I find the soy debate interesting because soy is the backbone of a vegetarian's existence. Besides being a major protein source itself, its various formulations provide some excitement in the otherwise bland vegetarian protein menu. And after all, the diet battle in terms of lifestyle (not fad) is really coming down to a shoot-out between the vegetarians and the meat-eaters.

That Harvard University has taken a stance here is intriguing. Many people don't realize that Harvard (specifically Walter Willett) is one of the very few mainstream medical groups that is supporting (at least a version) of low carb. Their new diet book puts white foods at the top of the food pyramid and they are onto insulin spikes and are pushing the glycemic index. Harvard's Nurse's Study gives them more clout than almost any other existing medical research to discuss the relation of diet to health.

Whether or not unfermented soy causes cancer, thyroid and other hormone problems may not yet be fully determined. That Harvard is concerned enough to suggest soy consumption should be moderated is another blow to the vegetarian lifestyle.

Unfortunately, Harvard is still recommending vegetable oils and whole grains and is not big on saturated fats, so they haven't turned the final corner on the low-carb lifestyle yet.