Soy has been touted for its potential longevity benefits for decades. Some studies suggest that incorporating soy into your diet may help protect against certain chronic health conditions, such as heart disease and cancer.

However, there is also a lot of misinformation surrounding soy and its effects on the body. In this article, we will sort fact from fiction and explore the truth behind soy’s potential longevity benefits.

What is Soy?

Soy is a protein-rich legume that originates from East Asia. It is commonly used in many Asian cultures as a staple food, and it has become increasingly popular in Western diets over the years.

Soybeans can be consumed in many forms, including tofu, soy milk, edamame, and soy sauce.

Soy’s Potential Longevity Benefits

Studies suggest that consuming soy may have potential longevity benefits. Soy is rich in isoflavones, which are natural compounds that act like estrogen in the body. This is why soy is often considered a phytoestrogen.

Phytoestrogens have been shown to potentially protect against certain chronic health conditions, such as heart disease and cancer.

Heart Disease

Consuming soy may help protect against heart disease. A meta-analysis published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that consuming soy may reduce the risk of heart disease by up to 25%.

Another study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that consuming soy protein may help lower cholesterol levels, which can reduce the risk of heart disease.

Cancer

Consuming soy may also potentially protect against certain types of cancer, such as breast and prostate cancer. A study published in Nutrition and Cancer found that soy consumption may reduce the risk of breast cancer in women.

Another study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that consuming soy may lower the risk of prostate cancer in men.

Soy and Hormones

There is a common misconception that consuming soy can negatively affect hormone levels in the body.

Some people believe that consuming soy can lead to an increase in estrogen levels in the body, which could potentially increase the risk of developing breast cancer or other hormone-related cancers.

However, this is not the case. Studies suggest that consuming moderate amounts of soy does not negatively affect hormone levels in the body. In fact, some studies suggest that consuming soy may have a protective effect on breast and prostate cancer.

Additionally, a study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that consuming soy may reduce the risk of hot flashes in menopausal women.

Soy and Thyroid Function

Another common misconception surrounding soy is that it negatively affects thyroid function. Some people believe that consuming soy can lead to an underactive thyroid or interfere with the absorption of thyroid medications.

However, this is not completely supported by scientific evidence.

While some studies suggest that consuming excessive amounts of soy may potentially interfere with thyroid function, consuming moderate amounts of soy is generally considered safe for most people. Additionally, a review published in Thyroid found that consuming soy does not have a significant impact on thyroid function in healthy individuals.

Soy and Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)

Another concern surrounding soy is that it is often genetically modified. Some people worry that consuming genetically modified soy may have negative health effects.

However, the safety of genetically modified soy is still a topic of debate among scientists.

While some studies suggest that consuming genetically modified soy may have negative health effects, other studies have not found any significant negative effects. Additionally, many non-genetically modified soy products are available for consumers who prefer to avoid genetically modified foods.

Conclusion

Overall, consuming moderate amounts of soy can potentially provide longevity benefits, such as protecting against heart disease and certain types of cancer.

While there is a lot of misinformation surrounding soy and its effects on the body, scientific evidence suggests that consuming moderate amounts of soy is generally safe for most people.