The controversy over SOY continues.  SOY seems to have benefits and dangers. Two sites that present detailed information are: http://goaskalice.columbia.edu/what-are-benefits-soy and http://www.utne.com/2007-07-01/Science-Technology/The-Dark-Side-of-Soy.aspx

Addition information related to hexane, which is used to extract protein from the soy, is in a report by the Cornucopia Institute. Hexane is used to extract oil from grains as well as protein from soy, to such an extent that in 2007, grain processors were responsible for more than two-thirds of hexane emissions in the United States. The report also pointed out that the hexane can persist in the final food product created; in a sample of processed soy, the oil contained 10 ppm, the meal 21 ppm and the grits 14 ppm hexane. The adverse health effects seem specific to n-hexane; they are much reduced or absent for other isomers. Therefore, the food oil extraction industry, which relied heavily on hexane, has been considering switching to other solvents, including isohexane.

Since soy is high in Omega 6’s we need to be careful to balance the amount we get with the Omega3’s. Dr. Weil explains it well. http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/QAA400149/balancing-omega-3-and-omega-6.html

Soy also has phytates which inhibit the absorption of minerals. This site helps explain it. http://suite101.com/article/phytates-friend-or-foe-a89737

Phytoestrogens are contained in soy. These are just as controversial as soy itself. The pros and cons are addressed at this site: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3074428/

Lastly, is the GMO (genetically modified) soybeans. This is another controversial topic. I will address this in a future blog. However, you might want to take a look at this site which explains how to genetically modify a seed.  http://www.popsci.com/science/article/2011-01/life-cycle-genetically-modified-seed