Soy milk dangers
There has been a lot of hype about soy and its role in the health food world. More recently, there have been concerns over whether or not it is actually a safe product. Soy milk is suitable for consumption by those with lactose intolerance, vegetarians, or anybody who would rather have soy over dairy milk. Unfortunately, soy is not for everyone and it is important to know why.
What is Soy?
Soybeans come from a plant, and so have many vitamins and minerals associated with it. From a basic stand point, soy is a high protein option and unlike most plant protein sources, is a complete protein. This means that it contains all the essential amino acids necessary for the body since we cannot make our own. Because of its plant-derived nature, soy is low in fat. It has many purposes in the foods and drinks that we consume. It can substitute as milk, meat, flour, tofu, and many other foods that are considered vegetarian. Soybeans are full of various compounds and phytochemicals. Here are some of the basics:
- The most recognizable phytochemical in soy is the isoflavones, which are sometimes called phytoestrogens. They are compounds that are studied for their aid in the reduction of menstrual symptoms, heart disease, osteoporosis, and breast cancer. Isoflavones are chemically similar to the estrogen that our bodies already produce.
- Phytic acid in soy is said to block the body’s ability to absorb some important minerals, including magnesium, calcium, iron, and zinc.
- Soy also contains enzyme inhibiters that block the digestion of proteins in the body.
Dangers
Soy milk, while it may be promoted for all of its dietary wonder, can have serious consequences. It is important to remember that, if consumed, only do so in small quantities, as any substance can be harmful in copious amounts. Some of the dangers associated with drinking soy milk follow.
- Since the isoflavones in soy are so similar to the estrogen naturally produced in our bodies, an abundance of this hormone can be disruptive. In males, it can reduce the amount of testosterone. In females, high levels of estrogen can cause breast cancer. The problem with feeding soy to babies is that they do not have nearly the amount of estrogen that grown women do, and there is a question about how this will affect them in the long term.
- Soy is one of the eight most common allergies. If eaten at an early age, it can give rise to allergy symptoms and full blown allergies.
- Some people have shown signs of gastrointestinal distress after soy consumption.
- Since soy inhibits the digestion of proteins, this will have a bad impact on protein’s function in the body. If you can’t digest it, you can’t use it. In most beans, the phytic acid content is so low that it can be greatly diminished through cooking, but this is most often not the case with soy.
- There have been studies in the role of soy in the development of hypothyroidism.
- Soy beans contain haemagglutinin, which promotes the clotting of red blood cells.
What To Do
Many people say that soy is a wonderful food product and the benefits far outweigh the consequences. Others say that it isn’t worth the risk. This article is to make you aware of the dangers that can be associated with consuming soy, particularly in large amounts. It is up to you, as the owner of your body, to decide what is best. Some of the claims associated with soy consumption haven’t been proven, so just know that there are speculations that have been formulated with good cause.
