Does Soy Affect Sexual Health?

Author: Leticia Celentano Time for reading: ~1 minutes Last Updated: August 08, 2022

Soy contains phytoestrogens and other components that are potentially dangerous to human health, but there is also a way to overcome them.

Soy is one of the few crops on Earth that offers the full range of essential amino acids for human metabolism, making it one of the most popular non-animal foods, a source of protein.

Amino acids are compounds that make up protein molecules ( proteins ) in the human body. After water, they are the second most abundant component in almost all human cells and tissues, such as muscle. Outside cells, proteins play a role in the transport of neurotransmitters (chemical signals) and the biosynthesis of metabolic substances. Indispensable are those amino acids that the human body cannot synthesize ( produce ) on its own, but must obtain regularly through food.

Soy milk, tofu and soy meat substitutes are gaining popularity not only among vegans and vegetarians, but also among the rest of the population. Despite the high content of nutrients in soy, it also hides some dangers that are poorly known to the general public. In addition to the content of inhibitory substances that inhibit the absorption of some beneficial compounds, a number of studies indicate direct food damage to thyroid function, especially in the presence of iodine deficiency in the body.

A laboratory study from 2002 focused on the soy content of phytoestrogens - plant analogues of the female sex hormone estrogen. Mechanisms have been found that phytoestrogens can damage the male genitalia and even reduce fertility . These harmful effects have not yet been fully proven in humans, but existing scientific data are contradictory and there is no consensus.

Another study from the United States demonstrates how consuming soy products during pregnancy or breastfeeding can lead to testicular contraction and an increase in the volume of the male prostate. Another observed effect is a slight enlargement of the thymus gland - an endocrine organ with energy and immunological properties, but the studies are too small to be statistically significant.

Although there is still no final verdict - soy is harmful or useful , scientists offer a compromise - during fermentation, soy loses its supposed harmful effects and is considered much more useful and safe for consumption. World-wide fermented soy products are Indonesian tempo and Japanese natto .

Does Soy Affect Sexual Health?

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