We have been so inundated with claims that soy is the miracle health food. Unfortunately, that is not true. This myth has been started and perpetuated than none other than the largest profit-maker (and monopoly holder) of soy products - Monsanto. When you research soy, you'll see that most of the sights purporting the great health claims of soy have a financial interest in selling soy products. You've probably heard the name before, usually linked to Big Bad Monsanto or the like. It may sound like conspiracy, but unfortunately, it's true (watch Food, Inc. for more info).
Not Evil - Just Not a Miracle Health Food
Soy is not evil and awful, but it is good to best understand the food before you believe miracle claims out there. Soy in its natural state is not bad for you, such as organic edamame (soy beans) or maybe a little miso or limited organic soy sauce. If you want to have soy, have it in this way. Drinking soy milk and eating tofu (both of which are often processed) is not necessarily the most healthy thing to do. You can have a bit on occasion, but large amounts will actually be worse for you than good.
Problems with Soy
One of the worst problems with soy is again over-consumption of the processed kind. Soy is one of those (along with wheat, corn, and sugar) that is in almost everything packaged. It is the refined soy consumed in this way that is truly bad for you (just as anything refined is). Soy is also a known allergen (along with wheat, dairy, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish). You can naturally have an allergy to it or get an allergy to it by eating it in large amounts and too regularly (which can happen unwittingly by consuming a lot of packaged foods). Soy can also cause problems with your thyroid. Some claim that it can lead to low energy, forgetfulness, lack of focus, and depression.
One of the best things to understand is that soy beans have natural estrogen that can cause problems with hormone levels (particularly refined soy!!). That's why you see recommendations from doctors or on labels that say not for pregnant women. Pregnant women, all children, and menopausal women should definitely avoid soy, either entirely or limited amounts of organic edamame, miso, or a little soy sauce. JJ Virgin has some good information on soy (her No Joy in Soy info -- see http://jjvirgin.com/). There is a wealth of info on the web too (remember to check sources). Do your homework and let me know your thoughts on the subject.
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