Protein
Click for Photo Credits
Do you remember building things as a kid? Did you use Lego’s, regular wooden blocks, or both? Some of you may have built really tall model buildings using just wooden blocks while others could never get them to balance and preferred Lego’s. Maybe some of you liked the look of both!
This idea that some building material works better for some than others is similar to how the human structure is built. Proteins are the basic building block that helps our bodies form muscles, skin and hair, but the amount and type varies from person to person. Because of our bio-individuality, experiment with reducing or increasing your protein intake and trying different sources, and figuring out which makes you feel your best.
Most Americans eat too much protein, but some, especially O blood types and men, need more protein-rich foods. One person might feel lighter and clearer when they reduce animal protein, but another might experience low energy. If you are not sure what kind of builder you are, experiment with different types of protein to find what works for you. What type of protein—animal, beans or soy products, works best for you?
——————————
Soy can be a confusing, almost controversial food in the nutrition world. Health food stores carry it, but that doesn’t always mean it’s good for you. Soybeans are a great source of protein, but they are also difficult to digest because most forms are highly processed. Many vegetarians rely too heavily on this food for protein and consume large quantities. Soy milk, soy dogs, tofu and others can be tasty, but eat them in moderation and experiment with other protein-rich foods.
Instead of tofu with your stir-fry every night, try edamame (the whole soybean), which is easier to assimilate than other soy products. A lot of the soy products available are hard to digest because they are made from highly processed soy isolates instead of using the whole food. Try experimenting with traditional and fermented forms of soy products like tempeh and miso. Most traditional soy products were actually fermented. This process helps digestion by starting to breakdown the food before it enters your mouth.
Tofu is a non fermented traditional way for eating soy, but it was always consumed as a small side dish, not as the main feature of a meal.
Most people do not realize that soy, second to wheat, is one of the most common allergens. Research shows that genistein (a chemical found in soy), may damage fertility, especially in men. Some suggest that soy isoflavones may increase estrogen activity for women and decrease negative menopausal symptoms, but others link estrogen activity to a higher chance of developing breast cancer. These varying results suggest that the jury is still out. So check in with your own body. How does it react to soy?
