We have all heard that soy contains estrogen and ultimately is not healthy. But is this true? With the amount of people moving towards a plant-based diet soy like tofu and non meat substitutes is ever common. Which begs us to ask the question is soy really healthy?
Soy does have phytoestrogen, but this is not the same as animal estrogen. Phytoestrogen has no effect on us, meat however contains actual estrogen which directly affect our natural hormone. According to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. soybeans and soyfoods potentially have multifaceted health-promoting effects, including cholesterol reduction, improved vascular health, preserved bone mineral density, and reduction of menopausal symptoms.
Another study showed the consumption of soy can decrease the risk of heart disease and even cancer. This is linked to phytochemicals called isoflavones found in soybeans. Soybeans are a great source of amino acids, minerals, and vitamins. Soy should be avoided when it is heavily processed or as a soy isolate. In whole and sprouted form you can receive all the benefits from the soybean.
While Soy is not as healthy as fruits or vegetables it can still be a great additive to help diversify any plant-based diet. Therefore the only people who should avoid soy are those that are allergic to it.