wings
    • Buffalo Cauliflower Sandwich

    Trending Recipes

    • 75+ Of The Best Trader Joe's Vegan And Gluten-Free Products [Printable PDF]
    • List Of Gluten-Free Potato Chips (Crisps)
    • 10 Easy JUST Egg Recipes Ideas
    • Just Egg Quiche
    • Easy Gluten-Free Vegan Biscuits
    • How To Cook Fonio (Plus Recipes)

    Vegan Gluten-free Grocery List

    Trader Joe's Haul And Free Grocery List

    Trader Joe's One Week Vegan Gluten-Free Meal Plan

    Trader Joe's One Week Meal Plan

    Footer

    ^ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • About Nija & Shad
    • Featured In
    • Disclosure

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Collaborate

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2020 Brunch Pro Theme