Soybeans contain lecithin, vegetable protein and fiber, making them a very good health food. It has been reported in the past that women in areas where soy milk is regularly drunk for breakfast are less likely to develop breast cancer than those who are not used to drinking soy milk, and soy has always been considered a good cancer prevention food. However, the saying that “women who drink soy milk all year round will cause breast cancer” has been circulating on the internet. This is the reason why many women no longer dare to drink soy milk, or even completely cut off their relationship with soy food. In fact, there is no scientific basis for the claim that “soy milk contains estrogen that can cause breast cancer”. What are phytoestrogens? Phytoestrogens are a class of non-steroidal compounds that occur naturally in plants and are named because their biological activity is similar to that of estrogen, and the soy isoflavones in soybeans are among them. Phytoestrogens are widely distributed in foods, such as lignans in lentils and grains, and coumarins in soybean sprouts. When estrogen is mentioned, many people are concerned because excessive levels of estrogen can cause breast cancer, endometrial cancer, uterine fibroids, and uterine bleeding. However, phytoestrogens are not the same as human estrogen. Studies have found that phytoestrogens play a two-way regulatory role on estrogen levels in women’s bodies. Phytoestrogens have a molecular structure similar to that of estrogen and can bind to estrogen receptors to produce effects similar to those of estrogen, but this effect is less than that of estrogen in the human body. When the estrogen in the body is insufficient, its binding can play a role in supplementing estrogen; while when the estrogen level in the body is too high, its binding plays an inhibitory role because it prevents the binding of estrogen, which is equivalent to lowering the estrogen level. Therefore, phytohormones are also known as the regulators of estrogen levels in women. Soy Isoflavones – Do Not Cause Breast Cancer Contrary to what rumors say, numerous studies have confirmed that eating soy products in moderation can prevent breast cancer. Epidemiological studies have shown that Asians have lower incidence and mortality rates of breast and prostate cancer than Westerners due to their high intake of soy and soy products. The Shanghai Breast Cancer Status Study studied 5,042 women aged 20-75 years with breast cancer in Shanghai and found that eating soy products significantly reduced the mortality rate of breast cancer patients. Results from a case-control study of Chinese women living in Singapore on diet and breast cancer also showed a significant preventive effect of soy on the development of breast cancer. In 2008, an article published in the British Journal of Cancer
Cancer in 2008 also showed that soy isoflavones in soy not only do not increase the risk of breast cancer, but also reduce the prevalence of breast cancer, especially in Asian populations with high consumption of soy-based foods. In addition, an article published in the world’s leading medical journal Cancer, International Guidelines for Breast Health and Cancer, lists a number of ways to prevent breast cancer in countries around the world, one of which is to eat soy and its products in moderation. It is evident that consumption of soy milk and other soy products not only does not lead to breast cancer, but also reduces the risk of breast cancer and is a protective factor for the development of breast cancer. Soy products can also be eaten by menopausal women After menopause, the level of estrogen in women’s body will drop significantly, which will lead to a series of physical symptoms, clinically known as “women’s menopause syndrome”. The decrease in estrogen will reduce the absorption and utilization of calcium, resulting in a steeper decline in bone density and osteoporosis, which will undoubtedly have a negative impact on women’s health. It has been found that eating soy products can provide some relief during this phase. Some studies have found that consuming soy foods can reduce or alleviate menopausal syndrome caused by menopause. A study by scientists in Australia found that menopausal women who consumed 45 grams of soy per day had a 40% reduction in the incidence of menopausal syndrome. A diet containing soy foods may relieve the symptoms of hot flashes and sweating in menopausal women. Other studies have found that eating soy products improves arterial elasticity throughout the body in women at or near menopause. A survey of 478 postmenopausal women found that eating soy products was effective in reducing osteoporosis. It was also found that a daily intake of soy products containing 100 mg of soy isoflavones was also safe, and also served to prevent menstrual syndrome and cardiovascular disease. Conclusion: The isoflavones contained in soy are indeed phytoestrogens, but many studies have shown that consuming soy products not only does not increase the risk of breast cancer, but can reduce the prevalence of breast cancer, and also has a role in preventing and alleviating menopausal syndrome, so consumers need not worry. Tips for consuming soy products The Dietary Guidelines for Chinese Residents recommends 30-50 grams of soy foods per day. Soy products should be eaten in moderation in the daily diet, especially for menopausal women, to reduce the incidence of menopausal syndrome. Soybean milk must be cooked. Raw soy milk contains lectins and trypsin inhibitors, both of which may cause nausea, vomiting, indigestion and even poisoning when consumed in excess. Soy milk is heated sufficiently to eliminate these two substances and is safe to drink. It is best for gout patients to reduce soy products in moderation based on the dietary guidelines. Gout patients do not have to absolutely stay away from soy milk, they should just be careful to reduce their meat intake accordingly while drinking soy milk. Controlling the total amount of daily protein is the key.