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Does soy have an adverse effect on the male hormonal economy?
Table of Contents
1. What are soy isoflavones?
Isoflavones, including genistein, daidein, and glycysteine, bind to estrogen receptors in the human body and induce both agonist (receptor-activating) and antagonistic (receptor-blocking) effects. Nakai, M. Kamei 2020). They are the main active ingredient in soybeans and soy products such as soybean, tofu, or tempeh. Their action is significantly weaker than endogenous estrogens, but they can be important in regulating various physiological and metabolic processes, including affecting the hormonal ester (S. Fujita, Y. Soy isoflavons are a group of organic compounds classified as phytoestrogens.2. Effect of soy isoflavones on health
Additionally, phytoestrogens are able to regulate mineral bone density, which is particularly important for women in menopause when natural decreases in estrogen levels increase the risk of osteoporosis. Scientific studies also indicate the potential protective effects of isoflavones in certain types of cancers, particularly those related to hormones such as breast and prostate cancer. A significant advantage of soy isoflawons is their ability to alleviate symptoms such as menopausal seizures or nocturnal epilepsy.3. Whether isoflavones are harmful to men
Several decades ago, there were two men whose consumption of soybeans caused hormonal imbalances.4. -year-old man drinking 12 glasses of soybeans a day
In this case, isoflavones may have affected hormone levels in a way that resulted in gynecomastia (enlargement of breast tissue in men), hormonal disorders, and decreased sexual function.5. -year-old male with type 1 diabetes who feeds almost exclusively on soybeans and soy products
In addition to these two publications, there is no other human study that suggests that the intake of soy isoflavones is unfavorable for the hormonal economy of men. Young male age, coexisting chronic illness, and very limited diet could have contributed to the exceptionally strong health effects of isoflavones (T.6. It's an analysis of scientific research
When consuming isoflavones in quantities in excess of the typical intake found in Asian diets, no adverse effects on testosterone levels were typically observed (K.E. Meta-analyses and reviews of soybean and soy-isoflavone intake have shown that: in most cases, regular consumption of soy or soy-isoflavone by men is not associated with significant changes in total or free testosterone levels. Reed et al. 2021).7. A safe level of soybean intake
This indicates a high level of tolerance of these compounds by the body, which may be due to both genetic and environmental adaptation factors. However, there are some recommendations for soy consumption for two groups. One serving corresponds to about one glass of soybean beverage or 100 g of tofu. Messina et al. 2022). However, the results of the studies show no adverse health effects, even when the daily dose is even higher (M.D. Van Die et al., 2014). In Europe, however, isoflavone intake is much lower, which can be partially attributed to differences in the culinary and dietary traditions of soy products.
