The Soy Nutrition Institute provides information, research, and discussion about the benefits of soy to your health.
Soybean isoflavones are commonly classified as phytoestrogens.1,2 The estrogenic properties of isoflavones were first recognized nearly seven decades ago3 although the term “phytoestrogen” was not widely used in reference to isoflavones until the 1970s.4 In the early days of isoflavone research, determining estrogenic activity was based on reproductive effects in animals, and often specifically, uterotrophic […]
The first of its kind research from Shanghai indicates isoflavones may reduce risk of fractures in men.1 Even a superficial examination of the literature quickly reveals that most of the soy research focused on bone health involves women. For example, all five of the clinical trials examining bone mineral density (BMD) that were at least […]
There are likely some folks, including health professionals, who are still uncertain about whether soy feminizes men. This uncertainty is understandable given that even today, claims that soy feminizes men can still be found. These claims exist despite definitive data showing neither soy nor soy isoflavones lower testosterone levels,1 raise estrogen levels,1 affect sperm or […]
Two new studies highlight the potential of soy to reduce hot flashes, although both suffer from design limitations. In many respects, the potential alleviation of menopausal hot flashes by consuming soy is the benefit — more than any other — that first caused a lot of women to take a look at soy. Talk about […]
Overwhelming evidence indicates that neither soy, nor the isoflavones in soy, feminize men when consumed as part of a healthy lifestyle. In 2018, meta-analysis of 30 observational studies found that soy intake was associated with a lower risk of having prostate cancer.1 Those findings were cited in a recent article by Samantha Cassetty, RD, that […]
You might think a blog post outlining the basis for concluding that soy is not an endocrine disruptor is a waste of cyberspace given the many centuries this food has been consumed. And yet, isoflavones are routinely referred to as endocrine disruptors. Because soy is such a uniquely rich source of these naturally occurring plant […]
A recent article on the Impossible Burger in the Washington Post (WP) included statements about the possible harmful effects of isoflavones. Before addressing these inaccuracies, it is important to highlight that the isoflavone content of different soyfoods varies quite markedly depending upon how it is made. A 4 oz. serving of the Impossible Burger contains […]
Over the past 30 years, soyfoods have been plagued by several controversies. The soy and breast cancer relationship has unquestionably been the most contentious one. A close second may be the relationship between soy and thyroid function. As discussed in detail below, the reasons why this relationship has played such a prominent role in shaping […]
Soyfoods and the isoflavones isolated from soybeans, which are available in supplement form, are one of several nonhormonal treatments for hot flashes. These types of “alternative treatments” are especially popular among women, who for any number of reasons, have decided not to use conventional hormone therapy (HT). Interest in alternatives to HT has increased as […]
There is good reason to encourage clinicians to recommend isoflavones for women who experience hot flashes and wish to avoid hormone therapy, despite the limitations of research, as noted below. Isoflavones may be more potent than selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) at alleviating menopausal hot flashes. That was the conclusion of a group of Chinese […]
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