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Soy has been considered both a saving grace and an instigator of evil, all within its 10 short years of being in the spotlight of the media. Many rumors stem from the fact that soy contains phytoestrogens, which function similarly to the natural form of estrogen. While there is some evidence to suggest these phytoestrogens can alter the processes of certain parts of the body, most research has discovered their influence very weak in comparison to the real deal. But let's put all rumor aside, and take an honest look at both the fact and the fiction of soy.
*Caveat: I am not a doctor and soy research is ever-evolving. This information comes from my studies as a journalist for various health magazines. Use this article as an entry point for further research of your own depending on what your particular soy concerns are.
Soy causes men to become effeminate.
Fiction: There are all sorts of rumors about men growing breasts, losing their ability to maintain erections, and even beginning to have feelings that are not normal for a heterosexual male. For one thing, most of these stories come from men who by most standards have been abusing soy, overdosing on it in large quantities. There is no solid evidence that soy in moderate levels (5 to 25 grams a day) will have any ill effects on a man's masculinity. While research suggests soy may reduce the amount of testosterone in a man's blood stream, so does fiber, which is also found in soy. This minimal drop in testosterone has not been shown to be a problem in men, and may in fact guard against some forms of prostate cancer.
Soy causes breast cancer in women.
Fact (kind of): While there is plenty of research suggesting soy actually decreases the risk of breast cancer in certain groups of women, there is also evidence that suggests if you are prone to breast cancer, the estrogen compounds in soy may actually stimulate cancer cell growth. The research thus far is not conclusive, so whether or not you choose to prohibit soy completely from your diet is a decision that both you and your doctor should make. If you have breast cancer in your family you may choose to err of the side of caution and moderate your intake. Thankfully, there is growing evidence that women can counter the increased risk of cancer by eating more cruciferous veggies such as broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower. These types of vegetables appear to stimulate the body's natural defense against certain types of cancer (including breast cancer).
Soy causes homosexuality in children.
Fiction: Some people claim that there has been a rise in homosexuality due to the number of soy-based baby formulas on the market, but there is just no solid evidence to base these accusations on. There may be viable reasons to limit your baby's/child's intake of soy, but don't let this be one of them.
Soy causes problems in fertility.
Fact (kind of): There is some evidence to this claim, even though there are plenty of countries in the world with a high population count and a high soy intake to prove it questionable. Research suggests that while diets high in soy may reduce fertility (especially in women already having difficulties with pregnancy), in general, a normal couple with a moderate intake of soy should not experience problems. If you are currently eating a moderate diet of soy and are trying to conceive, it will be up to both you and your OBGYN, as to the validity of this research. Most obstetrician's will tell you to just relax and enjoy your baby making process for the first six months. After that, if you find you are having difficulties conceiving, you may want to schedule an appointment to discuss any concerns you may be having, including that of your soy intake.
Soy is bad for infants.
Jury's Out: Ongoing studies are trying to find if phytoestrogens have any negative effects on the growth of babies and children. For those who are breast feeding, they have to decide if drinking/eating the soy themselves will affect their baby. For those using formula, they have to decide if they should use a cow-based formula or soy-based. Until there is solid evidence either way, it seems safe to assume that a moderate intake of soy should be okay. For the most part, healthy children have come from both cow and soy-based formulas, so there is really no reason to choose one over the other, beyond your own personal preferences.
Conclusions
If there is anything to learn here, it is that research has failed to give conclusive evidence on either the benefit or harm of soy-based products. The most agreed upon plan of attack for soy is to eat in moderation, unless told differently by your healthcare practitioner. In my opinion, there is just too much positive research out there not to partake in some of soy's healthful benefits, but at the same time, there is enough negative research to err on the side of caution and consume it in moderate quantities.
More on soy
The Benefits of Soy
Make Your Own Soymilk For Pennies Instead of Dollars
Soy Based Lubricants
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