Soy food products are made using protein derived from soybeans. Soy protein can be found in tofu, tempeh, soybeans and some soy-based supplements. Soy is used by many people to lower cholesterol levels and to help regulate hormones. In general, soy protein is safe to eat, though there are some people who may want to limit their soy intake.
Soy and Amino Acids
Soy protein is often classified as a "complete" protein due to the amino acids it contains. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and also can serve as precursors for other molecules in the human body. There are some amino acids that the body cannot make on its own; these are called "essential" amino acids. Soy protein contains all of the amino acids, KidsHealth.org notes, which means that it supplies your body with these essential amino acids. Soy protein is especially useful for people who do not eat meat, because its protein is similar to that found in animal products.
Soy Uses
One of the most common reasons for people to increase their soy intake is to lower their cholesterol levels. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, increased consumption of soy products can help to lower your LDL or "bad" cholesterol levels. Soy products can also be used to treat some of the symptoms of menopause, as soy contains chemicals known as isoflavones, which mimic the effects of estrogen. Products that contain soy hypocotyl isoflavone may help reduce hot flashes in menopausal women and are considered safe, MedLinePlus notes, but more research needs to be done on other soy-base supplements.
Soy and Cancer
There is some controversy as to whether soy products are good for people with some kinds of cancer, including breast cancer. On the one hand, the estrogenic effects of soy could stimulate breast cancer cells to grow more quickly, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine notes. On the other hand, some of the isoflavones may be able to block the effects of estrogen on these cells, the Harvard School of Public Health notes, which could help prevent breast cancer. As of 2011, there was no clear consensus on the effects of soy products on breast and other types of cancer, including prostate, endometrial and ovarian cancer.
Considerations
Soy can cause mild side effects, such as bloating and an upset stomach, MedLinePlus notes. Some people are allergic to soy and may develop a rash, hives, and swelling of the face or extremities. Severe cases of soy allergy can cause anaphylaxis, a life-threatening condition that can block respiration. In addition, soy protein contains a moderate amount of purines, which are substances that have been linked to gout. People with gout may want to avoid or limit their intake of soy.
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