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The Dangers of GMO Soy and Soy Allergies
Author : Ann Barnes, Be a Better Being Category : Nutrition
As a vegetarian for over 20 years I have until recently relied on Soy for my veggie protein source. But, like anything in life, the devil is in the detail. Soy is used in most processed foods and fast foods. You may be eating it without you eve knowing it. But soy is a common allergy and if often misdiagnosed. Symptoms can include breathing difficulties, a drop in blood pressure or shock, which may result in loss of consciousness and even death. A person experiencing an allergic reaction may have any of the following symptoms:
- Flushed face, hives or a rash, red and itchy skin
- Swelling of the eyes, face, lips, throat and tongue
- Trouble breathing, speaking or swallowing
- Anxiety, distress, faintness, paleness, sense of doom, weakness
- Cramps, diarrhea, vomiting
- A drop in blood pressure, rapid heart beat, loss of consciousness
If you are eating soy it is REALLY important to eat non-GMO soy as recent long term research on hampsters (soon to be published) has identified GMO (genetically modified) Soy consumption as a high risk factor in infant mortality and sterility.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jeffrey-smith/genetically-modified-soy_b_544575.html
Additionally, try to avoid soy and soy products that are not made in North America as many overseas soy processors use aluminum drums to process the soy which is then transferred to the food.
Other names for soy
- Edamame
- Kinako
- Kouridofu
- Miso
- Mono-diglyceride
- Natto
- Nimame
- Okara
- Soya, soja, soybean, soyabeans
- Soy protein (isolate/concentrate), vegetable protein
- Tempeh
- Textured soy flour (TSF), textured soy protein (TSP), textured vegetable protein (TVP)
- Tofu (soybean curds)
- Yuba
Make sure you read product labels carefully to avoid products that contain soy and soy derivatives. Avoid food and products that do not have an ingredient list and read labels every time you shop.
Also, there are many foods and ingredients that may have soy as their base. Sometimes it does not list what it is made from (i.e Lecithin). Some foods to be wary of:
Possible sources of soy include:
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baby formula
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baked goods and baking mixes (including bread, cookies, cake mixes, doughnuts, or pancakes)
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bean sprouts
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bread crumbs, cereals, or crackers
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breaded foods
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canned tuna
-
chewing gum
-
cooking spray, margarine, and vegetable shortening/oil
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dressings, gravies, and marinades
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frozen desserts
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hydrolyzed plant protein (HPP), hydrolyzed soy protein (HSP), or hydrolyzed vegetable protein (HVP), which may contain soy, wheat, corn, or peanut as the source of protein
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lecithin, a food additive that acts to emulsify foods or keep them from spoiling. Lecithin can be made from eggs, egg yolk, soybeans, or corn. When reading a food label, it is often not stated what the lecithin is made from, therefore, it is important to call the manufacturer to be sure. If you are not sure about a product, it is safer not to consume it.
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monosodium glutamate (MSG)
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sauces (soy, teriyaki, or Worcestershire)
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seafood based products
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seasonings, spices
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snack foods (candy, chocolate, fudge, popcorn, or potato chips)
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soups, broths, soup mixes, stews, or stock
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soybean oil (highly refined soybean oil is considered safe because it contains no soy protein; however, it may be best to avoid all types of soy oil, especially if it is a main ingredient, because of the possibility of soy proteins being present)
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spreads, dips, mayonnaise, or peanut butter
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vegetarian dishes
Like anything, source the best stuff to eat and know how and where it is made. When eating soy, know how much you are consuming by reading the labels, be aware of any allergic responses and ensure that you are eating good quality non-GMO soy.
A great line of soy to watch for is Sol Cuisine as they grow locally in Canada, are organic and are non-GMO. Their products are also fabulous tasting!!!! Thanks Sol Cuisine for being so conscientious! http://www.solcuisine.com
Ann Barnes, author of the wellness book: "BETTER BEING", provides simple answers for clean and balanced living.
Ann left her fast-paced legal career to pursue her love of nutrition and easy healthy-home cooking. She leads an organic, vegan and gluten free lifestyle.
Join her at: www.beabetterbeing.com for wellness tips and facts, fun contests and great whole food recipes!
