Soy Milk Estrogen

Soy food products have become an integral part of the diet in US and many other countries. Promoters of soy products believe that it is just second to water in the list of healthy foods. However, the question of whether soy milk contains estrogen, and its effect on human health has been a matter of debate these days. The plant estrogens called isoflavones are considered by few researchers as beneficial elements present in soy products. However, studies indicate that isoflavones are responsible for health problems like breast cancer in women.

Soy Milk Estrogen
Isoflavones is an estrogen present in soy milk, and the different members of this class or family include daidzein, genistein, glycitein and equol. Since, these chemicals are plant-based, they are also known as phytoestrogens. The levels of estrogen in soy milk and the ongoing debate has been a cause of worry for many who consume this food regularly. Let us find more about the soy milk dangers and information in general pertaining to this high protein diet.

Genistein Controversy
The isoflavone, genistein is considered harmful for health due to the fact that it increases risk of breast cancer. The estrogen receptor cells present in body tissues are activated by genistein. It is one of the important reason why the usage of this hormone is under scrutiny.

Studies conducted in the University of Illinois on effects of the hormone genistein on female rats state that the risk of mammary cancer in these animals before puberty was reduced. The effect of genistein on rats after puberty however, was different. Estrogen-responsive tumors were stimulated by the intake of genistein in rats after puberty. The conclusions derived from such tests are not given credibility by some researchers due to the fact that they do not explain or give a concrete reason for not including soy products in their diet. Moreover, the tests which have been conducted on animals do not act as perfect models in order to replicate the pre and post menopausal biological status of women. Also, the testing has been conducted using the hormone in question, separately. The study doesn't throw light on the effect of consumption of soy milk as a whole food - that contains many other chemicals/enzymes/hormones apart from estrogen.

Soy Milk in Regular Diet
Experts suggest that soy milk should be consumed in its whole form and the intake of isolated proteins or extracts be avoided. Estrogen produced by the body has a different effect on the health in comparison to soy milk estrogen. Thus, dietitians consider it completely okay to consume soy milk. Read more on benefits of soy milk.

Facts about Soy Estrogen
The following facts would help in understanding the truth about soy milk estrogen and its effects on human body in a better manner.

• Most of the studies conducted to find out the effect of soy estrogen on breast cancer prevention suggest that concrete evidence has not been found to support it.
• As per studies, the effectiveness of soy isoflavones in preventing prostate cancer has been proved, however, the results are inconsistent and limited.
• Adverse effects of feeding children with soy-based products have not been supported till date.
• Long-term effects of soy-based products or supplements on the body have not been tested.

The facts about soy milk do not suggest any evidence regarding its harmful or beneficial effects on the body. One should consult a dietitian in deciding the dose of soy-based supplements in daily diet. However, the notion that any diet or food serves the purpose if consumed in moderation should always be remembered.