The Truth About Soy
Soy often gets thrown into some very confusing conversations, conversations it has no business being in. I’m here to help set the record straight on the health benefits of soy.
What is soy?
Soy is a legume, soybean, and is part of the pea family. It is a high protein plant food and can be used in a variety of ways.
Soy comes in many different forms: edamame, tofu, soy milk, soy beans, soy food products (burgers, cheese, etc.), tempeh, and soy sauce, just to name a few. It is an incredibly versatile food and has grown in popularity as a meat replacement for those on vegetarian or vegan diets.
Soy is rich in fiber, vitamin B, potassium, magnesium, and protein. It is a complete protein, meaning it contains all 9 essential amino acids. Soy has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, tame hot flashes, may reduce risk of breast cancer, lessen the chance or intensity of Alzheimer’s and dementia, and reduce the risk of prostate cancer. It is an incredible health food linked to many positive health benefits.
So, why exactly has there been so much confusion around soy? The confusion is often sparked due to the levels of isoflavones, a type of plant estrogen. There has been controversy that soy could cause breast cancer but that speculation has not been scientifically proven. In fact, the opposite has been shown in studies that soy actually may reduce the risk of cancer’s. Also, yes men can and should eat soy. No, the isoflavones will not make you a female. The fact that that is a small part of the controversy just, I have no words.
Many of the people claiming that soy is not healthy are making the claims without any evidence. There are no studies that show soy as being harmful or something to be avoided. (Don’t believe me, you are welcome to do the research). What the studies do show are the many health benefits of consuming soy.
So eat soy, in any and all of its forms!
References
https://www.scripps.org/news_items/5268-is-soy-healthy
