The Soy Controversy
Wednesday, March 03, 2010
Milly writes: What's the deal with soy? "They" used to say it's good for you, now "they" say you should limit your intake to fermented soy and even that may not be good for middle-aged women.
Dear Milly,
This topic is controversial and too vast to discuss on this medium. However, I will give you some background on the subject. Reports have surfaced which state that soy has been linked to breast cancer (because of its estrogenic effects), thyroid problems, and impaired cognitive function (causing dementia).
The Food and Drug Administration once suggested that 25 mgs of soy daily would help decrease the risk heart disease; however I am not sure if the agency is still making this recommendation. Here are some resources for additional information:
Trock BJ, Hilakivi-Clarke L, Clarke R. Meta-analysis of soy intake and breast cancer risk. J Nat’l Cancer Inst. 2006 Apr 5; 98(7):430-1.
"Is It True What They Say About Soy?" UC Berkeley Wellness Letter, November 2002.
Duncan AM, Dillingham BL. Soy & Thyroid Function: Safety Issues Examined (PDF). The Soy Connection. 2006 (Summer); 14(3):1-3.
