The Soy Debate

By Guest Author: Maxine Dee

As the most popular and readily available non-animal milk alternative, soymilk is a favorite for vegans, the lactose-intolerant and others who cannot, or choose not to, consume cow's milk.

However, with this popularity and availability comes the need to constantly question and critique how well soymilk suits our health-needs. In my quest to find out if my switch to soy is for the best, I have found conflicting answers and confusing articles but also some really great sources for information about soy and soy products. Here's what I've found:

Links to Breast Cancer

There are reports that support the effectiveness of soymilk in the fight against breast cancer while others believe that it actually causes breast cancer. But how exactly does soymilk affect soymilk drinkers?

Containing many isoflavones (chemical compounds in food that are similar to estrogens) soymilk has been seen to either stimulate the production and growth of tumors (in estrogen-positive breast cancer) or make the existing cancerous tumor more resistant to the effects of real estrogen. For a long time, the jury was out on the link between the consumption of soymilk and breast cancer. To date many studies, such as one conducted by Caan et. al in the Cancer Epidemiological and Biomarkers Prevention and another one by the Shanghai Breast Cancer Survival study, indicate that the consumption of moderate amounts of soy is not only safe for women with and without breast cancer, it also results in lower death rates and cancer recurrences.

Effects on Thyroid

Isoflavones are the "bad guys" in the links between hypothyroidism and soy consumption. With a chemical structure that mimics that of a thyroid hormone that stops the production of thyroid peroxidase (TPO), another hormone that aids in the production of other thyroid hormones, isoflavones join the ranks of many naturally occurring plant compounds that can inhibit TPO. Despite this fact, it has been found that those without hypothyroidism can safely consume soy provided they have an adequate supply of iodine in their diet, while those with mild hypothyroidism best avoid soymilk and other soy products.

Dementia

There have been conflicting studies about the effects of soy consumption on dementia or brain cognition. Some studies such as a report entitled "Brain aging and midlife tofu consumption" by White et. al. (2000) indicates that tofu consumption leads to lower cognitive function.

Of the 12 short-term clinical trials that have investigated the link between dementia and soy, the consensus points toward soy having either no effect on cognition or actually aiding in cognitive development. Upon further investigation, studies that show negative correlations between soy consumption and brain development are conducted mostly in Asian countries where there was inordinate consumption of tofu (a cheap source of protein). Additionally, the fact that tofu in many Asian countries is preserved with formaldehyde adds to these negative results.

Induced Feminizing Characteristics in Men

The concern about soy amplifying feminine characteristics in men was spurred by reports of a vegan male developing low testosterone levels and erectile dysfunction after consuming 14 servings of soy foods a day for one year. Another study by Martinez and Lewi (2008) showed increased growth of mammary glands (gynecomastia) in an elderly man who drank 12 servings of soy milk every day. These effects ceased and their testosterone levels normalized after stopping their inordinate consumption of soy. As such, it has been determined that soy only has noticeable "feminizing effects" on men when consumed in large amounts on a regular basis.

Infant Formula

Believing that isoflavones might affect the development of babies, concerns have been raised about giving soymilk formula to babies and with the consumption of soy during pregnancy.

While breast feeding is still the best option for newborns, both the American Academy ofPediatrics and the National Toxicology Program have signed off on the consumption of soy formula for babies.

In a study conducted by Strom et. Al. (2001), there was no abnormal thyroidal or reproductive developments in adults fed soy formula during their infancy. In fact, in situations where breast feeding or regular formula milk (e.g. babies allergic to cow's milk) is not an option, soymilk can save a baby's life. Despite this, authorities still advise the feeding of breast milk to babies and do not recommend the consumption of soymilk for pre-term infants.

All in all, soymilk poses many advantages and disadvantages that change from person to person. As with everything however, the safest way to find out whether soymilk is for you is to do your research and practice moderation in consumption. Find out specific allergies you may have if you don't already know and consider these as well in your choice between soy and other kinds of milk. As we journey towards healthier versions of ourselves, the best thing we can do for our body is to make informed and well-balanced choices.

Maxine Dee is a mother and wife who is dedicated to going green. The more she has learned, the more she has seen the importance of going green for her family's health and well-being as well as that of the earth. When not with her family, she works for Treetopia, a seller of artificial Christmas trees. Their trees are multi-colored including pine and white Christmas trees for every style.