Soymilk, a dairy-free milk made from soybeans, is a popular choice for people who are lactose-intolerant. It contains protein, fiber, essential fatty acids and vitamins and minerals just like regular milk. The non-nutritive components in soymilk such as isoflavones are also believed to have many health benefits. Before using soymilk, however, you must learn its negative effects to avoid future health problems.
Breast Cancer Prevention
Soy isoflavones are natural chemopreventive agents. They are structurally similar to human estrogen, but exert an anti-estrogen action and inhibit hormone-induced carcinogenesis, according to Anne Weaver of the University at Buffalo. High blood estrogen levels are an established risk factor for breast cancer. Therefore, the anti-estrogenic effect of soy isoflavones may reduce breast cancer risk.
Heart Attack and Stroke
Soy isoflavones are known for helping to prevent blood clots and possibly reducing the risk of stroke and heart attack. When a blood clot forms in a coronary or cerebral artery, these vessels may close off completely, resulting in a heart attack or stroke.
Goiter
A diet low in iodine and high in soy foods may induce goiter. Soy isoflavones block thyroid peroxidase, the key enzyme involved in utilizing iodine by the thyroid gland. Your thyroid gland needs iodine for adequate production of thyroid hormones. A reduction in thyroid hormone synthesis increases the secretion of TSH, or thyroid-stimulating hormone, which causes the growth of the thyroid gland called goiter. Adding iodine or limiting soy offsets this effect.
Gout
Gout sufferers should not consume large amounts of purine-containing foods. Gout is a painful arthritic condition caused by a buildup of uric acid. Purines break down into uric acid. When your body produces too much of it, the acid accumulates in your joints as small, jagged crystals and causes intense pain and swelling. Soymilk contains purines, so avoid it should be avoided, particularly during a gout flare-up.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Soy; Dec. 14, 2009
- University at Buffalo: Soy Isoflavones Decrease Risk of Invasive Breast Cancer, Large Breast Tumors, Study Shows; Anne Weaver; 2010
- The Texas A&M Bioinformatics Working Group: Soy Protein Lowers Cholesterol, Can Help Modify Risk of Heart Disease, Research Shows; August 27, 1998
- College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences: Can Soy Cause Hypothyroidism?; Barbara P. Klein
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Gout; Steven D. Ehrlich; March 10, 2010
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