What are the benefits of soy?

William B. Salt II., MD

Gastroenterology

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized food manufacturers to state on food labels that soy protein can help reduce the risk of heart disease. Studies show that soy can improve the elasticity of blood vessels and lower systolic blood pressure. Eat at least 25 grams of soy protein daily to realize a significant cholesterol-lowering effect. The FDA has stipulated that to qualify for heart-health claims, a food must contain at least 6.25 grams of soy protein per serving. Soy is a good source of healthy carbohydrate, fiber, omega-3 fatty acids and protein.

More About this Book

Irritable Bowel Syndrome & the Mind-Body Brain-Gut Connection: 8 Steps for Living a Healthy Life with a Functiona (The Mind-Body Connection Series)

One in five people suffer from irritable bowel syndrome, colitis, or other functional bowel disorders. As a result, irritable bowel syndrome is the second leading cause of worker absenteeism. This...

Doreen Rodo

Nutrition & Dietetics

Soy has been found to do the following:

Increase the body's calcium absorption.
Protect against breast, uterine, prostrate, rectal and colon cancer.
Lowers LDL cholesterol and improves blood pressure, while promoting healthy blood vessels.
Alleviates menopausal and PMS symptoms.
Aids in regulating blood glucose for better diabetes control.

To reap the benefits of soy, the daily recommended amount is 25 grams per day.

Toby Smithson on behalf of Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

Nutrition & Dietetics

Soy is a good source of plant based protein which provides all the essential amino acids and is low in saturated fat. Soyfoods are a good source of potassium, folate, and depending on the processing can also provide a good source of fiber and calcium. Health benefits of soy include lowering heart disease risk; possible bone health (studies aren’t conclusive as of yet); reduced menopausal symptoms; possible increased insulin sensitivity and reduction or prevention of some types of cancers.

Bryce B. Wylde

Alternative & Complementary Medicine

The well-studied health benefits of soy, for women and men, stem from its phytoestrogens—natural plant estrogens that resemble estrogens in the body but are weaker and help prevent cancer.

A family of phytoestrogens called isoflavones includes a compound called genistein, also found in soy. Isoflavones help to prevent cancer, lower cholesterol, ward off osteoporosis and lessen the effects of menopause; studies have shown that genistein can help prevent breast, colon and prostate cancers.

Soy can reduce overall cholesterol levels and the levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL or “bad” cholesterol) levels, without affecting “good” cholesterol, HDL. Soy can also prevent osteoporosis and help alleviate the symptoms of menopause.

More About this Book

The Antioxidant Prescription: How to Use the Power of Antioxidants to Prevent Disease and Stay Healthy for Life

Dr. Bryce Wylde, one of Canada's most popular and respected health care practitioners, gives us individualized step-by-step treatment plans to fight disease and stay healthy.In The Antioxidant...

Continue Learning about Soy

Intermountain Healthcare

Foods that may have hidden soy in them include: baby food, baked goods, cereals, coffee replacements...

Margaret Floyd

In our diet, soy appears most often broken down into isolated components: soybean oil, soy prote...

Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD

Soy may be dangerous for those who have an existing thyroid problem and take medications for the...

Can Eating Soy Raise My Risk of Breast Cancer?

Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.