Estrogen is not good for weight loss. If you are relying on a diet plan based on soy then wait. Soy is not that good as it is considered to be. Why? Does soy have estrogen? Does soy not good for protein in your vegan diet plan? Let us see.
Women, most of the time, want to know the role estrogen plays in their bodies. Issues about reproduction are often on top of their list and given utmost priority.
Soy is gotten from soybean and tofu is one of the most common sources. Diets that contain soy include soy milk, soy cheese, soyburgers, and even some meat substitutes. Vegetarians are not left out of the soy diet too.
One major component of soy is phytoestrogens, which is plant-based estrogen. These are two isoflavones, genistein, and daidzein, that perform the function of the female sex hormone in the body.
Since estrogen plays a major part in reproduction, it is important to pay close attention to diets. So, does soy have estrogen?
Before we answer this question, let’s take a look at the health benefits of Soy:
Benefits of Soy Diets – Good for overall health
1. Soy diet Helps To Lower Blood Pressure
Soybeans and diets made from them are usually rich in arginine, an amino acid that helps regulate blood pressure levels.
Soybeans also contain isoflavones, a compound believed to offer blood-pressure-lowering benefits.
A study revealed that consuming half-cup (43 grams) of soy nuts daily was found to reduce blood pressure by around 8% in some women.
However, it’s not certain whether these benefits apply to people with normal and elevated blood pressure levels. But some studies suggest both may benefit, while others suggest only people with high blood pressure would benefit from its effect.
2. Protects Heart Health
Studies have shown that diets rich in legumes, including soy, may help lower your risk of heart disease.
Isoflavones in soy may help reduce inflammation in blood vessels and improve their elasticity, two major factors believed to protect the health of your heart.
A recent study shows that there’s a relationship between soy-rich diets and a lower risk of stroke and heart disease.
Another study suggests that diets rich in soy foods may decrease the risk of dying from heart disease.
3. Lower cholesterol levels
Research has shown that diets rich in soy foods may help lower cholesterol levels.
A recent study suggests that a median intake of 25 grams of soy protein every day may help reduce total and cholesterol levels by up to 3%.
People who are prone to have heart diseases, such as those with high cholesterol, obesity, or type 2 diabetes, live among those who benefit most from soy-rich diets.
Furthermore, processed soy foods, such as soybeans, tofu, and edamame, tend to improve cholesterol levels more than processed soy products and supplements.
4. Helps To Prevent Breast Cancer
Scientists believe that isoflavone, the phytonutrient present in soy, may help shrink cancer tumors. If you’ve been eating soy from childhood, your chances of having breast cancer are minute. Women who just included soy in their diet are also less likely to have breast cancer.
5. Aids Bone Health
Older women are more prone to have osteoporosis, which is characterized by reduced bone density and an increased risk of fracture.
Consuming soy products regularly can reduce the risk of osteoporosis in women, especially those who have undergone menopause. Isoflavones in soy make this possible.
Now that we’ve established that soy-diets are beneficial to health, let’s take a look at its demerits.
What are the Disadvantages of Consuming Soy Diets?
Note that the body system differs. An individual might consume soy diets without experiencing any negative symptoms while another individual can get sick immediately.
Some of the adverse effects of Soy in some individuals include:
1. Diarrhea
Soybeans contain insoluble fiber, which may cause stomach upset and diarrhea in some people. If you have irritable bowel syndrome, avoid or limit your intake of soybeans as it worsens symptoms.
2. Limits Thyroid Functions
Constant consumption of Soy products may contribute to hypothyroidism in some individuals. Studies have shown that isoflavones found in soybeans may suppress the formation of thyroid hormones.
If you have an interactive thyroid gland, reduce your intake of Soy products to prevent hypothyroidism.
3. Allergies
Don’t be surprised that some people are allergic to soy products. Symptoms of soy allergies include hives, scaly skin, itching, breathing difficulty, swelling of lips and throat, and a runny nose.
If you notice these symptoms while eating a Soy product, avoid or limit its intake.
Does Soy Have Estrogen?
Yes, Soy contains estrogen. The isoflavones present in Soy have estrogenic properties.
From the benefits of Soy listed above, women who consume soy diets regularly are less likely to have breast cancer and fertility problems. Soy is also known to provide the necessary protein during pregnancy, especially for women who don’t eat meat.