Are Soy Products Dangerous for You?

Soy is a common ingredient found in meal replacements due to its affordability and high amounts of protein. However, soy has also been largely criticized due to its potential dangers.

There are many important things about soy that have been released, with studies showing it may not be the best ingredient.

Facts About Soy
  • • 2007 USDA findings report that 91% of all soy grown in the US is GMO, which is another name for a genetically modified organism. The Center for Food Safety states that:

    “genetically engineered foods can pose serious risks to farmers, human health, domesticated animals, wildlife and the environment”

    “Unsuspecting consumers…. are purchasing and consuming unlabeled GE foods”

    When purchasing soy you’ll often not receive a notice that it’s GMO. However, since 91% of soy is now GMO, it’s likely that any soy that you eat will be grown in this way.
  • Soy contains what’s known as Phytates. These compounds are antioxidants that can attach themselves to micronutrients, which reduces the absorption of minerals like iron, calcium, manganese, and zinc.

    A study by the Nestle Research Center showed that in soy:

    “phytic acid is a major inhibitory factor of iron absorption in soy-protein isolates”

    It’s unknown what kind of an impact this might have, or if extra supplementation might be required to make up for the loss of nutrients. By missing out on these key minerals, it’s possible to experience deficiencies and side effects such as loss of energy, improper body functions, and other side effects.

  • Estrogen has long been known to be an issue caused when eating soy. This is caused by Isoflavones in soy, which can effect how estrogen is metabolized in the body.

    The University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey mentions that:

    “Soy protein powder decreases serum testosterone levels in healthy men”

    Another study published in the Journal Of Nutrition showed how eating soymilk vs. regular milk had a different effect on estrogen. According to this study:

    “men consuming diets containing soy protein rich in Isoflavones had blood estrogen levels slightly higher”

    This effect can also cause issues with women as well. The problem with this ingredient is that for some estrogen can cause worse side effects than others. Hormonal imbalances are not only known to effect weight, but they can cause mood swings and increased hair in women.
  • Trypsin inhibitors are found in soy. According to Examine.com, these:

    “inhibit protein digestion in the stomach and small intestine”

    This means that when choosing soy protein, the body may not properly absorb it. According to Food Renegade.com, this can lead to:

    “stomach cramps, diarrhea, and bleeding… open to future problems with your pancreas”

    Much like the other issues with soy, it’s unknown what kind of a long-term impact this may have. It can reduce the important absorption of amino acids that are necessary for running much of the body’s processes.
  • Soy can also lead to what’s known as goitrogenic effects. This is known to cause thyroid issues, which can increase the risk for metabolism disorders that eventually lead to weight gain.

    The National Center for Toxicology ran a study that showed soy:

    “widely consumed soy products may cause harm in the human population either or both estrogenic and goitrogenic activities”

    This study also showed that if one lacked iodine, an essential mineral, that the effects to the thyroid were even worse. How bad of an impact depends on how one’s body can process this.

Why is Soy Used?

You’ll often see soy added because it’s a cheap vegetarian protein. However, the numerous studies published show that it’s not the safest protein source available.

Clinical studies have shown that milk protein is far better than soy in terms of estrogen production. Milk didn’t increase estrogen, while soymilk actually reduced testosterone in healthy men.

Though this effect can also be damaging to women. This is why the Breast Cancer Organization has stated that:

“Eating soy may turn on genes linked to breast cancer growth”

It’s for reasons like this as well as the possible issues it can have with thyroid health, mineral absorption, hormones, and its often GMO made structure that make it a potentially dangerous food.

There are much better options available that won’t have the same potentially dangerous impact that soy has.

Luckily, there are numerous alternatives to this ingredient that can be substituted such as:

  • Almond, dairy milk, or other alternative milk sources.
  • Whey protein isolate and whey protein concentrate if you’re looking for extra protein.
  • Other rich protein sources that have a similar soy texture and feel, such as eggs which are actually higher in protein.

There are alternatives out now which are much more beneficial, and less likely to produce unwanted side effects than soy. With so much to worry about when eating soy, it’s better to avoid it altogether.