Soy Controversy

Question
I have been diagnosed with hypoglycemia.I have been advised to take high protien diet and complex carbohydrate.
I am a pure vegetarian.My dietician suggested me to take soybean in the form of soy milk, tofu,granules etc.
I am also taking ayurvedic medicines side by side.When I told me ayurvedic doctor about my diet ,he immidiately told e stop soy products as they are harmful.He is researher also and works on food research with govt of india.
Is it ture.I have found double opinions on internet.
Can you suggest me some veg tips for high protien which do not include soy.Is cow milk good for me.
Rgds
AG

Answer
Dear AG,

I am one of those veggies who tend to side with your Ayurvedic doctor, but then from an Anthroposophic point of view. Soy and me never have been the best of friends because of the type of bean it is made of (very long soaking and cooking times, reveal it to be a very 'meaty' bean), but I have tried various forms and find soy milk one of the most peculiar products, yet. There is nothing "milky" about it at all. You are better off drinking oats if you want to drink something protein. (Helps delay digestion and keep glucose levels steady).
One might only become radically anti-soy in the light of some scandalous production projects going on. Gentech is one of the most worrying developments (but organic soy should be gentech free). Environmentally, also, much damage is being done because of over-consumption of soy. All in all, there seems to be no conclusive (conventional or alternative) research which points to the great benefits of eating MORE soy than some cultures naturally encourage (think of the Japanese culture with its FERMENTED products - a different story again). I put it down to a hype. Potentially a dangerous one. I'd listen to your doc, for now. Any unbiased, new (as opposed to the more media-exposed western) research needs to get more credit than it usually does especially if it is thorough and scientific, and less commercial in its approach.
Milk is not at all recommended in hypoglycemia, since there are sugars in lactic acid (simple carbs), plus milk is very quickly absorbed. You need slow releasing sugars (complex carbs). Think pasta, grains (quinoa has a lot of protein, oats too), potatoes, nuts, pulses (lentils, adiku beans, chickpeas, flageolets, baked beans, etc, etc - watch out for additives /sugar in tins!). Also keep fat intake low (skimmed milk, little use of oils) and fibre high (helps release glucose more evenly). No more than a couple of eggs a week. Some (low-fat) yoghurt if taken with muesli shouldn't bother you too much. Otherwise try smaller meals, six times a day (to even out glucose levels, but also bearing in mind on how to meet your required calories/nutrients: it's easier to eat a nut (paste) here and there, combined with different grains, cereals, bread, than a whole handful at dinner.).
Seitan (a wheat, high protein product used a little like tofu) might be an alternative, if you can get it. Also, realise, not every body type needs full portions of classical protein every mealtime (cheese, eggs, nuts, beans), and some of us can manage well on grains and fruit/vegetables, with a little "body" on the side -  however controversial this may still be considered by some nutritionalists.
Good luck with your condition and I hope you experiment lightly till you find a good and non too controversial diet that keeps you fit and lively.
Best wishes,
Evelyn.

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