Nexus - 0403 - New Times Magazine-pages

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high temperatures to produce high-protein powder. This is a protects against diabetes; it is needed for [immunity and for] a highly refined product in which both vitamin and protein quality healthy reproductive system."! are compromised, but some trypsin inhibitors remain, even after Literature extolling soy products tends to minimise the role of such extreme refining! Trypsin inhibitor content of soy protein zinc in human physiology and to gloss over the deleterious effect isolate can vary as much as fivefold. In rats, even low-level tran- of diets high in phytic acid.' sit-inhibitor soy protein isolate feeding results in reduced weight- "Only a long period of fermentation will significantly reduce gain compared to controls.® the phytate content of soybeans. Thus-fermented products such as "Soy product producers are not required to state trypsin tempeh and miso provide nourishment that is easily assimilated; inhibitor content on labels, nor even to meet minimum standards; but the nutritional value of tofu and bean curd, both high in phy- and the public, trained to avoid dietary cholesterol, a substance tates, is questionable. Asian and oriental children who do not get vital for normal growth and metabolism, has never heard of the enough meat and fish products to counteract the effect of a high potent anti-nutrients found in cholesterol-free soy products.’ phytate diet, frequently suffer rickets, stunting and other growth "Along with trypsin inhibitors, these formulas have a high phy- problems." tate content. Use of soy formula has caused zinc deficiency in "Scientists are in general agreement that grain- and legume- infants.* Aluminum content of soy formu- based diets high in phytates contribute to wide- las is 10 times greater than milk-based for- spread mineral deficiencies in third world mula, and 100 times greater than countries.'° Analysis shows that calcium, mag- unprocessed milk.? Aluminum has a toxic nesium, iron and zinc are present in the plant effect on the idneys of infants, and has The soybean has a higher foods eaten in these areas, but the high phytate een implicated as causing Alzheimer's content of soy- and rice-based diets prevents disease in adults [recent research points phytate content than any their absorption. the finger of guilt strongly at mercury other grain or legume "The soybean has a higher phytate content rom amalgam fillings]."° . than any other grain or legume that has been "Soy milk formulas are often given to that has been studied. studied.” Furthermore, it seems to be highly abies with milk allergy; but allergies to resistant to many phytate-reducing techniques soy are almost as common as those to such as long, slow cooking. In test animals milk." Use of soy formulas to treat infant ... these phytates are they cause enlarged organs, particularly the diarrhoea has had mixed results, some A pancreas and thyroid gland, and increased studies showing improvement with soy present In the bran or deposition of fatty acids in the liver.""*"” hulls of all seeds; they formula while others show none at aa number of other substances, block the uptake of which are unnecessary and of ques- essential minerals— tionable safety, are added to soy for- calcium, magnesium, iron and especially zinc—in the intestinal tract. TRYPSIN INHIBITORS AND DENATURED PROTEINS "Trypsin inhibitors and haemagglu- tinin, a clot-promoting substance that causes red blood cells to clump together (a situation that hardly promotes cardiac health), are both found in soybeans. They have both been labelled 'growth- depressant substances’. These are deacti- vated during the process of fermentation.' This involves soaking in an alkaline solu- tion. The puréed solution is then heated mulas including carrageenan, guar gum, sodium hydroxide (caustic soda), potassium citrate monohy- drate, tricalcium phosphate, dibasic magnesium, phosphate trihydrate, BHA and BHT [butylated hydroxy- toluene, an artificial antioxidant; nei- ther it nor BHA has been proved safe for human consumption]. to about 115°C (239°F) in a pressure Nitrosamines, which are potent car- cooker. cinogens, are often found in soy protein foods, and are greatly "This method destroys most (but not all) of the anti-nutrients increased during the high-temperature drying process.° but has the unhappy side-effect of so denaturing the proteins that they become very difficult to digest and much reduced in effec- PHYTATE INTERFERENCE tiveness.” "Not surprisingly, animal feeding studies show a lower weight- "The phytate content remains in soy milk to block the uptake of gain for rats on soy formula than those on whole milk, high-lac- essential minerals. In addition, the alkaline soaking solution pro- tose formula;" similar results have been observed in children on duces a carcinogen, lysinealine, and reduces the cystine content, macrobiotic diets which include the use of soy milk and large which is already low in the soybean.”' [Cystine/cysteine are amounts of whole grains. Children brought up on high phytate essential for liver detoxification of the hundreds of chemicals to diets tend to be thin and scrawny."* which we are all exposed every day, mostly indoors.] Lacking "Also known as phytic acid—an organic acid—these phytates cystine, the entire protein complex of the soybean becomes use- are present in the bran or hulls of all seeds; they block the uptake less unless the diet is fortified with cystine-rich meat, eggs, or of essential minerals—calcium, magnesium, iron and especially dairy products. zinc—in the intestinal tract. Phytates found in soy products inter- "The growth of vegetarianism among the more affluent classes fere with zinc absorption more completely than with other miner- has greatly accelerated the acceptability and use of these ersatz als." Zinc is called the intelligence mineral because it is needed — products. This helps American farmers to sell their enormous for optimal development and functioning of the brain and nervous yearly output of soybeans. Unfortunately, as we have seen, they system. It plays a role in protein synthesis and collagen forma- pose numerous dangers."! tion; it is involved in the blood-sugar control mechanism and thus The fatty acid profile of the soybean includes large amounts of ... these phytates are present in the bran or hulls of all seeds; they block the uptake of essential minerals— AND PHYTATE INTERFERENCE "Not surprisingly, animal feeding studies show a lower weight- gain for rats on soy formula than those on whole milk, high-lac- tose formula; similar results have been observed in children on macrobiotic diets which include the use of soy milk and large amounts of whole grains. Children brought up on high phytate diets tend to be thin and scrawny."* "Also known as phytic acid—an organic acid—these phytates are present in the bran or hulls of all seeds; they block the uptake of essential minerals—calcium, magnesium, iron and especially zinc—in the intestinal tract. Phytates found in soy products inter- fere with zinc absorption more completely than with other miner- als.'* Zinc is called the intelligence mineral because it is needed for optimal development and functioning of the brain and nervous system. It plays a role in protein synthesis and collagen forma- tion; it is involved in the blood-sugar control mechanism and thus 20 - NEXUS APRIL - MAY 1997