Soybean Myths Busted With Ryan Fernando

Praveen Kumar
16 hours ago
3 min read

I am a firm believer of foods having the power to make major changes within your body, either to help you thrive in the long run or even destroy your body slowly each day. In this little write-up, we’re taking a look at the superfood soy, a high-protein, high-fibre, and rich multivitamin bite that is often seen in many Asian cuisines, and busting a few myths.

Since you already know, I am a nutritionist and my colleagues and I conduct genetic, blood, microbiome, and gut tests to see what foods can be consumed by one and how much to be able to get our clients feeling a hundred percent. Since soybeans have been drowned in so many theories – let's dive into and bust a few myths that might be stopping you from consuming this super-veggie.

First and foremost I’d like to clear the air, I’m neither a hater of soy nor am I am I person that loves soy – but I am here to give you all the information you need that has been confirmed by renowned and trusted organisations such as the EFSA, FDA, and Global Cancer Institute.

Myth 1: Soy Disrupts Hormones in Men and Women

Soy is commonly used in many Asian households and recorded data according to a 2021 meta analysis of 41 clinical studies show ‘Soy and isoflavones do not alter testosterone or estrogen levels in men.’

That indicated, men do not need to worry about droppage in sperm count – according to studies in Asian households, men show no signs of hormone disruption and have a completely healthy reproductive rate.

For women, studies showed no significant change in estrogen levels whether pre or postmenopausal. So no – Soy does not make your hormones go haywire.

Myth 2: Soy affects fertility

Now you might have a hard time believing me, but consuming soy can improve your fertility – and there is a study conducted to help bust this myth. A study of 315 women who are undergoing assisted reproductive technology a very interesting detail was noticed. “Women had higher soy isoflavone intake had nearly doubled the live birth rate”

An additional detail was spotted during this test, where the effects of negative hormone disrupting chemicals weren’t as present during pregnancy for soy consumers. While earlier research indicated that it may slightly increase menstrual cycle length by one day, and it didn’t prevent ovulation.

Myth 3: Soy Increases Risk of Breast Cancer Effects Recovery

Soy being a phytoestrogen, there has been no evidence suggesting that Soy increases breast cancer risk. A study was conducted in 2019 that concluded that women who consume more soy had better rates and lower recurrence after breast cancer diagnosis.

It was noticed that breast density, proliferation, and estrogen levels remained the same even after high soy isoflavone intake. Soy safety has been supported by various health organizations like the American Cancer Society, and the World Cancer Research Fund for breast cancer survivors.

Myth 4: Soy is Harmful For Thyroid patients

In 2019, 18 clinics took part in a systematic review – no significant changes in thyroid hormones such as T3 or T4 were found in healthy adults. However, in case iodine is low, there is a risk of overt hypothyroidism possible.

So you don’t have to keep yourself away from consuming soy, you just have to make sure your iodine intake is adequate and keep a gap between soy and thyroid medication.

Myth 5: Soy Blocks Mineral Absorption Like Calcium Iron and Zinc

Soy is known to be containing Phytic Acid that can reduce mineral absorption, but your body has the capability to adapt it over time. As a matter of fact, your body absorbs calcium from calcium set tofu or fortified soy milk just as it does from cow’s milk.

An additional factor would be that soy also contains iron that your body can use, called ferritin bound iron. In studies – you’ll find your body gets better at absorbing iron even from diets high in phytates which usually blocks minerals.

Conclusion

Cholesterol-lowering, heart healthy, rich in protein, and environmentally sustainable. Everything shouts green flags about Soybeans – It is one of the most well-studied plant proteins you can find.

What I mean to say is that you don’t have to worry about how you consume it, being tofu, tempeh, miso, or soy milk.