The Soy Debate: Fermented vs Unfermented Soy and Its Impact on Menopause

There is much debate and confusion around Soy and it’s Health benefits, especially during the time of menopause.

In Japan, they have no word for Menopause because for women living there, their diet causes them not to have the side effects as we experience them in Europe, from menopause.

Soy is a bean which is grown and farmed extensively. Around 90% of crops are genetically modified. Whilst this may be ok for most of the population during menopause it would be better to eat a less toxic diet. Though soy can be a good source of protein where it is UNFERMENTED it may too have health risks.

Fermented products, such as those found in Japan do have significant health benefits for women during menopause. They are low in fat, high in protein and have a beneficial affect on our health. Tempah, miso and soy sauce are all common fermented foods found in Japan, and can be accessed in this country in local health food shops.

As with most Soy foods, it can be bland so using herbs and spices or even soy sauce to flavour the foods is essential to make the foods interesting.

Any foods made of unfermented Soy or even processed Soy products such as cheese or meat alternatives, are not good to eat at this time of life. Soy can mimic oestrone in our body. A derivative of oestrogen, but not the protective kind Oestrogen. It is stored in body fat, usually around the middle of the body and this can lead to serious ill health.