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Soy: Good or Bad

Soy is always a hot button issue when it comes to protein consumption. For years we were told to avoid soy because it contains isoflavones which can have estrogen like activity that some people worried could increase cancer risks. There is also concerns with how it interacts with thyroid medications.

But there is good news for those of us who love tofu and edamame. Yon can still enjoy your favorite foods! Elizabeth Huggins, RD, of Hilton Head Health says that you just have to avoid consuming within four hours of taking your medication.

For those of you worried about the cancer risk recent research shows that eating more plant based proteins actually lower your risk of certain cancers and that soy protein can reduce LDL cholesterol (bad kind) and has been shown to aid with fertility and menopause symptoms in women.

Soy intolerances and allergies are fairly common so be sure to listen to your body and note if you see any adverse effects.

As with most things in the health and nutrition world evidence goes both ways. Always keep an eye out for the latest research and make decisions based on the latest data and not the opinion of your friend who thinks everything is out to kill you.
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