# why do people obsess about soy when rice and beans is also a proven, healthy complete protein diet? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [February 20, 2011, 12:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-obsess-about-soy-when-rice-and-beans-is-also-a-proven-healthy-complete-protein-diet/571960 "2011-02-20T00:51:07Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![code\_grey](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f4b2a3/32.png) [@code\_grey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/code_grey)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2011, 12:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-obsess-about-soy-when-rice-and-beans-is-also-a-proven-healthy-complete-protein-diet/571960/1 "2011-02-20T00:51:07Z")
so soy is a complete protein, but it also may or may not have lots of negative effects, especially for men. There is the whole “controversy” about it. Meanwhile “rice and beans” have been eaten for the protein by poor people in Latin America since forever, no controversy there. So why do Westerners bother with soy instead of using the tried and true solution with zero side effects? ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2011, 12:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-obsess-about-soy-when-rice-and-beans-is-also-a-proven-healthy-complete-protein-diet/571960/2 "2011-02-20T00:54:29Z")
Because rice and beans are perceived as poor people food. Soy, on the other hand, has benefited from a PR campaign to make it look super. ---
**Author:** ![samclem](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a9a28c/32.png) [@samclem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/samclem)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2011, 1:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-obsess-about-soy-when-rice-and-beans-is-also-a-proven-healthy-complete-protein-diet/571960/3 "2011-02-20T01:12:47Z")
A perfect thread for people to express their opinions. Moved from GQ to IMHO. **samclem** Moderator. ---
**Author:** ![johnpost](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f17d59/32.png) [@johnpost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/johnpost)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2011, 1:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-obsess-about-soy-when-rice-and-beans-is-also-a-proven-healthy-complete-protein-diet/571960/4 "2011-02-20T01:33:55Z")
i tried a rice and bean smoothie, i’ll stick with tofu. rice and beans are good. soy is versatile and works well in many dishes as a meat mimic. many ways to make both tasty. ---
**Author:** ![Malleus\_Incus\_Stapes](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/malleus_incus_stapes/32/3293_2.png) [@Malleus\_Incus\_Stapes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malleus_Incus_Stapes)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2011, 1:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-obsess-about-soy-when-rice-and-beans-is-also-a-proven-healthy-complete-protein-diet/571960/5 "2011-02-20T01:38:33Z")
Wait, what, soy might have negative effects? ---
**Author:** ![MichaelEmouse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/michaelemouse/32/101_2.png) [@MichaelEmouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MichaelEmouse)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2011, 1:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-obsess-about-soy-when-rice-and-beans-is-also-a-proven-healthy-complete-protein-diet/571960/6 "2011-02-20T01:39:16Z")
Rice is high in carbs. Beans, I should take a look into. There, it does seem that the “poor people food” status is hurting them. But isn’t soy just squeezed soybean milk? ---
**Author:** ![Peremensoe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ce7236/32.png) [@Peremensoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peremensoe)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2011, 1:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-obsess-about-soy-when-rice-and-beans-is-also-a-proven-healthy-complete-protein-diet/571960/7 "2011-02-20T01:42:09Z")
I love rice and beans in many forms. Soy is good too for some things. ---
**Author:** ![Ferret\_Herder](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e47774/32.png) [@Ferret\_Herder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ferret_Herder)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2011, 1:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-obsess-about-soy-when-rice-and-beans-is-also-a-proven-healthy-complete-protein-diet/571960/8 "2011-02-20T01:53:33Z")
> [@Malleus\_Incus\_Stapes](#): > > Wait, what, soy might have negative effects? There’s a debate about whether the [plant estrogens in soy](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phytoestrogens#Health_risks_and_benefits) might do bad things to guys, might affect things like various cancers in women. The research is very mixed, and per that link, not really conclusive. I figure it’s been consumed in quantity in various Asian countries for centuries, so until I see some really solid meta-analyses saying it’s not a good idea, I’ll keep eating it. ---
**Author:** ![NinetyWt](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/cc9497/32.png) [@NinetyWt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NinetyWt)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2011, 1:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-obsess-about-soy-when-rice-and-beans-is-also-a-proven-healthy-complete-protein-diet/571960/9 "2011-02-20T01:55:43Z")
Soy has more protein with less carbs. Beans, while a good source of protein and fiber, have more carbs. Example: 1/2 cup white beans has 76.6 calories, 14.4 g carbs, 4.8 g protein 1/2 cup firm tofu has 50 cal, 2.7 g carbs, 10.0 g protein. Soy is a convenient way for non-meat-eaters to get a bunch of protein without the carbs. ---
**Author:** ![Markxxx](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/5daacb/32.png) [@Markxxx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Markxxx)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2011, 2:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-obsess-about-soy-when-rice-and-beans-is-also-a-proven-healthy-complete-protein-diet/571960/10 "2011-02-20T02:07:52Z")
But it’s soy is just a type of bean really. There is also some discussion as is soy or at least certain types of it, are a complete protein. You can eat lots of things to achieve a complete protien. Beans and corn works as well as beans and rice. I am currently poor and eat mostly beans (in forms of navy beans, lentils, chickpeas, black beans) and rice (and or barley) to give me complete protein very cheaply. Then on Sunday I’ll throw in meat or eggs or milk just to “make sure” 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![NinetyWt](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/cc9497/32.png) [@NinetyWt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NinetyWt)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2011, 2:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-obsess-about-soy-when-rice-and-beans-is-also-a-proven-healthy-complete-protein-diet/571960/11 "2011-02-20T02:25:28Z")
Sure, if I were in your sitch you bet I’d be eating pinto beans and cornbread, just like Granny used to. 😉 Right now I’m trying to limit my carbs and get enough protein so I’m eating chicken and fish. But soy would work as well. It’s made from beans all right, but the protein is concentrated. ---
**Author:** ![Foggy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/foggy/32/1082_2.png) [@Foggy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Foggy)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2011, 2:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-obsess-about-soy-when-rice-and-beans-is-also-a-proven-healthy-complete-protein-diet/571960/12 "2011-02-20T02:26:41Z")
> [@Malleus\_Incus\_Stapes](#): > > Wait, what, soy might have negative effects? From WorldNetDaily:[Soy is making kids ‘gay’](http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=53327) > [@](#): > > Soy is feminizing, and commonly leads to a decrease in the size of the penis, sexual confusion and homosexuality. That’s why most of the medical (not socio-spiritual) blame for today’s rise in homosexuality must fall upon the rise in soy formula and other soy products. :rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![elfkin477](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/a9a28c/32.png) [@elfkin477](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elfkin477)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2011, 2:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-obsess-about-soy-when-rice-and-beans-is-also-a-proven-healthy-complete-protein-diet/571960/13 "2011-02-20T02:28:43Z")
> [@Broomstick](#): > > Because rice and beans are perceived as poor people food. People here say all the time that beans are “cheap” but what does that mean? The least expensive beans I can find anywhere are $1/pound and some are as much as $1.75/pound so it makes them a lot more expensive than rice (and potatoes and most pastas and…). Of course, I’m sure the fact that our grocery stores only sell 1-2 pound bags is a big part of the price factor. ---
**Author:** ![drachillix](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/48db29/32.png) [@drachillix](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drachillix)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2011, 2:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-obsess-about-soy-when-rice-and-beans-is-also-a-proven-healthy-complete-protein-diet/571960/14 "2011-02-20T02:38:39Z")
> [@elfkin477](#): > > People here say all the time that beans are “cheap” but what does that mean? The least expensive beans I can find anywhere are $1/pound and some are as much as $1.75/pound so it makes them a lot more expensive than rice (and potatoes and most pastas and…). Of course, I’m sure the fact that our grocery stores only sell 1-2 pound bags is a big part of the price factor. Look for bulk bins of them around produce areas. ---
**Author:** ![NCDane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/ecccb3/32.png) [@NCDane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NCDane)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2011, 2:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-obsess-about-soy-when-rice-and-beans-is-also-a-proven-healthy-complete-protein-diet/571960/15 "2011-02-20T02:54:57Z")
> [@code\_grey](#): > > so soy is a complete protein, but it also may or may not have lots of negative effects, especially for men. There is the whole “controversy” about it. Meanwhile “rice and beans” have been eaten for the protein by poor people in Latin America since forever, no controversy there. So why do Westerners bother with soy instead of using the tried and true solution with zero side effects? I like rice and beans fine, but I also like soy, which I think is delicious in all forms except tofu. It is hard to beat steamed soy beans in the pod, among other ways of preparation. ---
**Author:** ![Rhythmdvl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/85f322/32.png) [@Rhythmdvl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rhythmdvl)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2011, 2:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-obsess-about-soy-when-rice-and-beans-is-also-a-proven-healthy-complete-protein-diet/571960/16 "2011-02-20T02:57:33Z")
> [@Malleus\_Incus\_Stapes](#): > > Wait, what, soy might have negative effects? Don’t believe paranoid Internet rumors. The “trouble” started a while back when it was discovered that some so-called organic soy and lentil cracker manufacture was using commercial dyes in its products (a combination of FD&C yellow no. 5 and blue no. 2, I think). Nothing to worry about. Now don’t make me call in the scoops. ---
**Author:** ![elfkin477](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/a9a28c/32.png) [@elfkin477](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elfkin477)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2011, 2:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-obsess-about-soy-when-rice-and-beans-is-also-a-proven-healthy-complete-protein-diet/571960/17 "2011-02-20T02:58:30Z")
> [@drachillix](#): > > Look for bulk bins of them around produce areas. The only foods sold here in bulk bins are organic stuff and candy. ---
**Author:** ![OldnCrinkly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/8e7dd6/32.png) [@OldnCrinkly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OldnCrinkly)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2011, 3:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-obsess-about-soy-when-rice-and-beans-is-also-a-proven-healthy-complete-protein-diet/571960/18 "2011-02-20T03:08:50Z")
One pound of dry beans cooks up to a lot more than a pound though. I would guess at least three pounds. Also no waste like you get with potatoes from peels or bad spots whatever. If you have trouble finding them in your grocery, try an ethnic store. Indian, Middle Eastern, Italian, or Mexican, they all would likely have dry beans for cheap. ---
**Author:** ![Balthisar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/balthisar/32/2825_2.png) [@Balthisar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Balthisar)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2011, 3:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-obsess-about-soy-when-rice-and-beans-is-also-a-proven-healthy-complete-protein-diet/571960/19 "2011-02-20T03:46:40Z")
Soy is also poor people food. Unless you mean actual soy beans, sold as edamame, which seems to be really expensive relative to other frozen vegetables. ---
**Author:** ![Snarky\_Kong](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a183cd/32.png) [@Snarky\_Kong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snarky_Kong)\ **Post date:** [February 20, 2011, 4:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-obsess-about-soy-when-rice-and-beans-is-also-a-proven-healthy-complete-protein-diet/571960/20 "2011-02-20T04:16:26Z")
> [@elfkin477](#): > > People here say all the time that beans are “cheap” but what does that mean? The least expensive beans I can find anywhere are $1/pound and some are as much as $1.75/pound so it makes them a lot more expensive than rice (and potatoes and most pastas and…). Of course, I’m sure the fact that our grocery stores only sell 1-2 pound bags is a big part of the price factor. Yeah, they’re more expensive than the cheapest thing you can possibly buy and eat without killing yourself and about the same price as the second cheapest thing you can buy… so expensive. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-obsess-about-soy-when-rice-and-beans-is-also-a-proven-healthy-complete-protein-diet/571960.md?page=2)