Soy is a food product that comes from an Asian annual legume with the scientific name Glycine max. Soy protein is of excellent quality because it contains all of the essential amino acids. Your body doesn't manufacture nine amino acids. That's why you must obtain them from outside food. Soy protein is also associated with lower rates of colon cancer. However, if you want to use soy, talk to your doctor first.
Soy Composition
Soy contains protein, mucilage fiber, polyunsaturated fats, isoflavones, salts, vitamins and minerals, which are all thought to provide health benefits. Soy is also a source of lycine, a valuable amino acid. Lycine is essential for the building and maintenance of all body tissues. Soy isoflavones exhibit estrogen-like effects in the human body. They are called phytoestrogens.
Colon Cancer
Colon cancer arises from the cells that line the colon. Colon is a part of the large intestine. Colon cancer is the fourth most common form of cancer in men and women in the United States. It also occurs in people of all ages. However, the main risk factors for colon cancer are being over 50 years old and having a personal or family history of the disease.
Soy and Colon Cancer
The soluble fiber in soy adds bulk and absorbs water to soften the stool. Increased stool bulk dilutes potential carcinogens. In addition, a soft, bulky stool passes through the intestine much more quickly, permitting less contact between carcinogens in the diet and the cells lining the intestine.
Side Effects
Soy allergy is one of the most common allergies among children. Soy contains some allergenic proteins that are responsible for allergic reactions on the skin, in the digestive system and the cardiovascular system. Soy may also interfere with thyroid function. People with thyroid disorders should not consume soy in large amounts.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Soy
- Ohio State University: Department of Food Science & Technology: Soybeans Protein
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Colorectal Cancer
- United States Department of Agriculture: Soy Consumption and Colorectal Cancer Risk in Humans: A Meta-Analysis; Lin Yan and et al; 2010
- University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources: Food Allergies; Alfonso Tirado; 2005
- "The Anti-Estrogenic Diet: How Estrogenic Foods and Chemicals Are Making You Fat and Sick"; Ori Hofmekler and Rick Osborn; 2007
