Early on, products based on soy protein isolate were sold as extenders and meat substitutes, a strategy that failed to produce the requisite consumer demand. The industry changed its approach. The quickest way to gain product acceptability in the less affluent society, said an industry spokesman, . . . So soy is now sold to the upscale consumer, not as a cheap poverty food, but as a miracle substance that will prevent heart disease and cancer, whisk away hot flashes, build strong bones and keep us forever young. The competition meat, milk, cheese, butter and eggs has been duly demonized by the appropriate government agencies.
Soy serves as meat and milk for a new generation of politically correct vegetarians.
Phytic acid in soy is not neutralized by ordinary preparation methods such as soaking, sprouting and long, slow cooking. High phytate diets have caused growth problems in children. Trypsin inhibitors in soy interfere with protein digestion and may cause pancreatic disorders. In test animals soy containing trypsin inhibitors caused stunted growth. Soy phytoestrogens disrupt endocrine function and have the potential to cause infertility and to promote breast cancer in adult women.