Are Soybeans Bad For You?
Also Known As: soya bean, glycine max
Short answer
Moderate amounts of soy are likely safe. If you’re eating a ton of soy or pregnant, however, you may expose yourself to dangerous amounts of isoflavones or the weedkiller Roundup.
Recommended Alternative
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
Soy contains high levels of isoflavones. They're chemicals that can act like or block hormones in the body. Many of the isoflavones in soy are called phytoestrogen: they bond with the same receptors and act similarly to estrogen.
Some have raised concerns that isoflavones in soy will reduce testosterone in men; a handful of studies have supported this conclusion. The literature as a whole, however, does not support the notion that soy generally reduces testosterone. Overloading soy in the diet may drive down testosterone for some, and individual biology plays a role, but moderate consumption of soy has not been shown to have a significant effect on testosterone levels.
Phytoestrogen, however, is dangerous for infants. Animal studies have demonstrated that administration of estrogen can disrupt reproductive and gestational development. You should avoid eating too much soy if you're pregnant. If you have an infant and you're breastfeeding, you should do the same. If you have an infant and you're feeding them formula, do your best to avoid formulas that are manufactured with soy.
Soybeans are largely manufactured by agribusiness giants like Cargill and Monsanto. That doesn't mean that they're bad or unsafe, but if you're worried about ethical consumption and don't want to support those companies you should seek out soy that's locally produced.
Furthermore, soy is commonly produced through massive monoculture. It's genetically modified and sprayed down with Roundup. Monoculture depletes the soil and makes crops susceptible to pestilence and disease. While GM foods are still the center of much controversy, Roundup, is cause for concern. The World Health Organization put out a monograph in March of 2015 declaring that glyphosate, the active ingredient, is likely a carcinogen. If you're buying soy, you may want to seek out varieties that were grown without Roundup.
Some forms of soy are healthier than others. Soy is much healthier when fermented than not. Fermented soy has active cultures, which help to promote a healthy ecosystem within your gut. If you’re eating soy, try for fermented soy products over those that are unfermented.
Possible short-term side effects
Possible long-term side effects
- disrupt testosterone levels in some
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disrupt development in the womb and in infants
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interference with reproductive development
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cancer (when sprayed with roundup)
Ingredients to be aware of
Benefits
- the only complete non-animal protein
Our Wellness Pick
(what is this?)
Eden Black Soybeans
- Complete protein source
- No added salt
- Non-GMO & Gluten-Free
- Vegan & Kosher
- U.S. grown
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