Soybeans have been an integral part of human nutrition for centuries, and they continue to be. However, myths and misconceptions that revolve around them have also persisted, which have led to many people avoiding soy.

Here are four soy myths that we will debunk:.

Myth 1: Soy Causes Cancer

The idea that soy causes cancer is one of the most pervasive myths. The myth is based on the fact that soy contains phytoestrogen, a plant compound that mimics the hormone estrogen.

Since high estrogen levels have been linked to breast cancer, soy is often blamed for causing the disease. However, studies show that the opposite is true.

Several studies, including one by the American Institute for Cancer Research, show that consuming soy reduces the risk of cancer.

The study found that women who increased their soy intake after menopause had a 21% lower risk of breast cancer compared to women who didn’t. Additionally, a review of 35 studies involving over 600,000 participants found that soy food intake had no negative effect on breast cancer incidence.

Myth 2: Soy Causes Infertility in Men

Another myth is that men who consume soy are at risk of having low sperm counts, low testosterone levels, and ultimately infertility. This myth is also based on the fact that phytoestrogens in soy mimic estrogen, which is a female hormone.

However, scientific studies have debunked this myth. A study published in the journal Fertility and Sterility found that there was no significant difference in sperm count, motility, or shape between men who consumed soy and those who didn’t.

Additionally, a review of 15 studies with a total of 502 men found no adverse effects of soy intake on testosterone levels or semen quality in humans. There is no reason why men should avoid soy if they want to have a child.

Myth 3: Soy is Bad for Thyroid Gland

This myth is based on the fact that soybeans contain goitrogens, a substance that interferes with iodine uptake by the thyroid gland, potentially leading to an enlarged thyroid gland (goiter).

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However, the amount of goitrogens in soy is relatively small compared to other foods such as broccoli, cauliflower, and kale.

In fact, studies have shown that soy has no detrimental effect on thyroid function in healthy people. A review of 14 trials with a total of 1,948 participants found that soy intake had no adverse effect on thyroid function.

The authors of the review concluded that people with normal thyroid function have nothing to fear from soy intake. Additionally, a study by the National Cancer Institute found that adults with higher soy intake had a lower risk of developing thyroid cancer.

Myth 4: Soy is Genetically Modified Organism

Many people avoid soy because they believe it is a genetically modified organism (GMO), a plant that has been genetically engineered to possess certain traits such as resistance to herbicides or pests. However, the truth is that not all soy is GMO.

While it is true that most of the soy produced in the US is genetically modified, there are also non-GMO sources of soy. If you want to avoid GMO soy, look for products that are certified organic or labeled as Non-GMO Project Verified.

These products are made from soybeans that have not been genetically modified.

Conclusion

Soy is a valuable source of protein and other essential nutrients that are necessary for human health. It is unfortunate that many people avoid it due to misguided beliefs about its safety and health benefits.

The truth is that soy has been shown to have many health benefits, and it can be a part of a healthy diet.

The next time you come across one of these soy myths, remember that scientific research has debunked them. You can include soy in your diet without fear and reap its many health benefits.