Is soy protein bad for me?

Question

Well im taking soy protein and i heard that it stuns your growth and messes with u below the waist...i am currently sixteen and work out almost daily, but im not sure if i should stick to soy protein because of the things ive heard or switch to a different source...

Answer 1

Soy protein in moderation is fine. the estrogen/soy milk thing is a rumor propagated by the dairy industry. There is alot more pesticides, antibiotics and hormones injected into dairy cows to increase production. I would enjoy the soy milk, I don't think there's any thing to worry about.

Answer 2

If you're a male, and you are, then it most certainly is. Stop ALL soy in your diet. Take Whey Isolate and egg whites or egg protein powders.

Of course all depends if you want to be a man complete with masculine characteristics such as muscle mass, strength and "below the waist" health. Some "males" don't consider these things important......if you become a monk then they're not.

Answer 3

The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) says that a daily diet containing 25 grams of soy protein may reduce the risk of heart disease.

The dairy industry is making up all kinds of ridiculous claims about soy to scare consumers into sticking with dairy products. It's just not clear whether the soy isoflavones in powders and pills are healthy. As a whole food, soy protein is very healthy for men and women.

Answer 4

Soya proteins contain isoflavones that can mimic a weak oestrogen effect. It's not the same as the oestrogen the body makes though - it is 1,000 times weaker than the body's oestrogen. There are other plants that contain oestrogen too.

There is  no evidence that it leads to increased oestrogen in males, or lowered testosterone or underdevelopment. This is hearsay, as far as I'm aware, none of the people who claim that this is the case have so far produced a man thus affected as proof.

Take a look at the men featured on these sites: all vegan, and for many  of them soya will be a large part of their diets. No sign of low testosterone there!

http://www.veganbodybuilding.com/

http://www.veganfitness.net/

Someone has mentioned in their answer that it's a possible cancer risk for women. In fact there is no scientific evidence that soya causes, prevents, contributes to or affects the progress of cancer, including oestrogen positive breast cancer, which is the one most often cited, though there are concerns. There are also those in the field who argue that isoflavones may be of help in preventing breast cancer or be beneficial to women who have had breast cancer.

There is current research into whether increasing phyto oestrogens in the diet helps to prevent breast or prostate cancer, and a study in 2002 found that women with the highest levels of soya products in their diets had the lowest breast density. Higher breast density is associated with higher breast cancer risk. This is the first time that soya has been found to have a direct effect on breast tissue.

Women with the highest levels of isoflavones in their diet are reported to have significant risk reductions for uterine cancer.

On the balance of evidence, I'd say keep eating the soya

Answer 5

It's only bad for women at high risk of a few kinds of cancer.  The estrogen won't mess up a healthy person.

Answer 6

Soy protein is not bad for you. I have heard that once before though. You can stick with soy protein it is just as good as other protein sources. Soy is beans. There is nothing unhealthy about beans.

Soy Protein Information

1. What is it and where does it come from?

Soy protein is a complete protein that ranks right up there with the best in the Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score (PDCAAS). Soy protein is generally very low in or free of fat, cholesterol, and lactose.

Soy protein is approved for those who are lactose intolerant, and can be used as a meat substitute. Much more than just an ingredient for a protein shake, Soy protein can be used for cooking instead of flour, producing high protein foods that are extremely low in fat, a bodybuilder's dream come true! Soy protein is derived exclusively from soy beans.

2. What does it do and what scientific studies give evidence to support this?

Soy protein provides a healthy way to get non-animal protein into your diet. It is great tasting, natural and can have a plethora of healthy effects on the body. It is ideal for high protein/low carb diets! It's valuable constituents include saponins, phytosterols, and isoflavones. This is one of the best things about soy protein! Saponins support healthy immune system function and combine with cholesterol to reduce it's absorption into the body through the small intestine. Phytosterols have also been shown to help maintain cholesterol levels already within normal range.

The anabolic isoflavones in soy (genistein and daidzein), not only have exhibited effects as powerful antioxidants, but have been shown to exhibit positive health benefits for both men and women.

Learn more about the benefits of Soy Protein on Clayton South's Health Facts.

3. Who needs it and are there any symptoms of deficiency?

As soy is not a required nutrient, it is not associated with deficiency. However, if you don't take soy, you'll miss out on the associated benefits. Women can benefit with it the most, although men can experience the positive benefits of soy as well.

4. How much should be taken? Are there any side effects?

Soy may be safely taken in a wide range of doses. Only a very small percentage of people are allergic to soy. Be sure to consult your physician if you're on any prescription drugs, as soy may have positive or negative interactions with those drugs. Soy contains phytic acid, a compound that may interact with mineral absorption.

5. Recent Studies

December 2001 - Consuming Protein Supplements Can Help Deter the Effects of Overtraining!

Protein intake of approx. 0.88 grams per pound of body weight resulted in increased prevention of overtraining. This study was conducted at Ball State University on 17 weight-trained men. They were put on a four week "overtraining" program were they did 8-12 rep maxes for three sets, eight exercises for the first two weeks, then five sets, five exercises for 3-5 rep maxes for the next two weeks. The men were chosen to receive either an amino acid supplement or a placebo for the duration of the four weeks (0.88 grams/lb body weight/day). Those that were given the amino acids had measureable positive changes in total testosterone, the ratio of testosterone to the protein that transports it, and hemoglobin compared to those given a placebo. This proves that adequate protein consumption is the key to making gains! Be sure to get enough (approx. 1gram per lb. of body weight).

December 2001 - Protein Taken With Carbs is Better than Protein Alone for Building Muscle!

This study, conducted at University of Texas Medical Branch, measured the amount of uptake of the amino acid L-phenylalanine into healthy leg muscle tissue in one of three protein shakes. The shakes were consumed one and two hours after intense leg training and provided about 6 grams of protein, 34 grams of carbs, or both per shake for a 150 bodybuilder. The L-phenylalanine uptake in the protein and carb shake was measured as being three times higher than the carb shake and roughly twice as great as the amino shake! So, there you have it! As you know, the postworkout shake is the most critical meal for your increased anabolism. Make sure you're getting some carbs in your postworkout shake for best results!

Republished from Clayton South's Health Facts.

Answer 7

no its not its really good for you look at people in asia where soy originated from they have had it for centuries and there some of the most healthiest people on this planet dont listen to those flip floping scientist they need to get out the lab more and get lives

Answer 8

no soy is one of the healthiest foods you could possibly eat. where the h**l did you hear that?

Answer 9

In my highly world-weary view, the people who pay for the research into defacing vegetarianism are generally the people who make money farming meat. I think as long as you are eating a varied diet and having it in moderation, it shouldn't matter, just make sure there is no creepy chemicals in the particular product you're having. Like Reyin said, it's beans! And they are tasty!