Soyfoods can be an important component of a healthy diet.
Soy is a nutrient-dense, plantbased protein that is high in fiber, potassium and iron. Because soy is low in saturated fat, it is considered a smarter protein source than animal- based products.
For those looking for healthier alternatives to meat or dairy, soy can be a good thing. However, it has been studied in the past in relation to cancer causation, notably breast cancer due to soy isoflavones that can act as estrogen in the body. Increased estrogen has been linked to certain types of breast cancer. But the American Cancer Society says a large body of evidence supports the safety of soy as part of a healthy diet. In fact, studies have found consuming soyfoods is associated with a decreased risk or no change in risk for cancer. Past studies featured mice and rats, which break down isoflavones differently than humans.
Also, the doses that elevated breast cancer risk in the rodents were much higher than in studies conducted in people. Human studies have found the estrogen effects of soy seem to have no effect at all and may even reduce breast cancer risk. ✲
