Is Soy Good or Bad?
Soy is exalted as a health food by some, with claims of taming hot flashes, warding off osteoporosis, and protecting against hormonal cancers like breast and prostate. At the same time, soy is shunned by others for fear that it may cause breast cancer, thyroid problems, and dementia. So which is it?
Soy is a unique food that may have both estrogenic and anti-estrogenic effects on the body. Studies seem to present conflicting conclusions about soy, but this is likely due to the wide variation in how soy is studied. Results of recent population studies suggest that soy has either a beneficial or neutral effect on various health conditions. Soy is a nutrient-dense source of protein that may be consumed several times a week, and is likely to provide health benefits—especially when eaten as an alternative to red and processed meat.
Controversy arises because soybeans contain the phytoestrogen, isoflavone, which are plant-derived substances with estrogenic activity. Isoflavones are classified as both plant estrogens and selective estrogen receptor modulators. Evidence suggests that isoflavones are protective against a number of chronic diseases. However, concerns have arisen that these foods may cause untoward effects in some individuals. There is particular interest in understanding the effects of isoflavones in young people.
For years, parents have contended with conflicting reports on the safety of soy infant formula. Soy-based infant formulas contain phytoestrogens of the isoflavone class, which are relatively weak estrogens. There is concern that these isoflavones may mimic the actions of estradiol or alter estradiol metabolism, and consequently modify the processes influenced by estradiol. Relatively few studies involving children have been conducted, and many of those that have are small in size. While the data are limited, evidence suggests that soy does not exert adverse hormonal effects in children or affect pubertal development. On the other hand, there is evidence indicating that when soy is consumed during childhood and/or adolescence, risk of developing breast cancer is markedly reduced.
Despite any theoretical possibility, which has not been proven, practical experience has shown that the millions of infants who have consumed these products since the 1960s appear to have grown and matured normally. Currently available soy-based formulas support normal growth and nutritional status for the first year of life, with no overt toxicities observed in normal infants. There is no definitive evidence that phytoestrogens have toxic effects in human infants who are fed a diet of soy formula.
In conventional soy and cows milk based formulas both, there are unhealthy ingredients such as corn syrup, hydrogenated oils and genetically modified ingredients. Formulas made from cows milk are likely to have hormones and antibiotic residues which are found in conventional cows milk. These seem to warrant more concern.
Human breast feeding is superior if at all possible. There are approved formulas of organic and healthier ingredients. There are formulas being developed out of plant based milks other than soy. Consumer pressure may push these to be available sooner.
Relatively few children are allergic to soy protein, and most of those who initially are outgrow their soy allergy by 10 years of age. The available evidence indicates that soy foods are healthful additions to the diets of children. As in all concerns with children’s health, more research is required to allow definitive conclusions to be made.
Offer your child a varied diet. Soy is one of many good protein sources in a plant based diet. Mix it up. Have a variety of legumes and nuts and seeds which are rich in protein as well as B vitamins and minerals. These may be cooked, made into butters, milks or cheeses or eaten raw.
A diet filled with greens, fruits and vegetables, whole grains as well as legumes, nuts and seeds will provide superior nutrition and long term health. Feed your family plant foods in abundance. Eat well, be well and prosper.
