soy protein = estrogen??

[Reverend Satan]

I keep hearing that soy protein contains chemicals that mimic estrogen in the body. Is this true and is it so much estrogen that it is conterproductive to increasing muscle mass and low bf levels or is it blown out of proportion?

[ZEEBS]

i have no idea bro...all i know is that i hate the shit and i dont care what it does becuase i dont use it

[FelineCougar]

Those that know me know my stand on soy based baby formulas...here is more on the other issues.

Soy producers have recently touted the benefits of soy as a healthy, estrogen balancing, allergy-free bean. Yet, researchers are beginning to find that soy is harmful in many people and that excess soy is harmful to everyone.

It is common knowledge that soybeans are loaded with plant compounds that mimic estrogen, a female hormone. Many post menopausal women use soy products to help control hot flashes and other problems caused by hormonal imbalances. However, this same estrogen surge can wreak havoc in the systems of young children, men and even some women who already have sufficient estrogen levels.

National health agencies and physician associations of some countries have warned their populace to exercise caution in using soy based infant formulas (Malloy). In the U.S., two of the Federal Drug Administration’s (FDA) own researchers, Daniel Doerge and Daniel Sheehan, have stepped forward to protest their own agency’s allowance of health claim labelling regarding the effects of soy protein on coronary health. In a letter to the FDA, they cite their deep disturbance over potential risk to the public by the FDA’s failure to require that the same safeguards be put in place for soy use as for estrogenic (prescribed hormone substances) and goitrogenic drugs (thyroid medication), They suggest that people be informed of the risks and be under a physician’s care while using it (White).

Preliminary studies on children indicate even more disturbing news. Studies show that children given soy formula go through puberty much earlier than children who were not fed soy products because the phytoestrogens and isoflavones in soy act like a hormone in the body, causing the infant to have hormones like the adult body. A 1994 study done in New Zealand revealed that, depending on age, potency of the product, and feeding methods, infants on soy formula might be consuming the equivalent of up to ten contraceptive pills a day (Ross). Phytoestrogens (substance in soy) are now strongly implicated, through research, in thyroid disorders, behavioural and developmental disorders and cancer. Theodore Kay of the Kyoto University Faculty of Medicine noted in 1988 that “thyroid enlargement in rats and humans, especially children and women, fed with soybeans has been known for half a century” (Mercola).

However, the hormone issue is not the only concern. Research now in progress strongly ties aggressive behavioural problems in children to soy. Soy formula has manganese levels that are 50 times higher than the level found in mother’s breast milk (Ross). Research is now showing that high levels of manganese found in soy beverages may be neurotoxic to babies, causing brain damage. These studies suggest a correlation to the dramatic increase in Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and violent behaviour seen in adolescents today (Mercola).

Researchers also believe that the trend toward lower male fertility may be due to environmental estrogens, including the soy phytoestrogens. There is strong evidence that soy phytoestrogens inhibit an enzyme which is required for the synthesis of testosterone and the development of the CNS-gonadal axis (White). Much research is now being done to determine the effects of soy on male animals (even male insects) of all sorts. Research with animals and insects from the grasshopper to the cheetah, are showing that soy affects males by making them less confident, less aggressive, indecisive, show less sexual interest, lower sperm count and in some studies less everything male. :scaryshit

[Reverend Satan]

Great post, FC. It was very intelligent and informative.


What guy wrote that for you?

[ZEEBS]

lol...u can never just give a compliment can you

[Janus]

no more soy for me then..