If you have heard from someone that you should/shouldn’t eat soy, have a look at these facts to decide about it.
Isoflavones (phytonutrient) of soy has estrogen-like properties and estrogen has a bad reputation as it promotes many cancer cells. So there is a fear that isoflavones of soya, which acts as estrogen may stimulate cancer cells. But these isoflavones work like weak estrogen within the body and also keeps the level of estrogen in control.
When the body estrogen levels are low (Ex: Postmenopausal women), it acts like a weak estrogen and when the levels are high (Ex: Premenopausal women), isoflavones blocks it from affecting cells.
Research now conclude that soy isoflavones may actually block estrogen from attaching to breast cancer cells and may protect from breast cancer. Soybeans and soy nuts are high in fiber and consuming a diet high in fiber protect from colorectal cancer. Eating soy may lower PSA levels and may protect from prostate cancer in a male.
But a large amount of soy intake and its effects on cancer cells are yet not clear. Soy protein isolates in protein powders and bars are more concentrated forms of soy.
It is recommended to have one to two serving of soy every day.
One serving includes:
- 1 cup of soy milk
- 30 gm of soy nuts
- 1/3 cup of tofu
- 1/2 cup of cooked soya bean
It was also found that our body may process natural soy differently than the processed food. A healthy diet can include soy. Go moderate and add natural soy food like beans, milk, tofu, flour, miso and avoid processed food like nuggets.