Risks of Soy Consumption
Soy is packed with health benefits. The beneficial properties of soy have made it a sort of wonder food. However, several studies have found that a number of dangers are hidden in excess soy consumption.
Excess phytic acid
Soy contains phytic acid. Studies have found that high levels of phytic acid reduce body’s ability to absorb important minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium and copper. Moreover, phytic acid can inhibit growth in children. Most ordinary cooking methods, including long slow cooking, could not neutralize phytic acid found in soy products.
Soy contains estrogen like plant compounds. These phytoestrogens might cause hormonal imbalance, increasing the risk of breast cancer. Excess phytoestrogen can also lead to infertility in women. Excess consumption of soy products can therefore be harmful for women.
Infertility in men
Phytoestrogen found in soy products can also cause infertility in men. It tends to reduce sperm count. The level of testosterone could drop due to excess soy consumption. Soy is believed to cause libido. Reduced sexual drive makes soy and tofu the conventional food for the monks in the East Asian countries.
Thyroid problems
Studies have found that soy can increase the risk of thyroid disorders, such as hypothyroidism and thyroid cancer. The isoflavones present in soy are responsible for developing thyroid disorders. Infants consuming soy formula are especially susceptible to congenial hypothyroidism.
Poor protein digestion
Soy contains trypsin inhibitors. Trypsin inhibitors obstruct protein assimilation. This causes stunted growth in children. It may also lead to pancreatic disorders.
Allergies
Soy can lead to food allergy. People might experience sneezing, coughing, diarrhea, runny nose, difficulty in swallowing, hives and even anaphylactic shock immediately after consuming soy products. Sometimes delayed responses to allergens occur few hours or even few days after eating soy products. Delayed allergic reactions include gastrointestinal trouble, fatigue, sleeping difficulty, joint pain, ear infection, sinus and bed wetting.
In Asian countries, such as China and Japan, where soy originated, daily intake of soy is usually limited to less than 36 grams per day. It is believed that intake of soy products greater than this amount can cause health damages. Moreover, infants should not be given soy formula.
