Is eating soy actually bad for your health?
Is Eating Soy Actually Bad for Your Health? By Joe Donatelli Updated June 27, 2019 Soy-based foods such as edamame get a bad rap, but research seems to agree that it can be enjoyed in moderation. Image Credit: Kristin Duvall/Stocksy.com Soybeans have been accused of everything from causing breast cancer to thyroid damage to flooding men and ...
Why is soy bad for women?
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Is soy actually safe or healthy to eat?
Soy is exalted as a health food by some, with claims of taming hot flashes, warding off osteoporosis, and protecting against hormonal cancers like breast and prostate. At the same time, soy is shunned by others for fear that it may cause breast cancer, thyroid problems, and dementia, though these claims have not been substantiated.
Is soy harmful to women?
The most common side effects of soy are digestive upsets, such as constipation and diarrhea. Soy may alter thyroid function in people who are deficient in iodine. Current evidence indicates that it's safe for women who have had breast cancer or who are at risk for breast cancer to eat soy foods. Can soy mess up your period?
What does too much soy do to a woman?
Many of soy's health benefits have been linked to isoflavones—plant compounds that mimic estrogen. But animal studies suggest that eating large amounts of those estrogenic compounds might reduce fertility in women, trigger premature puberty and disrupt development of fetuses and children.
What are the negative effects of soy?
The most common side effects of soy are digestive upsets, such as constipation and diarrhea. Soy may alter thyroid function in people who are deficient in iodine. Current evidence indicates that it's safe for women who have had breast cancer or who are at risk for breast cancer to eat soy foods.
Does soy increase estrogen in females?
May reduce menopause symptoms Studies suggest soy's beneficial role in menopause. In a review of 35 studies, soy isoflavone supplements raised estradiol (estrogen) levels in postmenopausal women by 14% ( 14 ).
Does eating soy increase estrogen?
According to a handful of studies, soy consumption may have a link to raising serum estrogen in humans (3), and potentially causing thyroid disorders (4). Animal studies have also suggested potential male infertility and breast cancer associated with soy consumption.
Does soy increase breast size?
Soy-based products won't increase breast size either For that reason, some people think that soy will help their breasts get bigger. As is the case with dairy milk, this is a falsehood. There are no clinical studies, and no evidence, linking phytoestrogens to increased breast size.
Does soy make you gain weight?
Soy foods are moderately high in calories, which means they can help you gain weight, but they could also become an important part of your restricted-calorie weight-loss diet. For example, 2-cups of soy nuggets/granules will give about 360 calories.
Does soy cause inflammation?
Excess consumption of omega-6s can trigger the body to produce pro-inflammatory chemicals. These fatty acids are found in oils such corn, safflower, sunflower, grapeseed, soy, peanut, and vegetable; mayonnaise; and many salad dressings.
How do you know if your sensitive to soy?
What are the symptoms of soy allergy?Itching.Hives.Eczema.Tingling or swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat.Chest tightness, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing.Wheezing.Abdominal pain.Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.More items...•
Why is isoflavone in soya?
One reason there isn’t a more definitive answer is because isoflavone either acts like oestrogen in the body , or its opposite. When we eat soya, isoflavone either binds to the alpha oestrogen receptor in the body , which stimulates a tumour’s growth rate, or the beta receptor, which decreases growth rate and induces apoptosis.
Is soya bad for hormones?
But despite more people associating soya with health over the last decade, one fear has come to the fore: the idea that soya can disrupt our hormones. The controversy around soya comes down to its uniquely high content of isoflavones.
Does soya have cholesterol?
This is because soya has been found to reduce levels of harmful low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in the blood, which is a risk for heart disease. But may have nothing to do with soya, per se – it could simply be because diets higher in soya are lower in unhealthier foods.
Does soya oil help with hot flashes?
Meanwhile, clinical and population data shows daily soya intake can halve the frequency and severity of hot flashes even when the placebo affect is taken into consideration, says Mindy Kurzer, professor of nutrition at the University of Minnesota. (Taking oestrogen medication, on the other hand, brings hot flushes down by 75%.)
Do isoflavones increase breast cancer risk?
They also found that dietary isoflavones enhance the growth of cancerous tumours. But a more recent, 2010 review of more than 100 studies concluded that, overall, lab experiments have shown no significant increased risk of breast cancer.
Is soya good for you?
Not soy easy. Even so, it’s difficult to conclusively isolate soya’s benefits – if there are any. Soya is often consumed as part of a healthy diet and as a substitute for red meat, which is associated with a higher risk of heart disease and cancer. Soya products often replace foods like red meat, which could be why soya intake is associated ...
Does soya help with breast cancer?
Soya also has been correlated with reducing breast cancer’s severity. Fang Fang Zhang, associate professor at Tufts University in Massachusetts, carried out population research among 6,000 women with breast cancer living in the US and found a 21% reduction in mortality among those who consumed more soya .
Where is soy found?
Soy is found in the majority of processed and prepackaged foods, often hidden in flavor enhancers ( MSG) and preservatives. Being a subsidized food crop, soy is incredibly cheap and is used to make stabilizers, appearance enhancers, and emulsifiers.
Is soy a cancer?
They have been tied to many kinds of cancer, [ 5] particularly ovarian and breast cancer. [ 6] . Soy is loaded with xenoestrogens, something that should raise caution in the health industry.
Is soy bad for you?
Soy contains isoflavones that act as estrogen mimickers, an aspect that can have both positive and negative effects. As a result, a diet high in soy can severely harm a woman's health, both in the short and long term.
Is soy a xenoestrogen?
Xeno estrogens are substances similar or identical to estrogen that are not produced by the body. They may be inhaled, absorbed through the skin, injected, or eaten. Because of their similarity to estrogen, xenoestrogens interfere with normal hormonal balance. They have been tied to many kinds of cancer, [ 5] particularly ovarian and breast cancer. [ 6] Soy is loaded with xenoestrogens , something that should raise caution in the health industry.
Is fermented soy safe?
Fermented soy is an extremely nutrient-dense food that is safe for the body. The fermentation process produces major changes in soy's structure and removes most of the food’s goitrogens (thyroid-harming substances).
Is soy a genetically modified food?
The majority of soy is also genetically modified, so if the soy you’re eating isn’t organic, chances are you are eating a Frankenfood product. If you’re seeking to protect your reproductive, mental, and overall health, I highly recommend reducing, if not eliminating, most forms of soy from your diet. References (6)
Can soy be used during pregnancy?
Not only is the amount of soy a young girl eats a contributing factor, the soy the mother consumes during pregnancy can also influence puberty age. Pregnant women should limit their intake of soy products, and soy-based formulas should never be used. 4. Cancer.
Is soy protein healthy?
Fortunately, healthy soy products aren’t difficult to find, so soy protein will remain a staple in my diet. That said, because the health impact of consuming soy is an active area of research, I’ll be keeping up with ongoing soy studies as well.
Is soy safe for women?
More specifically, I didn’t know that soy is actually safe for women. Here’s the thing though: Recent studies, like this one from Tufts University, show that soy isn’t just safe—it may even inhibit development or recurrence of breast cancer cells.
Does soy affect thyroid?
In the mid-2000s, research found that soy can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb a synthetic thyroid hormone often used to treat hypothyroidism—but soy doesn’t appear to cause thyroid problems. In fact, soy doesn’t seem to affect a functioning thyroid whatsoever.
Is soy milk good for you?
Here’s What the Research Says. Soy tends to be a major player in most plant-based diets, and some studies have suggested that consuming soy foods, like tofu and soy milk, benefits cardiovascular health, weight loss, and prevention of certain cancers. But conflicting soy studies have confused the issue for most consumers, especially women, ...
Is soy good for cancer?
Hever adds that the American Institute for Cancer Research actually recommends soy as a cancer-fighting food because it is associated with decreased risk for breast cancer recurrence and mortality. Additionally, “Consuming soy foods early in life—during childhood or adolescence—may lower lifetime risk for breast cancer,” Hever says, ...
Does soy reduce breast cancer risk?
The role of soyfoods in reducing breast cancer risk has been rigorously investigated for more than two decades. A meta-analysis of epidemiologic studies published in 2013 that included 12 studies from Asia found that higher soy intake was associated with a statistically significant 29 percent reduction in the risk of developing breast cancer. 3 However, there is intriguing evidence indicating that to derive this benefit, soy consumption must occur during childhood and/or adolescence. 77-79
Does soy affect fertility?
One of these somewhat ironically, given the large populations of Asian countries that have historically consumed soy, is the impact of soy on fertility. In women, soyfoods appear to increase the length of the menstrual cycle although ovulation is not prevented it is simply delayed by one day. 119 According to limited epidemiologic data, this minor effect on menstrual cycle length could help to decrease breast cancer risk. 120
Do soy foods help with heart disease?
Soyfoods potentially offer protection against heart disease through several mechanisms. For example, soyfoods are low in saturated fat and high in polyunsaturated fat.60 When soyfoods replace common sources of protein in the U.S. diet, as a result of the favorable change in fatty acid intake, estimates are that circulating LDL-cholesterol concentrations may be reduced by as much as 4 percent.61 There is also evidence indicating that when unsaturated fat replaces saturated fat, endothelial function62 and cholesterol efflux capacity63 will be enhanced.
Does soy affect skin?
Interest in the effects of soy on overall skin health is not surprising given that isoflavones bind to ERs, which are present in the skin, 96,97 and that estrogen therapy is thought to improve a number of skin parameters 98-101 including skin elasticity, 102 water-holding capacity, 103 pigmentation, 104 and vascularity. 105 Skin appendages, such as hair follicles, are also influenced by estrogens. 106
Is soy good for women?
Soyfoods offer health benefits for all consumers, but studies show that postmenopausal women may reap particular benefits. This fact sheet discusses recent research into the benefits and safety of soy for women, from heart disease to hot flashes.
Why is soy so unique?
Soy is unique in that it contains a high concentration of isoflavones, a type of plant estrogen (phytoestrogen) that is similar in function to human estrogen but with much weaker effects. Soy isoflavones can bind to estrogen receptors in the body and cause ...
What is the risk of death for women who eat soy isoflavones?
Women who ate the highest amounts of soy isoflavones had a 21% lower risk of death compared with women with the lowest intakes. Women who had ER-/PR- tumors and who were not receiving tamoxifen appeared to receive greatest benefit from the higher soy isoflavone intakes.
What are the two major isoflavones?
The two major soy isoflavones are called genistein and daidzein. Soy isoflavones and soy protein appear to have different actions in the body based on the following factors: Type of study.
Why are soy results conflicting?
Results are conflicting, potentially due to variation in the types of soy preparations used, the quantities given, and for how long they are used. Breast Cancer. Phytoestrogens don’t always mimic estrogen. In some tissues and in some people, they may block the action of estrogen.
Why is soy bad for you?
Soy is exalted as a health food by some, with claims of taming hot flashes, warding off osteoporosis, and protecting against hormonal cancers like breast and prostate. At the same time, soy is shunned by others for fear that it may cause breast cancer, thyroid problems, and dementia.
Does eating soy cause breast cancer?
If soy’s estrogen-blocking action occurs in the breast, then eating soy could, in theory, reduce the risk of breast cancer because estrogen stimulates the growth and multiplication of breast and breast cancer cells.
Does soy isoflavone help with hot flashes?
Another meta-analysis of 16 studies found that soy isoflavone supplements had a small and gradual effect in weakening menopausal hot flashes compared with estradiol (human estrogen). However, the authors noted weaknesses in the analysis due to a small number of participants and high variability in study design.
What are the nutrients in soybeans?
Soybeans are naturally rich in protein and contain all of the essential amino acids your body needs. They’re also rich in plant fats, fiber, and several important vitamins, minerals, and beneficial plant compounds . Various soybean-derived products exist.
What is the difference between soy and processed food?
Generally, the less processed a soy food is , the more vitamins, minerals, and beneficial compounds it may contain. On the other hand, the more processed a soy food is, the more salt, sugar, fat, and unnecessary additives and fillers it likely contains.
How many isoflavones are in a boiled soybean?
Boiled soybeans contain 90–134 mg of isoflavones per 3.5 ounces (100 grams), depending on the variety ( 7. Trusted Source. , 11.
Does soy help with heart disease?
Diets rich in legumes, including soy, may help lower your risk of heart disease ( 16. Trusted Source. ). It appears that soy isoflavones may help reduce inflammation in blood vessels and improve their elasticity — two factors believed to protect the health of your heart ( 17.
Is soy good for you?
Soy is arguably one of the most controversial nutrition topics. On one hand, it’s rich in nutrients, and diets containing it appear to be linked to health benefits, such as lower blood sugar levels, improved heart health, fewer menopause symptoms, and perhaps even a lower risk of certain cancers. Yet, on the other hand, some people are concerned ...
Does soy help with blood pressure?
Soybeans are also rich in isoflavones, another compound believed to offer blood-pressure-lowering benefits. In one study, eating 1/2 cup (43 grams) of soy nuts daily was found to reduce diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number of a blood pressure reading) by around 8% in some, but not all women ( 21. Trusted Source.
Does eating too much soy cause cancer?
For instance, some fear that eating too much soy may increase the risk of breast cancer, hinder thyroid function, or have feminizing effects in men, to name a few. This article reviews the latest scientific evidence to determine whether eating soy is more likely to have positive or negative effects on your health.
How many calories are in soy milk?
The calorie content in 1 cup of soy milk, about 80 to 110 calories, is lower than that of a comparable serving of dairy whole milk. One cup of whole dairy milk is 149 calories with 8 grams of fat, 8 grams of protein and 12 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein is in soy yogurt?
Soy yogurt is made with soy milk. An 8-ounce serving contains 66 calories and 1.8 grams of fat, with only 0.2 grams of saturated fat. It also has 10 grams of protein and 500 milligrams of calcium, about half the calcium you need in a day.
How much soy is in 8 oz of milk?
An 8-ounce glass of soy milk contains anywhere from 3 to 11 grams of soy. Advertisement. An American Cancer Society study in 2017 reinforced those findings and put concerns about soy and breast cancer to rest. Claims of soy for women's health now have solid research behind them.
How long after taking thyroid medicine can you drink soy milk?
The only caveat, again, is for women who take thyroid medicine. Although you shouldn't drink soy milk for at least four hours after taking your medicine, according to the Mayo Clinic, it's still best to discuss your soy consumption with your doctor.
Does soy milk cause cancer?
Soy milk has lots of isoflavones which have been found to protect against cancer. But their estrogen-like qualities have caused some concerns, because estrogen had been linked to breast cancer., as outlined in a 1996 study in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention.
Is soy milk better than cow's milk?
Soy milk is a good alternative to cow's milk for many people. For women who don't like cow's milk or have an intolerance to dairy, soy milk is a good way to get needed protein and calcium.
Is soy good for women?
Conflicting Soy Studies. Studies of soy's impact on women's health have reported wide-ranging results. There were studies in the 1990s saying soy reduced breast cancer risk. Another study published in 2003 in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute reported that there could be an increase in cancer risk.
Is soy a good supplement for thyroid?
Soy or isoflavone supplements, on the other hand, generally contain higher levels of isoflavones. Some studies have suggested a link between soy or isoflavone supplements and an increased risk of breast cancer in women who have a family or personal history of breast cancer or thyroid problems. Talk with your doctor or dietitian before taking ...
Does soy help with breast cancer?
Studies show that a lifelong diet rich in soy foods reduces the risk of breast cancer in women. This protective effect is less dramatic for women who eat less soy or who start eating soy later in life. Soy contains protein, isoflavones and fiber, all of which provide health benefits.
Does soy cause cancer?
Soy contains protein, isoflavones and fiber, all of which provide health benefits. It was once thought that soy foods increase the risk of breast cancer. However, eating a moderate amount of soy foods does not increase risk of breast cancer — or other types of cancer.
News briefs
The FDA wants to pull its support of the health claim that eating soy protein may help reduce the risk of heart disease. The agency proposed the change last fall, citing evidence that questions whether there's any real benefit to heart health.
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