Q: What is your opinion on soy?

JVW: As with many other things, there’s a “good side” and a “bad side” to soy consumption. One thing that makes me somewhat wary of soy is that is has been so heavily promoted, and much of that promotion has been backed by Monsanto, Cargill, and Dupont, all “agribusiness” giants.

Also, unlike most vegetable foods, soy cannot just be picked and eaten, or even picked, cooked, and eaten. Soy must be specially processed before it can be eaten; otherwise, it can create gastrointestinal symptoms in some people.

I’m not saying everyone should immediately stop using any soy products. But given the present debate about the safety of daily soy use, I recommend a degree of caution. Limit your soy consumption to no more than three times weekly until the safety debate is better resolved.