Celebrating Soy: The Science and Health Benefits of Tofu, Tempeh, and Edamame

As part of our deeper series on protein, perimenopause, and hormone health, this episode kicks off a multi-part exploration of soy—one of the most misunderstood yet most powerful foods in our plant-based toolkit.

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There’s so much confusion around soy—does it act like estrogen? Does it affect hormones? And what about breast cancer?

In this first episode of a multi-part series on soy, we walk through

* what phytoestrogens really are (and aren’t)

* how isoflavones behave in the body

* why soy foods are considered such a nutritional powerhouse

We explore:

* what soy actually is

* why it’s so misunderstood in the West

* the environmental realities behind global soy production

* the unique benefits of tofu, tempeh, and edamame

* estrogen-receptor–positive cancer and what the research really shows about it and its relationship to soy

All of this lays the groundwork for understanding soy’s real role in our health—far beyond the myths and misinformation—and prepares us for Parts 2 and 3, where we’ll explore soy’s impact on menopause symptoms, hormone health, and how to incorporate these nourishing foods into your daily life with confidence and joy.*

High-Protein Recipes Featuring Tofu, Tempeh, and Edamame

If you’re enjoying this series and want practical, delicious ways to bring more soy foods into your life, don’t miss my new recipe e-book, High-Protein Recipes Featuring Tofu, Tempeh, and Edamame. It features 12 savory, protein-rich recipes—spreads, soups, salads, sandwiches, and mains—all with 10-20 grams of protein per realistic serving. Each recipe includes a beautiful photo and full nutrition information to make meal planning easy and satisfying.

Related Episodes

* Protein-Packed Plant Foods (Ranked from Highest to Lowest)

* Are You Eating Enough Protein? (Part One)

* Are You Eating Enough Protein? (Part Two)

* Omega-3s: Skip the Fish, Boost Your Brain, but Make Sure You’re Getting Enough

* Your Daily Supplement Guide: The Non-Negotiables and the Helpful Boosts

* Building Strength and Muscle: Protein Intake, Protein Timing, and Lifting Heavy Sh*t

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If you make a purchase using the links below, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you—and you’ll receive exclusive discounts using the codes provided!

* Complement SupplementsEverything you need, nothing you don’t. Complement makes targeted supplements for plant-based eaters, including B12, D3, DHA, and more—all from clean, trusted sources.🔗 lovecomplement.com | Code: JOYFULVEGAN for 15% off all products!

* Plaine ProductsRefillable, non-toxic, plastic-free personal care products like shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and body wash. Gentle on you, gentle on the planet.🔗 plaineproducts.com | Code: JOYFULVEGAN for 20% off all products!

* Nama JuicerMy favorite cold-press juicer—quiet, powerful, and easy to clean. It’s become an essential part of my kitchen.🔗 namawell.com | Code: COLLEEN10 for 10% off all products!

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