What is soy isoflavones good for?
Soy isoflavones are polyphenols found in soy products and other plants. They preferentially interact with a type of estrogen receptor involved in cognitive functions. Because they interact with estrogen receptors, soy isoflavones have also been studied for preventing menopausal symptoms and premenstrual syndrome.
What are the side effects of soy isoflavones?
Most of the side effects of isoflavones are associated with long-term use of supplements and not from dietary sources such as soy products….Common side effects may include:
- GI upset.
- Constipation, bloating and nausea.
- Allergic reactions (involving rash, itching, and in severe instances, anaphylaxis)
- Loss of appetite.
Are isoflavones bad for you?
Isoflavones, which are found in soy, are plant estrogens. High levels of estrogen have been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. However, food sources of soy don’t contain high enough levels of isoflavones to increase the risk of breast cancer.
Are soy supplements safe?
In research studies, soy protein supplements and soy extracts rich in isoflavones have been used safely on a short-term basis; the safety of long-term use is uncertain. The most common side effects of soy are digestive upsets, such as constipation and diarrhea.
Is soy good or bad?
Even though soy protein may have little direct effect on cholesterol, soy foods are generally good for the heart and blood vessels if they replace less healthful choices, like red meat, and because they deliver plenty of polyunsaturated fat, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and are low in saturated fat.
Do isoflavones increase estrogen?
Other clinical studies have shown that increased intake of isoflavones converts the endogenous estrogens to the protective 2-hydroxylated estrogens in women and may play a critical role in lowering levels of 17-α hydroxyestrone,30,32–35 a known stimulant of breast proliferation, thereby reducing the long-term risk of …
Why is soy bad for your health?
Soy, it turned out, contains estrogen-like compounds called isoflavones. And some findings suggested that these compounds could promote the growth of some cancer cells, impair female fertility and mess with thyroid function.
Are there any studies on the effects of soy?
Given the volume of research it is understandably challenging for health professionals to interpret the soy literature, a task that is compounded by the widely divergent results from in vitro and animal studies. However, these types of studies are of doubtful relevance to understanding the effects of soyfoods in humans.
What are the effects of soy on the thyroid?
One concern is that soy may adversely affect thyroid function and interfere with the absorption of synthetic thyroid hormone. Thus, the purpose of this review is to evaluate the relevant literature and provide the clinician guidance for advising their patients about the effects of soy on thyroid function.
How many peer reviewed articles are there on soy?
The health effects of soyfoods have been rigorously investigated for more than 25 years. More than 2000 soy-related peer-reviewed articles are published annually.