Soy is a hardy plant of Asian origin. It is extensively cultivated in tropical and warm temperate regions across the world for its protein-rich seeds. Soy is a source of complete protein, providing all nine essential amino acids necessary for the building and maintenance of the body. Soy's role in preventing and inhibiting cancer is largely attributed to soy isoflavones, a group of phytoestrogens. Talk to your doctor about whether soy is appropriate for you.
Beneficial Effects of Soy Products on Breast Cancer
Soy isoflavones are phytoestrogens that resemble human estrogen in structure. However, because these molecules are weak forms of estrogen, they actually function like anti-estrogens by blocking the harmful effects of the more potent form of estrogen in the human body, according to a 2010 study at the University at Buffalo. It is generally agreed that breast tumors grow and feed on the female sex hormone estrogen.
Negative Effects of Soy Products on Breast Cancer
Opponents of soy argue that soy isoflavones increase natural estrogen cycles in women and thus raise the risk of breast cancer. Soy isoflavones can bind to estrogen-responsive cells and make them susceptible to the abnormal stimulation that spurs the growth of breast tumors, according to the Sprecher Institute at the Cornell University.
Prostate Cancer
Cell culture and animal studies have shown that soy isoflavones inhibit the progression of prostate cancer by reducing testosterone levels. The male hormone testosterone feeds prostate tumors. Soy isoflavones can lower testosterone levels by increasing the amount of SHBG, a hormone-binding globulin that binds to testosterone and makes it unavailable, thus modulating its effect on prostate cancer, according to the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.
Colon Cancer
People who consume a high-fiber foods such as soy tend to have lower rates of colon cancer. The soluble fiber in soy forms a gel when mixed with water, which softens the stool. This helps the stool pass through the intestines more quickly, allowing less time for the absorption of possible toxins and carcinogens in undigested foods.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Soy
- Sprecher Institute for Comparative Cancer Research; Phytoestrogens and Breast Cancer; July 2001
- University at Buffalo; Soy Isoflavones Decrease Risk of Invasive Breast Cancer, Large Breast Tumors, Study Shows; Anne Weaver; 2010
- Columbia University Health Sciences; Estrogen's Role in Cancer; Susan Conova; May 2003
- American Society for Nutritional Sciences; Gaining Insight into the Health Effects of Soy but a Long Way Still to Go; Mark Messina and et al.; 2002
- "Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention"; Soy Consumption and Colorectal Cancer Risk in Humans: A Meta-Analysis; Lin Yan and et al.; 2010
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