2. Soy Causes Breast Cancer
Soy is the most abundant source of isoflavones, which are phytoestrogens, capable of having estrogen-like effects. Breast cancer is one of the main concerns when it comes to soy and its hormonal impact on the body.
However, according to current research, the consumption of soy doesn’t show a link to breast cancer; actually, it shows a protective association. Researchers state that it is OK to eat moderate amounts of soy.
Isoflavones also have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that benefit your overall health. There is still more research needed to be more explicit about the safety of soy for breast cancer survivors.
3. Soy Inhibits Thyroid Function
Research has found that neither soy foods nor isoflavones affect thyroid function in healthy men or women. For people with hypothyroidism, soy-like many other herbs, drugs, fiber & calcium supplements – may increase the amount of thyroid medication because it may interfere with the absorption of the medicine.
However, it is not necessary for thyroid patients (except for infants with congenital hypothyroidism) to forego soy products. It is recommended to take medication on an empty stomach and wait about 30-60 min with food consumption after taking it.
4. Unfermented Soy Is Bad for you
For a lot of people, fermented soy is an acceptable form of soy to consume and considered to be a healthier option. Traditional Asian cultures are often referred to support this statement.
However, Asian countries consume mostly unfermented soy, e.g., tofu and soy milk. While fermentation may improve mineral absorption and may create other potentially beneficial compounds, there is little evidence that these foods are superior to unfermented ones.
5. Soy Causes Feminizing Effects in Men
While individual cases of changes in sex hormones in men consuming soy have been reported, these men consumed extremely high doses of soy (3 quarts of soymilk per day, e.g.), and the effects reversed when the soy intake discontinued.
In reality, clinical studies in men show that isoflavones don’t affect testosterone levels or circulating estrogen levels. Even at isoflavone levels significantly higher than those of a typical Asian male consuming a soy-rich diet, isoflavones have not been found to have feminizing effects.
Read more on The Truth About Soy.
