Soy has compounds similar to estrogen, called phytoestrogen. These are much weaker than mammalian estrogen.
Phytoestrogen consumption actually has a good effect on your body. Since they have a similar shape they can sit in your cell’s estrogen receptors and block the mammalian estrogen from getting in, an anti-estrogenic effect. This leads to lower breast cancer, prostate cancer, cancer related death rates, 13% decrease in LDL, lower heart and kidney disease. [American Journal of Health Education, American Heart Association, Journal of Renal Nutrition, The New England Journal of Medicine]
In a study where men drank 400ml soy milk everyday, their testosterone stayed the same and their estrogen actually decreased by 3% [American Association for Cancer Research]
Study on 36 groups of men who had concentrated soy, like tofu, still did not have their reproductive hormones changes. [American Society for Reproductive Medicine] Meta-analysis on 47 studies showed no change in estrogen due to soy [Human Reproduction Update]
Women who had more soy protein in adolescence and early adulthood had 59% less pre-menopausal breast cancer. [American Journal of Clinical Nutrition].
Even after 2 years of women consuming soy, their hormones did not change. [American Association for Cancer Research]
Dairy milk raises blood levels of estrogen in both sexes. A 25% spike in estrogen after drinking milk, and an 18% reduction in testosterone. [AACR]
Vegan men have higher levels of testosterone, which leads to larger reproductive organs.
Listen to Dr. Neal Barnard’s views on soy
Topic: FAQ – Health
