02/05/2024
concerns about soy:
Estrogen-mimicking effects. Soy isoflavones are often thought to mimic the female reproductive hormone estrogen. Although they’re similar in structure to this hormone, soy isoflavones have weaker and slightly different effects than estrogen (12Trusted Source).
Cancer risk. Some people believe that soy isoflavones may raise the risk of breast or endometrial cancer. Yet, most studies find no negative effect. In some cases, they may even offer some protection against certain cancers (12Trusted Source, 39Trusted Source, 40Trusted Source, 47Trusted Source, 48Trusted Source).
Thyroid function. Test-tube and animal studies suggest that some compounds found in soy may reduce thyroid gland function. Yet, human studies find little to no negative effects, especially in humans with healthy thyroid function (49Trusted Source, 50Trusted Source, 51Trusted Source).
Feminizing effects in men. Some worry that soy isoflavones may reduce the production of the male hormone testosterone. However, human studies find a weak link between the two (12Trusted Source, 52Trusted Source).
Danger to babies. Some fear that soy formula may negatively affect brain, sexual, thyroid, or immune development. Yet, studies typically fail to observe any long-term negative effects of soy formula in healthy, full-term babies (53Trusted Source, 54Trusted Source, 55Trusted Source, 56Trusted)
Antinutrients. Soybeans contain compounds that may lower the body’s ability to absorb the vitamins and minerals they contain. Soaking, sprouting, fermenting, and cooking are ways to reduce these antinutrient levels in soy (59Trusted Source, 60Trusted Source, 61Trusted Source, 62Trusted Source).
Digestive issues. Animal studies suggest that the antinutrients in soy may reduce the gut’s barrier function, possibly resulting in inflammation and digestive issues. However, more human studies are needed to confirm this (63Trusted Source, 64Trusted Source, 65Trusted Source).
Keep in mind that while these concerns are common, few of them are supported by sound science. Moreover, when negative effects have been observed, they often followed the consumption of very large amounts of soy.
*** If you have to eat soy limit it and get organic****
*************** GMO’s are killing us ***************
I am not eating it, but you definitely can, but I would not allow it for children under 21 who are still developing.