The Myth & Truth About Soy

Despite being heavily marketed as a healthy food, hundreds of studies have linked modern processed soy to immune system disorders, cancer, heart disease, thyroid dysfunction, reproductive issues, cognitive decline, and malnutrition.

How is soy connected to all of these diseases? since soybeans naturally carry a lot of poisons. Toxins are present in all legumes, but the issue with soy is that they are present in very high concentrations and are resistant to conventional methods of removal. Here are eight reasons why you want to reduce significantly or even remove entirely highly processed soy products from your diet.

Isoflavones

The estrogen-like substances found naturally in soy meals are called isoflavones. They serve as the plant's organic insecticides, rendering insects sterile. Isoflavones have been found to inhibit ovulation [1] and promote the growth of cancer cells, according to research [2]. Hypothyroidism, which manifests as lethargy, constipation, weight gain, and exhaustion, can be brought on by as little as 38 mg of isoflavones per day [3] (less than what is in one cup of soy milk)!

Lectins

Soy is high in lectins. Lectins are kind of proteins that reduce your body’s ability to absorb nutrients. They’re referred to as anti-nutrients. Studies suggest that certain lectins can reduce the body’s ability to absorb nutrients. [4] [5] Lectins are thought to have evolved as a natural defense in plants, essentially as a toxin that deters animals from eating them.

Humans are unable to digest lectins, so they travel through your gut unchanged causing autoimmune disorders. It also can damage the gut wall. This causes irritation that can result in symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting. It can also prevent the gut from absorbing nutrients properly.

Allergies

Soy allergies are triggered by soy proteins, so whether lecithin triggers an allergic response or not depends on its protein content. One analysis found protein concentrations ranging from 100 to 1,400 ppm in six different soy lecithin samples. [6]

Toxicity

In one study researchers found that soy lecithin in concentrations of 2% and 5% in the diets of pregnant and newborn rats resulted in impaired reflexes and swimming ability, along with other cognitive deficiencies. [7]

Phytoestrogens

Soy contains compounds called phytoestrogens, specifically isoflavones, which are plant-based compounds structurally similar to estrogen. There has been debate over whether these compounds may negatively impact hormonal health, especially in men, and cause issues like reduced testosterone levels. [8]

Goitrogens

Soy contains goitrogens, substances that can interfere with thyroid function by blocking the uptake of iodine, potentially leading to goiter.

GMO

A significant portion of soybeans produced globally is genetically modified. Animal toxicity studies with certain GM foods have shown that they may toxically affect several organs and systems. [9]

Processing and Additives

Certain processed soy products, such as soy burgers, soy sausages, and soy-based desserts, may contain added sugars, sodium, and unhealthy fats, which can lead to health issues.

Related topic: Cure Prediabetes With A High-Protein Diet

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Scientific References

[1] Int J Womens Health. 2014; 6: 377–384. Published online 2014 Apr 5. doi: 10.2147/IJWH.S57137 PMCID: PMC3982974. PMID: 24741329, Soy isoflavone intake and the likelihood of ever becoming a mother: the Adventist Health Study-2, Bjarne K Jacobsen,1 Karen Jaceldo-Siegl,2 Synnøve F Knutsen,2 Jing Fan,2 Keiji Oda,2 and Gary E Fraser2

[2] Food Sci Nutr. 2014 Nov; 2(6): 613–622. Published online 2014 Jul 10. doi: 10.1002/fsn3.142. PMCID: PMC4256563. PMID: 25493176. Effect of soy isoflavones on the growth of human breast tumors: findings from preclinical studies. Youngjoo Kwon

[3] 2006 Mar;16(3):249-58. doi: 10.1089/thy.2006.16.249. Effects of soy protein and soybean isoflavones on thyroid function in healthy adults and hypothyroid patients: a review of the relevant literature. Mark Messina 1, Geoffrey Redmond. Affiliations expand. PMID: 16571087

[4] Am J Clin Nutr. 1980 Nov;33(11):2338-45. doi: 10.1093/ajcn/33.11.2338.. Lectins in the United States diet: a survey of lectins in commonly consumed foods and a review of the literature M S Nachbar, J D Oppenheim. PMID: 7001881. DOI: 10.1093/ajcn/33.11.2338

[5] Toxicon. 2004 Sep 15;44(4):385-403. doi: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2004.05.005. Antinutritional properties of plant lectins Ilka M Vasconcelos 1, José Tadeu A Oliveira Affiliations expand. PMID: 15302522. DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2004.05.005

[6] Identification of IgE-Binding Proteins in Soy Lecithin Subject Area: Immunology and Allergy. Xuelin Gu; Tom Beardslee; Michael Zeece; Gautam Sarath; John Markwell. Int Arch Allergy Immunol (2001) 126 (3): 218–225. https://doi.org/10.1159/000049517 [10]

[7] 1985 Jan;18(1):59-66. doi: 10.1002/dev.420180105. Effects of a commercial soy lecithin preparation on development of sensorimotor behavior and brain biochemistry in the rat J M Bell, P K Lundberg PMID: 4038491. DOI: 10.1002/dev.420180105

[8] DOI: 10.1089/thy.2006.16.249. Acta Vet Scand. 2009; 51(1): 51. Published online 2009 Dec 10. doi: 10.1186/1751-0147-51-51. PMCID: PMC2803173. PMID: 20003293. Effects of dietary phytoestrogens on plasma testosterone and triiodothyronine (T3) levels in male goat kids. David Gunnarsson,1 Gunnar Selstam,1 Yvonne Ridderstråle,2 Lena Holm,2 Elisabeth Ekstedt,2 and Andrzej Madej2.

[9] 2009 Feb;49(2):164-75. doi: 10.1080/10408390701855993. Health risks of genetically modified foods. Artemis Dona 1, Ioannis S Arvanitoyannis. Affiliations expand. PMID: 18989835 DOI: 10.1080/10408390701855993