The use of spam for repetitive annoying emails in fact comes directly from 
the annoying repetition of the word spam in that Monty Python skit. One begat 
the other; no coincidence.

As for the connection between tofu and premature puberty, among other 
problems. This has become a major topic of discussion because of an article on 
Mothering magazine: 
http://www.mothering.com/articles/growing_child/food/soy_story.html

Whole Soy Story: The Dark Side of America's Favorite Health Food
By Kaayla T. Daniel 
Issue 124: May/June 2004    

It is crucial to note that the entirety of Daniel's claims on this particular 
connection are from inference, innuendo, and speculation. She is forced to 
admit that there have been no formal medical studies on humans on the subject of 
soy and premature puberty. Some animal studies have been done but have not 
been shown to be applicable to people. There is no formal evidence for a 
connection between the use of tofu or soy formulas in infancy and any further 
developmental problems in children. 

I usually have concerns whenever I see an article that culls out exclusively 
negative and attacking statements with no attempt at balance. It is extremely 
easy to quote negatives from authoritative sources and still not have the 
complete story.

To see what I mean, look at the first paragraphs an article of one such 
animal study, Soy for Kids May be ‘Tofu-lish’ by Tom Valentine.
http://www.americanfreepress.net/Alternative_Health/Tofu-lish_/tofu-lish_.html


"Ms. Jill Schneider, associate professor of biological sciences at Lehigh 
University in Bethlehem, Pa, is calling into question the often ballyhooed health 
benefits of tofu, infant formula and other food products made from soybeans 
and soy extract. It is best to “think twice” before accepting the benevolence 
of soy, she warns.

"In a study on hamsters completed under Schneider’s direction, Jamie Swanson, 
a biological sciences major, recently found that a component of soy beans—
isoflavones—significantly accelerated the onset of puberty in the rodents. 

"These findings, similar to results reported by labs that have experimented 
with rats, might be relevant to humans, Schneider says. She points out that 
many babies who are allergic to cow's milk are fed soy-based formulas that 
contain isoflavones."

Couldn't be more clear, right?

But read this paragraph:

"Naturally occurring soy products like soybeans or tofu, Schneider says, do 
not concern her as much as the isoflavone pills or concentrated soy powders, 
which contain larger quantities of isoflavone than those contained in the beans 
or curd."

Schneider’s attitude is negative overall, but nuanced. Daniel's article is 
not nuanced. That makes all the difference in the world.

Steve Carper