Soy is marketed as a "healthy" food. But is it really? Or did the soybean just hire a good PR agent?
The reality is that most health claims regarding soy are based off of epidemiological research from Asian cultures who prepared the plant in a very different way than we do here in the US. Traditionally, the bean was subject to a long fermentation process to get rid of anti-nutrients and was consumed mainly as a condiment in small amounts. Today, in 'Merica, we like our soy genetically modified, unfermented, and laced in pretty much everything... Unfortunately, eating the new American variety could put you at risk for some unwanted side effects, including thyroid dysfunction, liver problems and infertility. But the most bizarre risk of them all pertains to the gents in particular: Man boobs (gynecomastia).
The reality is that most health claims regarding soy are based off of epidemiological research from Asian cultures who prepared the plant in a very different way than we do here in the US. Traditionally, the bean was subject to a long fermentation process to get rid of anti-nutrients and was consumed mainly as a condiment in small amounts. Today, in 'Merica, we like our soy genetically modified, unfermented, and laced in pretty much everything... Unfortunately, eating the new American variety could put you at risk for some unwanted side effects, including thyroid dysfunction, liver problems and infertility. But the most bizarre risk of them all pertains to the gents in particular: Man boobs (gynecomastia).
The American Way:
Most soybean crops today (which by the way are heavily subsidized by the US government) are turned into soy oil and soy meal. The manufacturing of soy oil yields a waste product that is further extracted to produce Soy Protein Isolate. This is an extremely efficient process that yields a lucrative bottom line, which is why soy additives are basically found in aisle 1 through 27 of your local supermarket. However profitable; this practice is insufficient at eliminating the naturally occurring toxins in the plant. In some cases it can produce additional hazardous byproducts like lysinoalanine (link), which is linked to kidney damage in animal models.
Man Boobs:
Toxins and anti-nutrients are concerning, but realistically a push for more rigorous processing standards would not remove the most problematic component of soybeans. I'm referring to the isoflavones. Listen up bros, because this is how the moobs attack.
Isoflavones are a type of phytoestrogen or “plant estrogen.” If consumed, these plant estrogens actually have the ability to mimic our naturally occurring estrogen and potentially increase receptor activation. Hormonal imbalances between estrogen and androgens at the breast tissue can cause growth of the gland. There have been a number of reported cases identifying high soy consumption as the cause of this. If you drink 3 quartz a day of soymilk like this guy (link), you might just get a sweet pair of man-chesticles.
Now I know what you're thinking... perhaps this evil substance can be wielded to do good in the hands of the opposite gender. And I like your spirit. However, there does not appear to be reported evidence of women boosting their bra size from eating soy. Life is just not fair.
Toxins and anti-nutrients are concerning, but realistically a push for more rigorous processing standards would not remove the most problematic component of soybeans. I'm referring to the isoflavones. Listen up bros, because this is how the moobs attack.
Isoflavones are a type of phytoestrogen or “plant estrogen.” If consumed, these plant estrogens actually have the ability to mimic our naturally occurring estrogen and potentially increase receptor activation. Hormonal imbalances between estrogen and androgens at the breast tissue can cause growth of the gland. There have been a number of reported cases identifying high soy consumption as the cause of this. If you drink 3 quartz a day of soymilk like this guy (link), you might just get a sweet pair of man-chesticles.
Now I know what you're thinking... perhaps this evil substance can be wielded to do good in the hands of the opposite gender. And I like your spirit. However, there does not appear to be reported evidence of women boosting their bra size from eating soy. Life is just not fair.
Recommendation:
I understand that ranting about subsidized GMOs and condemning popular foods put me at risk of sounding like a hypertensive conspiracist. But then, what the hell else are blogs for if you can't go on a little tirade once in a while. In my humble non-doctoral opinion, I suggest doing your darndest to lay off of soy-containing food, especially if you're of the dude variety.
I understand that ranting about subsidized GMOs and condemning popular foods put me at risk of sounding like a hypertensive conspiracist. But then, what the hell else are blogs for if you can't go on a little tirade once in a while. In my humble non-doctoral opinion, I suggest doing your darndest to lay off of soy-containing food, especially if you're of the dude variety.
And now for your viewing pleasure... the "Man Boob Bounce:"
References and Further Reading:
Reported case of Gynecomastia from Soy Consumption
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18558591
The Soy Ploy
http://chriskresser.com/the-soy-ploy
Soy consumption lowers testosterone in rats
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11524239
Lysinoalanine from Soy
http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/bk-1982-0206.ch010
Reported case of Gynecomastia from Soy Consumption
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18558591
The Soy Ploy
http://chriskresser.com/the-soy-ploy
Soy consumption lowers testosterone in rats
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11524239
Lysinoalanine from Soy
http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/bk-1982-0206.ch010
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