Soybeans offer many health benefits, but some individuals might want to be wary of their intake of soy foods.
Thyroid Disorders
If you're at risk for thyroid disorders, you might want to curb your
soy intake. Some research has shown that in the absence of adequate
iodine, soy foods may reduce the function of the thyroid gland, thereby
inducing hypothyroidism in some individuals. However, if an individual
obtains sufficient iodine in his/her diet, soy foods have little to no
effect on thyroid function.
Breast Cancer
Isoflavones are weaker versions of estrogen, so very high intakes may
increase your risk of breast cancer. According to researchers, it's
safest to keep your intake of isoflavones at no more than 100 mg per
day (about 3 servings of soy foods). If you are at high risk for breast
cancer already, consult your healthcare provider about the role soy
foods can play in your diet.
Not All Soy is Created Equal
Chances are, you have seen soybean oil listed as an ingredient in many
of foods in the grocery store. Soybean oil is NOT a health food! The
oil is produced in the processing of the beans by crushing them to
separate oil from the protein. Soybean oil contains no isoflavones, and
like all oils, is a concentrated source of fat. And if it's partially
hydrogenated, it's likely to contain trans fatty acids, which have been
shown to increase your risk of heart disease.
The bottom line
is, don't reach for any food just because it contains the word soy!
There might be a reason for you to avoid it. If you're unsure whether
adding soy foods is the right for you, speak to your primary care
provider or consider consulting a Registered Dietitian to have your soy
and nutrition related questions answered once and for all.
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