Michael
Novice Bodybuilder
Posts: 162
|
Post by Michael on Jul 20, 2004 7:05:45 GMT -5
I read a recent article in a BB mag (Anabolic insider 09/04) that said many foods can “enhance estrogen levels..” and/or “lower testosterone levels… because they inhibit the release of Leutenizing hormone (LH) in men.” Either of these two factors can reduce or inhibit muscle building in the body. The foods they listed are as follows: Soy protein powders, soy milk, licorice, the following herbs and spices: nutmeg, red clover, bloodroot, mandrake, oregano, tumeric, and yucca. I particularly noted soy protein powder, because I know it is so highly rated as a protein source for bodybuilding and there is a trend in the diet industry to add it to things such as meal replacement drinks and bars. If anyone else is familiar with this claim, I would like to know if the article is over exaggerating, or should we really stay away from these foods and avoid soy protein powders, in any significant quantities. Thanks in advance for any info.  |
|
|
|
Post by ChrisC on Jul 20, 2004 7:38:15 GMT -5
Michael:
This is actually something I have been interested in; the only relevant studies I read showed that test did decrease *slightly* (from something like 420 ng/dl to 405 ng/dl - i cannot remember exactly) with soy use but LH did not change (at least from a statistical perspective).
I can give the cites if you want to read more (i can't find them right now)
Personally, I think the bb mags jump on any research study without pointing out the context of the study; most soy/LH research is about womens health issues not active male bbers.
My opinion is that there is a lot of exaggeration in the claims about soy.
|
|
|
|
Post by Tim Wescott on Jul 20, 2004 8:28:35 GMT -5
I have always heard that soy protein powder can increase estrogen levels also.
I don`t use it because of thios reason (better safe than sorry) and because soy is an incomplete source of protein missing some of the esential amino acids.
As one of my former training partners used to say:
"Soy is for broads" !! ;D
|
|
|
|
Post by Tim Wescott on Jul 20, 2004 9:03:22 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by Tim Wescott on Jul 20, 2004 9:23:49 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by ChrisC on Jul 20, 2004 9:45:21 GMT -5
This is a slightly off-topic rant but it is semi-relevant  Sorry to hi-jack the thread Michael  It drivers me nuts when magazines and articles talk about the effects of some product (soy, etc.) and always talk about how it "increases", "decreases", "lowers" or "raises" some measure (free test, etc.) but the articles never talk about the magnitude of the change. Without knowing the magnitude of a change, saying something has a positive or negative effect is basically meaningless. phew...I feel better now. Back to discussing soy...... |
|
|
|
Post by Troyster on Jul 20, 2004 10:11:14 GMT -5
This is a slightly off-topic rant but it is semi-relevant Sorry to hi-jack the thread Michael It drivers me nuts when magazines and articles talk about the effects of some product (soy, etc.) and always talk about how it "increases", "decreases", "lowers" or "raises" some measure (free test, etc.) but the articles never talk about the magnitude of the change. Without knowing the magnitude of a change, saying something has a positive or negative effect is basically meaningless. phew...I feel better now. Back to discussing soy...... Yes this bothers me too (and I also apologize for "jacking" your thread Michael), but it's the general media and this approach that gets me. Example: - last month there was an article about this "special" sugar that they've discovered used in sodas that's making people fat (yeah, it's called "just sugar" morons). - The "butter is bad" craze. Don't know if it was the same in the States, but a few years back the media jumped all over butter and its effect on cholesterol and obesity. So, EVERY movie theater here dropped butter and replaced it with margarine. Now, I'm not going to get into the whole butter versus margarine thing because it's moot. What bothers me most is that they are picking a single item out of the typical North American diet, pointing the finger and saying "this is it, it's what we've been searching for. THIS IS WHAT'S CAUSING THE OBESITY EPIDEMIC, it's butter." Then everyone reacts. The issue is overall diet and changing one frickin' thing in your diet won't make a lick of difference, in terms of obesity. Nor will replacing one %100 fat item (butter) with another %100 fat item (margarine). Not to mention the whole trans-fats thing which has again been approached in this same manner. Media continues to perpetuate the notion of the "magic pill" that will allow you to continue eating like an idiot with no effect or the "silver bullet" magic single item will fix everything if we just take it out of our diet... like some day we're going to go OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHhhh, that's what it was, all we had to do was stop eating X, LOL. OK, chaotic rant over... T |
|
Michael
Novice Bodybuilder
Posts: 162
|
Post by Michael on Jul 20, 2004 11:04:06 GMT -5
Thanks for the info guys, although in general Chris and Troyster, I agree with you on the media exploitation, I have to in defense, admit that sometimes I have learned some helpful truths in the BB mag articles (see cardio cycling). But it is because of the wealth of experience and knowledge on this board, that I hold my decision as to the accuracy until I post it here for those articles I think I might benefit from. I hope others will share their finds also As with most controversial issue, there seems to be experts and evidence on all sides, where as the links Tim posted seem to contradict the basic issue of the initial article in this thread. Even the two supporting articles seem to give mixed singles for BB. The first warning against sole use of soy protein, but opting instead for a mixture with other higher quality protein powders. But the second, gives the impression it is a perfect protein alone even for the BB. But all the info has helped to see it in a better light, although still a little on the cautious side. So Tim, if you decide to avoid those cases you have stored up, you can always send them my way. LOL ;D |
|
|
|
Post by Tim Wescott on Jul 20, 2004 12:47:15 GMT -5
Michael,I might just give the soy a try by using one scoop of whey with one scoop of soy post-workout. They`re both vanilla flavored so it won`t taste bad and we`ll see if I start growing boobs or talking like a chick anytime soon!! ;D If I do,I have a big lawsuit for the soy company! |
|
Michael
Novice Bodybuilder
Posts: 162
|
Post by Michael on Jul 20, 2004 12:59:58 GMT -5
Tim, I think Wills article uses a 2:1 ratio, which I think would be 2 scoops whey to 1 soy. But that would still help you make that whey last a little longer, maybe not till yur next birthday, but a little longer LOL !! ;D Let me know about the boobs, if it works, I will slip some to my wife...., now, nowbody tell her I said that, or I will be sleeping with my weights LOL... ;D |
|
|
|
Post by Tim Wescott on Jul 20, 2004 15:12:48 GMT -5
Too funny dude!! ;D
|
|
|
|
Post by Maximum6 on Jul 20, 2004 15:40:49 GMT -5
I wish there wasn't any problems with Soy..i mean i really want to eat TOFU>......  |
|
|
|
Post by Maximum6 on Jul 20, 2004 16:07:48 GMT -5
guys...check your Chunk Light tuna....the ingredients on Starkist Chunklight....says the broth may contain Soy.
Good thing my Chunk White is only Chunk White and water.
Check if yours say it contains Soy....
|
|
Sorry to hi-jack the thread Michael 
