Soy provides protein, healthy fats and nutrients. Unfortunately, there are a number of myths about soy that claim eating soy is bad.
The truth is soy is good for you. According to soy expert Dr. Mark Messina, eating soy reduces heart disease risk by lowering cholesterol and blood pressure. Eating soy may also reduce the risk of breast and prostate cancer when consumed during childhood and most studies show that the isoflavones in soybeans alleviate menopause-related hot flushes.
But, despite the known health benefits of eating soy, the myths about soy persist. Dr. Messina helps to dispel these myths.
Soy Will Destroy Your Pancreas
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According to this myth, eating soy and soyfoods will damage your pancreas by destroying pancreatic enzymes that are used to digest proteins in your digestive tract. Apparently this is supposed to make your pancreas work too hard and it becomes enlarged and dysfunctional. Learn more about the soy is bad for your pancreas myth.
Soy Causes Dementia
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This myth is based on a couple of poorly designed studies that anti-soy people used to say soy reduces cognitive function and even causes your brain to shrink. More than likely eating soy has no effect on your brain, although clinical studies show some post-menopausal women who eat soy may actually think more clearly. Learn more about the soy causes dementia myth.
Soy Is Bad for Boys
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This myth states soy and soyfoods are dangerous for boys to consume because soy contains phytoestrogens. Some anti-soy people even claim soy formula makes boys more feminine and is responsible for increased rates of homosexuality. How pathetic. Learn more about the soy is bad for boys myth.
Soy Blocks Absorption of Minerals
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This myth accuses soy of robbing your body of minerals because it contains phytates and oxylates that reduce the amount of minerals absorbed from the foods you eat. However studies show soy doesn't cause a reduction of minerals and soy is actually a terrific source of dietary minerals your body needs. Learn more about the soy blocks mineral absorption myth.
Soy Damages Your Thyroid
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This myth involves the thyroid, which is the gland in the front of your throat that regulates your metabolism and body temperature. Anti-soy people claim that eating soy will damage your thyroid gland and lead to hypothyroidism. Learn more about the soy is bad for your thyroid myth.
Soy Makes Your Red Blood Cells Clump Together
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This odd myth sounds pretty scary - like something from a horror movie. Imagine what would really happen to your body if any food could cause your blood cells to clump together. Learn more about the soy clumps your blood cells myth.
