What Everyone Should Know About Soy and Estrogen
Soy and estrogen have been the topic of several studies and arguments in recent years. While there is no doubt that soy provides many nutritional benefits, many people are concerned about the side effects that may result from the phytoestrogen (plant estrogen also referred to as isoflavones) that it contains. Familiarize yourself with the benefits and possible side effects of soy and estrogen-like isoflavones before drastically changing your diet or adding any new dietary supplements to your current well-body regime.
Benefits of Soy Isoflavones
There are several ways that soy and estrogen benefit a person’s health. Several studies have shown that the isoflavones in soy may assist in lowering the risk for certain diseases and help with menopause related symptoms.
Because soy can retard the growth of cells that form plaque in arteries, risk of heart attacks can be significantly reduced. Over 30 studies have shown that soy is effective in improving a person’s cholesterol profile. Although it has not yet been definitively proven, many researchers believe this is due to the isoflavones found in soy.
Soy and its phytoestrogen are also being touted as cancer fighters. Many researchers believe that soy’s estrogen content is effective protection against tumors because it fights cancer cells in a similar fashion as many common cancer-treating drugs. In particular, experts believe that soy and isoflavones are most effective in preventing prostate, breast, and endometrial cancer. Specifically, studies have shown that women with soy-rich diets showed risk for endometrial cancer being reduced by up to 54%.
Osteoporosis is a concern for most aging people, particularly North Americans and Europeans. Soy isoflavones can help stop bone loss, and many researchers believe bone mass can be increased as well. This is particularly beneficial for menopausal women who are at heightened risk for age-related bone loss.
Aside from helping prevent osteoporosis, many women going through menopause are adding soy to their diet to also help with like temperature regulation and hot flashes. Certain circles believe that diets lacking in natural isoflavones may be one of the causes for severe menopause and post-menopausal discomfort and health risks.
Possible Problems from Soy and Estrogen
Although the benefits are clearly substantial, there are some side effects that one should consider before stuffing themselves with a soy-laden diet. Many people have raised questions about the possibility of bizarre side effects in men specifically.
For men, cooked soy in moderation is perfectly fine and healthy. It is when unusually large amounts of soy or isolated isoflavones were ingested that side effects have been reported. One study held at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill listed nipple leakage, minor decreases in testosterone, and slight breast enlargement in male participants. It is extremely important to note that the amount of phytoestrogen eaten was in excess of thirty times what a person should be able to get from normal amounts of soy. Normal dietary intake shows no such side effects.
Another common concern that many people have is the effect that soy and isoflavone rich food may have on fertility. While studies have proven that diets high in these foods can lead to fewer menstrual cycles and lowered fertility in some women, they also note that many of these participants also had other under-lying causes for fertility problems. Healthy couples can still enjoy reasonable amounts of soy and isoflavones without any worry about fertility problems. Couples that are actively trying to conceive may want to limit their intake however, just to be on the safe side. Additional concerns should be directed to a physician or nutritionist.