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We’ve all hear the adage, “You are what you eat,” but when it comes to soy, is that good or bad?
The true role soy foods play in cancer prevention or triggering malignant cell growth is difficult to discern from current research studies. The bottom line is no one knows for certain.
The confusion over soy is pervasive among women. A recent study of women in a cancer risk assessment program showed that 45 percent of women who ate soy on a regular basis did so to lower their cancer risk. Yet 7 percent of women in the same study said they avoided soy foods because it might increase their risk of breast cancer.
Many studies over the last 15 years have shown soy to be beneficial in lowering the risk for some types of cancers. For instance, Asian women who consume high amounts of soy during their lifetimes have lower risk of breast cancer. The caveat is that these same women also eat less fat and their diets high are in fiber, so soy’s role in reducing their cancer risk is likely just one part of the equation.
Soy beans have been called a “Superfood” because it has been found in laboratory studies to lower the risk or effects of everything from menopause, prostate cancer cell growth, COPD in smokers’ lungs, to weight loss and diarrhea in infants. However, some experts say soybeans can mimic hormones in the body. A high level of estrogens, the main female hormone, has been linked to increased breast cancer risk.
The lab studies analyzing soy’s estrogen-like phytochemicals, called isoflavones, have been all over the map. Soy’s isoflavones can bind to estrogen receptors. This activity can possibly block estrogen’s breast cancer-promoting effects naturally by lowering estrogen in the body. But in theory, in women with breast cancer or a history of breast cancer, isoflavones may actually act as weak estrogens, increasing the risk of the cancer growing or coming back.
A new study published in June 2009 Nutrition Journal concluded that soy isoflavones’ estrogen-like effects are probably too weak to have any significant consequence on breast tissue in healthy women — or possibly breast cancer survivors.
While the jury is clearly still out on soy, many women seek guidelines for soy food consumption. The following is a synopsis of the current state of the evidence:
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• Soy consumed at normal (moderate) dietary levels — one or two servings daily (eight ounces of soymilk, four ounces of tofu or tempeh, or a half-cup of edamame, up to 100 milligrams of isoflavones) — is probably safe for most women.
• As a precaution, women receiving anti-estrogen treatments should minimize soy foods and avoid isoflavone supplements. Talk to your doctor.
• Evidence does not support adding soy to your diet hoping that it will help prevent breast cancer. Do note, however, that soy is still considered a healthful choice. It is low in saturated fat, high in nutrients, fiber and antioxidant phytochemicals.
Azsunshinegirl, aka Lynette Summerill, is an award-winning journalist who lives in Scottsdale, Arizona. In addition to writing about cancer-related issues, she writes a blog, Nonsmoking Nation, which follows global tobacco news and events.
Add a Comment6 Comments
Ok. I'm confused, is soy safe to take? I just started taking Non GMO Soy Isoflavones(soy germ isoflavones concentrate) 750 Mg daily to try to help some of the symptoms I'm having (Very Bad peri menopause). I don't want to go on estrogen if I can help my body naturaly
June 18, 2011 - 3:14pmThis Comment
The point is that current research does not show any link between soya and cancer - positive or negative, so forget it - eat soya or don't as you wish!
April 25, 2010 - 10:05amThis Comment
That is an interesting comment. Thanks for posting. I'll have to look into the dairy-breast cancer angle. It's true that a low fat diet would eliminate creams, butter and most hard cheeses from the dairy category, but there are a wide variety of non-fat dairy products on the market which are a good source of calcium. Of course, since you are lactose-intolerant, soy seems a healthy alternative. I think until more is known about soy, I would stick to the guidelines as a good rule of thumb. Personally I use, and enjoy, dairy and soy products, but I try to stick to the "everything in moderation" rule.
September 14, 2009 - 8:05amThis Comment
Soy is an essential part of my diet since I'm lactose-intolerant. I used to have a large latte with soy every morning but not much else in the soy line. I have very few menopause symptoms (unlike my non-Soy-drinker sister). That aside, I am very thankful that there is such a good alternative to dairy. I wonder if a study has been done for the link with dairy to breast cancer? Afterall, a low-fat diet eliminates a lot of cheese and such, doesn't it?
September 13, 2009 - 6:32amThis Comment
Soy isoflavones, estrogen therapy, and breast cancer risk: analysis and commentary
September 8, 2009 - 2:03pmMark J Messina, Charles E Wood
Nutrition Journal 2008, 7:17 (3 June 2008)
This Comment
sources please?
September 8, 2009 - 12:13pmThis Comment