Soy is the seed of a hardy plant originated from eastern Asia. It is a lean source of protein, which means it contains no saturated fats and cholesterol, like animal foods. In addition, soy provides all nine essential amino acids that cannot be generated in your body but are essential for survival. However, soy can have some negative health consequences. Consult with your doctor before adding large amounts of soy to your diet.
Breast Cancer
Soy is full of isoflavones, bio-active molecules that have structural similarities to human estrogen. Soy isoflavones can bind to estrogen-responsive cells and mimic the action of estrogen. This may augment natural estrogen cycles in women and stimulate the development of breast cancer, according to the Sprecher Institute at Cornell University.
Soy Allergy
Soy allergy develops when your immune system reacts to soy protein and triggers allergic reactions on the skin, in the respiratory system, the digestive system and the cardiovascular system. It is common among children. Raw soybeans have more allergenic effects than fermented soy products, such as tofu, soy milk, soy sprouts and miso. Soybean oil is free from allergies because it doesn't contain protein.
Thyroid Disease
People with thyroid problems should avoid soy foods. Soy isoflavones substantially reduce the activity of thyroid peroxidase, the key enzyme for incorporating sodium iodide into the thyroid gland. Iodine is necessary in the production of thyroid hormones. When your thyroid gland can't work properly, you may experience the following symptoms: general tiredness, fatigue, indigestion, constipation, hair loss, weight gain, dry skin and goiter.
Gout
Gout is a painful arthritic disorder caused by high blood levels of uric acid. Uric acid is a body waste produced from the breakdown of purines, a crystalline base that is a constituent of DNA and RNA. Excess uric acid may deposit in joint spaces and form tiny, needle-like crystals that cause intense pain, inflammation and swelling in the involved joint. People with gout should avoid soy foods because they contain a moderate amount of purine.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Soy; Dec. 14, 2009
- University of California eScholarship: Soy and the Thyroid: Can This Miracle Food Be Unsafe?; Monica Ralli; 2003
- "The Anti-Estrogenic Diet: How Estrogenic Foods and Chemicals Are Making You Fat and Sick"; Ori Hofmekler and Rick Osborn; 2007
- University of Mississippi: Food Intolerance and Allergies; 2003
- Cornell University: Sprecher Institute; Phytoestrogens and Breast Cancer; Barbour S. Warren et al.; July 1, 2002
- "Food Allergies: Let Us Know, We Care"; Alfonso Tirado; 2005
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