The "Dark Side" of Soy

A couple weeks ago I was asked about the "other side of soy." While researching about the negatives of soy, it really made me think if all the soy I eat is good for me. 


While anything in excess is bad for you, the over consumption of soy can lead to many issues. According to the FDA (The Food and Drug Administration), many Americans are eating soy products in large amounts. I feel like this is due to the recent trend in Vegetarianism so many companies are trying to push more soy products into the market. Over consumption however can lead to: 
* thyroid problems (weight gain, lethargy, malaise, fatigue, hair and libido loss) 

* premature puberty and other developmental problems in babies, children, and adolescents 

* cancer 

* brain damage 

* reproductive disorders 

* allergies 

While many of the health benefits of soy are true, there are the downsides. Here is what else science has found out about some of the chemicals in soy: 

(1) Phytates- are phosorphous compounds found in cereal grains, legumes and nuts. These 

compounds interfere with the absorption of calcium, magnesium, copper, zinc, and iron. Excess 

phytates disrupts the normal growth of children. 

(2) Phytoestrogens (isoflavones)- these chemicals mimic the effects of the female hormone 

estrogen. They could cause infertility in women and lead to breast cancer. Infants should not be 

given soy-based formulae. 

(3) Enzyme inhibitors- interfere with the digestion of protein and can cause pancreatic problems. 

(4) Haemaggluttin- cause red blood cells to clot. 

A 2001 study published in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry reveals that commercially processed soy products, especially textured soy protein have very high oxalate levels. Oxalate will bind with calcium in the kidneys increasing the risk for kidney stone development. 

The number of examples could go on but what does this all mean? To me it means cutting down the amount of soy I have in my diet. While the benefits are great and the protein I receive is necessary, these effects are something to take into account. Too much of anything good is bad for you...right? 

While studies seem confusing finding the truth behind anything almost sometimes seems impossible. While there is scientific research to back up some of these claims, other sites just simply state facts such as soy containing goitrogenic compounds interfere with thyroid function. Generally, foods with goitrogenic compounds cause problems only in areas where iodine intake is low since this mineral is important for thyroid function. The effects of iodine deficiency can be made worse if the diet is high in goitrogens. What you are not told is that not only soy contains this product but other foods so as well. There is no evidence that eating soy foods regularly causes thyroid problems in people who eat a well balanced diet. Vegans and Vegetarians should make an effort to include adequate sources of iodine in their diet. This is just one example of the many negative aspects found in soy.

I guess what I just wanted to bring about was AWARENESS that soy can lead to these conditions or disrupt certain functions. What I can gain from this is that as long as one is eating soy as part of a well balanced diet it should be okay.