Soy and Health (2024)

FAQs

What happens to your body when you eat soy everyday? ›

Soy-rich diets may improve heart health and lower blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels. They may also improve fertility, reduce symptoms of menopause, and protect against certain cancers. However, more research is needed.

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. Whether published in a popular press article or a well-designed clinical study, some debate about soy remains.

Soy can cause some mild stomach and intestinal side effects such as constipation, bloating, and nausea. It can also cause allergic reactions involving rash, itching, and breathing problems in some people.

Summary. Soybeans and soy foods may reduce the risk of a range of health problems, including cardiovascular disease, stroke, coronary heart disease (CHD) and some cancers, as well as improving bone health. Soy is a high-quality protein – one or 2 daily serves of soy products can be beneficial to our health.

Yes, Boys Can Enjoy Soy!

The U.S. departments of Agriculture and Health and Human Services agree adding tofu, tempeh and soy protein powders to the protein category of their 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

However, soy is one of the most common triggers for a non-IgE reaction in infants. Reactions may include soy protein intolerance, or eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). EoE causes inflammation in your esophagus, which is the tube that connects your mouth to your stomach.

Soybeans and soy products contain high-quality protein and are filled with many essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. The amount of soy-based foods we eat is a controversial topic when it comes to breast cancer, hormones in men, thyroid function, and pediatric growth and development.

However, a high-level intake of soy proteins (above 25.0% weight) can induce genotoxic and cytotoxic damage to the intestine, which can be lowered by adding fermentable fibres to soy-based diets. Fermented soy products, such as tofu, contain microbes such as Streptococcus, Bifidobacteria, and Enterococcus.

Not enough evidence exists to suggest a link between soy consumption and hormone changes in the body such as increased serum estrogen, breast cancer risk, thyroid hormone imbalances, and infertility.

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.

How much soy is OK per day? ›

Both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the American Heart Association (AHA) recommend 25 grams of soy protein as part of a diet that is low in cholesterol and saturated fat. Cancer: Phytoestrogens in dietary soy may help prevent hormone-related cancers, such as breast, endometrial, and prostate cancer.

The bottom line

Some studies have suggested that soy may have positive effects on cholesterol levels, cancer risk, and menopause symptoms. However, other studies have shown that soy intake may negatively impact certain aspects of health, including digestion and ovarian function.

Favor Whole Soy Foods

While foods made using whole soybeans like edamame, tofu, and soy milk have health benefits, highly processed soy products likely do not. Some food companies have separated protein from whole soybeans and used it to make soy protein isolate.

2000). In fact, both isoflavones (and other phytoestrogens) and soy are routinely referred to as endocrine disruptors (Lee et al.

Manufacturers favor the legume for its low cost and its isolated soy protein, which emulsifies, or blends, and binds fat and water. This keeps products moist without affecting other ingredients. The soybean's consistency allows it to be transformed into oils, flours, and meat and dairy substitutes (Van Evra, 2010).

Milk and soy proteins must be eliminated from your diet. Be aware that it may take up to two weeks for the proteins already in your system to be eliminated.