Tofu - is it good for you or not really?

Question

So I heard tofu is good for you because (for one thing) the estrogen-like components prevent your body from making too much estrogen. But then I heard that food with estrogen-like elements increase one's risk of too much estrogen (which causes breast cancer, etc). So which is it? I also have a thyroid problem and heard that some people with thyroid conditions should avoid tofu. But I really like tofu :-( What's the the truth about tofu??? Nutritionists?

Answer 1

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

There are other plants that contain oestrogen too.

There is in fact no scientific evidence that soya causes, prevents, contributes to or affects the progress of breast cancer, including oestrogen positive breast cancer. There are 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.

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

Answer 2

I too have had a thyroid condition and cutting out soy products has dramatically helped me.



Here is an article I found on-line about soy:

http://www.the7thfire.com/health_and_nut...

Answer 3

Actually everything is moderation I believe. Besides Tofu, soymilk has the same nutrition for your health,exactly to say, for women. Chinese people prefer drinking soymilk with their breakfast, eating Tofu as cool dish or boiled dinner. I love it so much ,anyways I never crazy about it.

It is a truth not everyone can enjoy Tofu alike; gastricism, nephritis, sugar diabetes and gout......

so moderation is good . Have a try with soymilk may be you will love it too :)