Our genetic DNA is responsible for regulating the growth of cells. Mutations are abnormal changes occurring in our genes. The result of a mutated cell dividing, multiplying and forming a tumor is cancer. Breast cancer is a malignant tumor formed within the breast. Breast cells contain estrogen receptors -- meaning the breast cells feed on estrogen. Most breast cancers are estrogen receptive. If the breast cell is cancerous, estrogen can encourage the unhealthy growth and reproduction. Soy contains plant estrogens called isoflavones that mimic the human hormone estrogen.
Isoflavones Block Tumor Production
Breast cells have receptor sites that feed on estrogen. The isoflavones, or plant estrogens of soy, are similar in structure to human estrogen. Breast cells take up the soy plant estrogen molecules and essentially fill the receptor site, blocking any chance of the human estrogen from entering. This process is actually beneficial in preventing and treating breast cancer, as the isoflavone is not metabolically processed in the same manner as human estrogen. Soy isoflavones fill the breast cell receptor cite, but they do not contribute to the growth and reproduction of the cancerous cell as human estrogen does.
Fermented Soy Products
The consumption of fermented, whole, non-GMO, soy products, such as natto, tempeh, and soy sauce, is common in Asia. There are health benefits associated with fermented soy. Unfortunately, unfermented and processed soy products such as soymilk, soy cheese, soy burgers and soy ice cream do not react in the same manner within the body. According to Dr. Joseph Mercola, "the risks of consuming unfermented soy products FAR outweigh any possible benefits."
Risk of Soy
According to Dr. Kaayla Daniel, author of "The Whole Soy Story," unfermented soy is linked to malnutrition, digestive distress, immune-system breakdown, thyroid dysfunction, cognitive decline, reproductive disorders and infertility --- even cancer and heart disease. Over 90 percent of the soy grown in the United States is genetically modified, contains goitrogens, which interfere with thyroid function, and phytates, which prevent the minerals calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc from being absorbed.
Healthy Soy
Soy can be healthful if it is organic and fermented. Fermented soy such as tempeh, miso, natto and soy sauce, have beneficial properties that are bio-available to the body. The fermentation process gets rid of the unhealthy phytate and goitrogen components. A common product known as tofu is not fermented.
Soy Debate
Due to the estrogen-like effects, soy use is not recommended for patients with hormone-sensitive cancers such as breast, ovarian, or uterine cancer. There is also concern for other hormone-sensitive conditions, such as endometriosis, as they may be adversely affected. The debate as to whether soy isoflavones stimulate tumor growth or block the effects of human estrogen continues. Until additional research is available, it is advised to use caution and speak with a qualified health-care practitioner.
References
- BreastCancer.org: Understanding Breast Cancer
- Mercola.com: This "Miracle Health Food" Has Been Linked to Brain Damage and Breast Cancer
- Mercola.com: Experts Concerned About Soy and Breast Cancer
- Mercola.com: Soy And Cancer
- MayoClinic.com:Understanding Soy
- Cancer Treatment Centers of America: The right diet to ward off breast cancer; The soy debate
