Do soy foods cause or help prevent cancer?
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National Academy of Sports Medicine answered:Soy foods (tofu, edamame/soy beans, soy milk and yogurt, etc.) have been studied both in their ability to help prevent, or the possibility that they might promote, cancer in some people. While some studies show soy offers a protective effect against breast cancer, a few studies show the estrogen-like effects in isoflavones may be harmful for women with breast cancer. We do know that the phytoestrogens in soy foods are “anti-estrogens.” In other words, they may block estrogen from reaching the receptors - therefore potentially protecting women from developing breast cancer. However, at this point, American Institute for Cancer Research stresses that data on soy and breast cancer are not conclusive, and future studies will determine the direction of dietary recommendations.Soy foods (tofu, edamame/soy beans, soy milk and yogurt, etc.) have been studied both in their ability to help prevent, or the possibility that they might promote, cancer in some people. While some studies show soy offers a protective effect... More -
Keri Gans answered:Soy foods contain isoflavones, or plant estrogens, some of which have weak estrogen activity and—in animal studies—appear to protect against hormone-dependent cancers. However, it’s possible that high doses of soy could raise the risk of estrogen-fueled cancers, such as breast or endometrial cancer. If you have breast cancer, consume only moderate amounts of soy foods as part of a healthy, plant-based diet and stick primarily with whole-soy foods such as tofu, soy milk, and edamame rather than processed foods made with soy isolate or isolated soy protein. Avoid soy supplements, which contain high, and possibly dangerous, amounts of isoflavones.
Soy foods contain isoflavones, or plant estrogens, some of which have weak estrogen activity and—in animal studies—appear to protect against hormone-dependent cancers. However, it’s possible that high doses of soy could... More -
Dr. William Li answered:The relationship between soy and cancer is complicated. In this video, diet and disease prevention specialist Dr. William Li discusses how research both in the lab and in the real world are helping scientists gain a better understanding of soy's effects on cancer.
The relationship between soy and cancer is complicated. In this video, diet and disease prevention specialist Dr. William Li discusses how research both in the lab and in the real world are helping scientists gain a better understanding of... More
