Myths and Truths about Soy Series ... (Myth #1)

Myth #1: Soy Makes Men and Boys Less Masculine

Eating soyfoods can not make someone less masculine, lead to man-boobs, cause early puberty or decrease fertility. A recent literature review confirms that soyfoods do not have any feminizing effects on men or boys (2010, Fertility and Sterility). In reality, a diet that includes soyfoods can help support healthy growth and development for young boys, and soyfoods are a great option for men looking to maintain healthy weight and cholesterol levels. Research is also finding that for athletic men, soy protein helps muscles recover better after workouts (2007, Current Medicinal Chemistry).

Soybeans contain natural, bioactive components called isoflavones, or phytoestrogens. Isoflavones are actually found in lots of plant foods like apples, carrots and other beans. While the chemical structure of an isoflavone is similar to that of estrogen, the two function differently in the body.

Soy isoflavones do not act the same as estrogen does in the human body. A significant review of over 30 soy studies disproved any link between soy and an effect on testosterone levels in men (2009, Fertility and Sterility).Consuming a well balanced diet that includes soyfoods does not increase estrogen levels in men or boys.

Stacey Krawczyk, MS, RD, LDN, with the National Soybean Research Laboratory and mother of two young boys comments that, “as a research dietitian with an expertise in family nutrition, I take meal planning very seriously and I do not worry at all when I provide soyfoods to my two growing boys—they love the taste of soyfoods, and I love the healthy nutrition they offer, especially when I need to rely on quick and easy meals to meet our busy schedules.”

Check back for other Soy Myths in our Mysteries of Soy Series! What myths and Truths do you know about soy?

Source: Soyfoods Association of America

Fall into Naya Shoes, Ultimate Eco-Chic Footwear

I will start out by saying, I am a flats kinda girl ... give me my sandals or slip-ons and I am in heaven, but when Naya asked me to test out one of their shoes I decided let me be daring and really give these shoes a challenge and ask to try a pair of heels, trust me it was a very hard decision to pick one. This fall they have the most visually pleasing array of eco-chic footwear I have ever seen (flats and heels, teehee). So being gitty as a schoolgirl I picked the Artemis boot coming in a delicious chocolate color. These enticing boots had me grinning from ear to ear, so I couldn't wait for Mister FedEX man to arrive.

This is where I must hold you in suspense, a little bit about Naya shoes ...

Their mission with Naya shoes is to make eco-friendly choices whenever they can, which they have done with materials like bamboo heels, natural or recycled content fabrics, vegetable tanned leather, water-based cements, and outsoles containing natural materials.

I was begging the question why they weren't they vegan as well as eco-friendly, Stephanie Fedler, Naya Shoes, responded "we feel that consumers should have choices. We respect and understand the consumer who wants to wear a product that does not use animal by-products. However, vegan footwear is often made from petroleum based plastics, which are made using chemicals and solvents. These may not breakdown in a landfill. At Naya, we have taken conventional shoe making methods and changed the materials to make them more environmentally friendly. We believe leather is a good option in our shoes, as it is a by-product that would otherwise go into a landfill. Leather lining in our pumps and boots provides breath ability and flexibly for our customers foot health and comfort. Leather is very durable and keeps the same properties over long periods of time. So this amazing quality means our customers will be able to wear the shoes longer."

So they arrived, a sample pair *drool* ... I tried them right away, tearing open the box *giggle*. The shoe was sturdy, but light with very soft and exquisite materials. Construction was extremely high quality, but here was the ultimate test I slipped them on and walked around. Remember, not a girl who wears heels ... *omigosh* it was shocking how comfortable they were and as soft inside as out. Never thought my feet could be in heaven in heels. As you see their designs this fall, as well as past seasons are exquisite, eco-chicness and beyond. Have you ever tried or bought a pair of Naya shoes? If so what do you think?

Where can I buy Naya shoes? Click here.

Naya on twitter, facebook, and website.

eG Recipe: Autumn Noodle Salad (vegan)

Autumn Noodle Salad

1 medium butternut squash, peeled and diced
1-1/2 teaspoon of salt
2 tablespoon of olive oil
1 teaspoon thyme
1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
4 tablespoons of butter or vegan butter
1/2 Package of Noodles of your choice (I used fettucini)
handful of Spinach or Arugula for each plate
Walnuts
Dried Cranberries

Serves 4

Mix olive oil, thyme, salt, cayenne pepper with the squash
Roast squash 425 degrees for 30 mins or tender
Boil Noodles , drain them when they are just right. pour your dry noodles into the dish with the squash. Mix thoroughly. Prepare plates with a bed of greens, then serve out a serving of the mixture over the greens. Sprinkle the dried cranberries and walnuts. Serve warm.

© Copyright 2010 All recipes on this site are creations by Cheale of Experience Green.

eGreen Scripture: God's Calls for Respect of Animals

If you see your brother's donkey or his ox fallen on the road, do not ignore it. Help him get it to its feet. - Deuteronomy 22:4

A righteous man cares for the needs of his animal, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel. - Proverbs 12:10

Our world seems to put animals so far below us that we abuse them to no end. Especially the ones that are killed for food. One thing we are called to do is care for animals - to be respectful. I think the "consumer" does get forgetful when they look at that plastic wrapped meat as they take it in their hands to purchase. That neatly packed meat contains an animal that lived in horrible conditions and treatment. What we do need to remember as consumers that if you are choosing the path to eat meat to buy organic meat. At least then we know that the animals are being feed and treated the way God called them to be. We are supporting that call out from God. I personally choose the path of vegetarian, but I know that is not an easy path for some, but my prayer is that the consumers that are consuming meat not only choose organic meats and support that industry, but also reduce the amount of meat they are consuming. This is not just a environmental issue, but a health issue. Have at least one day a week of no meat and reduce the amount you are serving your family. How do you feel about these issues?