Soybeans. Are They as Healthy as We Think?

Too much of a good thing may be a bad thing.

It is true that soybeans and soy-based products are good for one’s health, but health professionals warn against consuming soy-based products at every meal.

Soy is an abbreviation for the legume known as the soybean.  Soybeans contain seven of the eight necessary amino acids for healthy body function.  Soybeans also contain high amounts of protein.  In fact, their protein content is very close to of meat protein.

One of the most fascinating components of the soybean is called an isoflavone.  Isoflavones have been said to relieve some undesirable symptoms of menopause, and aid in the prevention of some cancers and heart disease.  Isoflavones are also good for bones because they prevent them from breaking down.  Soybeans have also been proven to lower cholesterol.  Studies show that the consumption of soy can reduce ones total cholesterol, including the bad, or LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides.

Soybeans are grown all over the world, but the United States is the world’s largest producer of soybeans.

Soy Health Claims

Soybeans in their natural state are not safe to be consumed by humans. However, whole soybeans contain more isoflavones in their natural form. For human consumption, soybeans should be processed, or fermented. When processed, the value of the natural flavones may be lost.

New studies have revealed that the once heavily proclaimed statements that soy consumption can help lower the risk of breast cancer is not as true as once thought.  For example, it was previously stated that soy may aid in the prevention of breast cancer and other cancers as well, including prostate cancer.  The study was conducted on Japanese women who already had a low incidence of breast cancer.  Unfortunately, the Japanese have a very high rate of other serious cancers such as: esophageal, stomach, liver and thyroid cancers.   Soy contains an ingredient that causes estrogen production.  Therefore, many doctors do not recommend that women with a high incidence of breast cancer consume soy because an increased level of estrogen production is know to contribute to the development of breast cancer.  Post-menopausal women should NOT take soy supplements or consume large amounts of soy until more is know.

NOTE: Eating foods and drinking beverages are not considered harmful.  Please be aware the breast cancer studies are NOT inclusive.  Until more is known about soy, we should not feel forced to eliminate it entirely from our diet.

An additional negative side effect of soy consumption is that when consumed in moderate amounts, it has been shown to alter sexual development and cause abnormal development in babies.  This should be of particular concern to mothers who may be feeding their babies a soy-based formula.  It has been said that a baby who consumes strictly a soy-based formula is receiving the equivalent of 5 birth control pills per day. Soy is also being investigated to determine if it causes a decreased sperm count in men.  Men have been advised to eliminate their intake of soy for three months prior to trying to conceive for fear that the sperm may be harmed.

Soybeans, like all beans, contain an ingredient called phytic acid.  Phytic acid has the ability to stop minerals like calcium, magnesium, zinc and iron from being absorbed by the body.  Studies show that individuals in other countries who consume large amounts of soy also are deficient in these minerals.  Again, this should be considered especially by mothers feeding their babies soy-based formula.

Summary:

Although the soybean is capable of providing some good benefits to the body, many people believe that its harm may outweigh its benefits. Again, moderation is key here.  Soy-based food and beverages appear to be safer than supplements because they are normally not consumed in large quantities.  Eating soy-based products such as: nuts, miso, cheese, edamame, tofu, soy milk and tempeh in moderation may provide  numerous health benefits with little or no health risks.  Until more is known about the effect of soy supplements on our bodies,  I would recommend taking as few soy  supplements as necessary, but continuing to enjoy soy-based foods and beverages.