Soy is an umbrella term to cover the entire variety of products that can be created from the seeds of the soybean plant. This includes edamame, soy milk, soy vegetable oil, tofu, textured vegetable protein, tempeh, and many more foods and food products.

As a health food, soy has equally enthusiastic proponents and detractors. Some see soy as an excellent natural remedy for everything from cancer to heart health. Others claim that it can have very negative effects on hormonal balance and child development; they may also be concerned about the possible contamination of soy products with GMO (genetically modified organisms) crops. In particular, soybeans contain phytoestrogens, organic compounds that mimic estrogen, a human hormone that can have mixed but powerful effects on the human body.

Many natural healthcare proponents suggest that fermented soy products are significantly safer and perhaps more beneficial than soy in unfermented forms.

Natural Cures: Some scientific studies have been undertaken showing soy products to have positive effects on prostate, colorectal, and breast cancer rates and morbidity. It has also been shown to promote higher brain functions.