Soymilk estrogen levels...

jos2thehua

About two years ago I started to use soymilk in my post-workout smoothies for the added health benefits that come with it. After a couple of uses I decided to just throw out the regular cow milk all together and just drink soymilk. However, I was recently told by a friend about some skeptical studies that show soy consumption can increase estrogen levels in men and affect performance.

My question is do any of you drink soy and have you heard about these studies? Should I honestly really worry or is this just some scare tactic made up by the dairy industries to keep me away from soy products?

-Josh

gbs

My daughter, newly qualified doc, says that soy protein powders are good for building man boobs and suggests whey protein. I cannot quote her sources for the moment.

Headhuunter

Soy foods contain phytoestrogens, literally plant-derived estrogen, phytoestrogen in soy is known as isoflavones. Isoflavones are present in the protein part of soy and I've heard that non fermented soy products are higher in isoflavones than fermented ones such as traditional soy sauce, natto (Japanese fermented bean dish), tempeh etc.

Likewise flaxseed/linseed and sesame seeds also contain phytoestrogens, although I think they're less potent than those in soy. Oils derived from these seeds however do not contain high levels of phytoestrogens (or in fact beneficial lignan compounds), it's the seeds themselves, particularly the hulls, which do.

I drink soy milk at home, but not much, just 1 bit in a bowl of cereal and a cup of tea. I also eat ground linseed. I take whey protein when I go to the gym though, rather than soy. So far I haven't noticed moobs! I think moderation is the key.

Phytoestrogens and lignans have many beneficial characterstics too, many believe that they help decrease the risk of cancer, such as prostate cancer, in men. In any case we are increasingly exposed to environmental estrogens in modern materials such as plastics. Plastic packaging wrapped around food and drinks are potent sources of xenoestrogens in modern life. Plastics such as cling film etc leah these chemicals into our foods.

There is also some concern about levels of endocrine disruptors and female hormone in the water that we drink, since the 1960s and the invention of the pill, ambient estrogen levels in water has increased hugely, no filtration currently used by water companies or in the little water filter jugs we have in our kitchens can remove xenoestrogens.

skyd0g

Headhuunter wrote:

Soy foods contain phytoestrogens, literally plant-derived estrogen, phytoestrogen in soy is known as isoflavones. Isoflavones are present in the protein part of soy and I've heard that non fermented soy products are higher in isoflavones than fermented ones such as traditional soy sauce, natto (Japanese fermented bean dish), tempeh etc.

Have you grown a lady-garden over the last few years?

bigjim

I have soy milk in my porridge but thats it. Not got any man boobs. Evidently you are at risk of prostate cancer if you have high testosterone levels and I imagine the prescence of a certain amount of soy counteracts this. But there are lots of theories out there. Take your pick. Personally I go along with the "a little bit of everything" one.

Headhuunter

bigjim wrote:

I have soy milk in my porridge but thats it. Not got any man boobs. Evidently you are at risk of prostate cancer if you have high testosterone levels and I imagine the prescence of a certain amount of soy counteracts this. But there are lots of theories out there. Take your pick. Personally I go along with the "a little bit of everything" one.

Yes, there is some evidence that phytoestrogens inhibit the growth of cancerous cells and can help prevent prostate cancer in men. They are very powerful antioxidants, cell oxidation being carcinogenic.

I read that moderate consumption of soy products and linseed is fine, but some doctors recommend against use of isolated soy protein powders as phytoestrogens are particularly present in the protein element of soy and therefore concentrated in soy protein powders.