© 2008 DBA Design Action MySeeds Chia
Why is this a “Current Events” Issue?
How did soy catch on? Was it ok in the past for everyone? It wasn’t as
“big a deal” in the past because there wasn’t as much plastic. Have
you heard of “BPA”? It’s usually refered to in the context of “BPA Free”
because people DONT want it in their packages. But why? This plastic
chemical can mimic estrogen. So can other pollutants, plastics, and
coatings found all around your environment today. These estrogen-
mimics combined with plant estrogens (even though neither one is
very effective) do add up.
Unfortunately, this fact (and the fact that not everyone is going to like
tofu, edamame, soy snacks & others... no matter who they are) scares
people away from even trying the vegetarian diet as they worry about
their protein and nutrition. This no longer has to be the case! A recent
discovery makes it much easier (and more delicious) to get the protein
you need, without ANY soy or soy-based product.
First of all, why is this especially a MENS' issue?
Everyone has a little bit of both types of hormones: Testosterone and
Estrogen. They play important roles in the body’s many functions.
Men have more testosterone than estrogen…and they don’t need
any more than the body already produces. Declining testosterone
production in older age men causes health problems, as the
testosterone/estrogen balance is then upset. Testosterone levels in
boys are also important for proper development and bone health.
Adding in extra estrogen to the mix isn’t a good idea at any stage.
So what’s the problem with soy?
It has high levels of “plant estrogens”. Plant estrogens are hormones
the plant uses for its daily function. They’re not the same as the ones
found in humans, and if consumed, are 1,000 times LESS effective
than human hormones. They are sometimes called phytoestrogens
or lignans.
But as a vegetarian man, or anyone trying to adopt a healthy eating
pattern, soy and soy products play a big role because they are highly
nutritious, inexpensive, and contain healthy protein. Don’t want
nasty bovine hormones? They say “Drink soy milk”. Don’t want to
hurt animals by eating meat? Get protein from tofu blocks/ tofu
dogs/tofurkey and countless other sources of Soy products & soy
snacks.
It may be less effective than human estrogen, but all those little bits
add up when you’re using soy and other phytoestogen rich plants as
your protein source. These may be ok for women, especially anyone
having (or suffering from) menopause, but males don’t need any
extra estrogen. You might see a lot of studies done in the news
saying things like “too much soy reduces sperm count” and “over-
eating of soy products leads to earlier memory-loss in men in
Indonesia” (Indonesia consumes a lot of soy as part of the traditional
diet) While the FDA hasn’t ruled on anything yet, this “Bad Buzz” is
enough to scare some people away, and make others think twice.
Soy and soy products have come under more and more close
inspection in the news lately. If you’ve taken a look, and if you’re
a vegetarian or are investigating the vegetarian eating style,
you’ve likely seen that the news isn’t all good.
Vegetarian men, especially have cause for concern, due to the
high plant-estrogen content of the soy bean and plant. Before
reaching for another block of tofu, or taking a closer look at the
vegetarian diet, you’ve got to read this!
The answer is the Chia Seed.
This seed is unique among seeds for many
reasons, all of which are beneficial to you! First
off, by weight, the chia seed is 23% complete
protein. Complete protein is difficult to come
by in the plant world, and most people get
their daily amount from animal meat.
Vegetarians routinely mix together incomplete
protein food sources in order to meet healthy
diet needs. The Chia seed’s protein level
makes it a valuable dietary addition for
vegetarians.
Chia seeds are tiny. Here’s a
magnified view.
Things you should know about this tiny super powerful seed:
This tiny seed has other wonderful benefits that can especially be
taken advantage of by men.
They don’t have plant estrogens to mess with the hormone balance
that keeps you healthy.
They don’t require you to learn how to cook with tofu (and make it
taste good—a real feat for anyone!)
They don’t require lots of preparation time in the kitchen. (great if
you're in a hurry!)
You don’t have to change your eating habits. Basically, if you have a
measuring spoon or scoop, you can use chia--whether you’re a
vegetarian or not!
First:
Chia has no flavor of its own. You’re not fighting to cover up a
taste you don’t want. Instead, the seeds distribute the flavor of
food or beverages you add them to. A food with totally
customizable flavor is a food that’s totally easy to use. Sweet or
savory, in a recipe or just sprinkled on top, Chia seeds go to
work distributing the flavor right away.
Second:
There are so many ways to use it. Tofu claims to be versatile,
but can you use it to cut out half the fat of a delicious brownie
and have it taste exactly the same? No way! But Chia Seeds
can.
Fact:
Chia Gel can replace up to half of the butter or oil in any baked recipe
without altering the flavor or the cooking method. It can also be used
as an Egg Replacer in some recipes.
Another thing you can’t do with soy products is to sprinkle it
over any food you already like to eat, to get your daily
recommended amount. Any food that is moist enough to
prevent the seeds from bouncing off the surface can be used.
This includes pizza, yogurt, ice cream, soup, sandwiches,
cereal and any drink. The flavorless seeds won’t interrupt your
eating enjoyment. (Though they will un-fizz your carbonated
beverages)
Third:
Chia Seeds are loaded with bonus benefits. Want to feel full at
meal time without eating as much food? The fiber and gelling
action of the seed keeps you feeling full longer, and replaces
calories you’d normally eat with water. (When you hydrate
chia in filtered water)
Want better regularity?
Chia is packed with soluble and insoluble fiber. Insoluble fiber
acts as a ‘sweeper’ in the intestine, keeping food moving
along. Soluble fiber irrigates the bowels making digestion
easier so the intestines don’t have to work as hard to move
food. Enough fiber in your diet also helps reduce the risk of
colon cancer.
Fourth:
Every seed is packed with nutrition: a full range of B vitamins,
more calcium by weight than milk, healthy omega-3 oils, anti-
oxidants, and important trace-minerals such as boron. (Boron
helps you absorb calcium)
There’s no need to “fear the tofu” if you’re looking to make the healthy
choice of a vegetarian diet. If you are already a vegetarian, all the anti-
soy hype in the news won’t bother you, when you have Chia Seeds in
the house. Whatever conclusion the scientific studies come to, with
regards to plant-estrogens, you’ll know you’re safe with chia seeds.
Don’t wait another day to try this nutrition revolution!
Vegetarian Men: Should You Beware the
Secrets of Soy They’re Not Telling You?