However, at the same time, researchers in the UK and Israel stated that many of the health risks associated with soy and soy isoflavones.
Until now there is no definitive answer on the controversy regarding soy.
identification
Soybean is the main source of isoflavones. Some other foods such as peanuts also contain isoflavones, but with not as much content in soybean.
Isoflavones are phytoestrogens, plant-based sources of meaning that have estrogen-like effects in the body. There are two types of soy isoflavones daidzein and genistein.
metabolism
Biological activity of soy isoflavones depends how they are metabolized.
Daidzein intestinal bacteria may break down into compounds that are not so similar again with estrogen.
Anti-estrogenic activity
The most exciting action of soy isoflavones is their ability to mimic estrogen in some tissues and blocking the effects of estrogen on other tissues.
Anti-estrogenic activity that is considered to be potentially reduce the risk of hormone-related cancers, such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, and prostate cancer.
Health risks
Although soy isoflavones have some benefit, but it is also known that soy is a food goitrogenik.
Goitrogenik food is a food that can inhibit iodine uptake and reduce thyroid function.
Israeli health department recommends to consume only moderate amounts of soy because they have relationships with multiple health problems including digestive disorders, ADHD, reproductive problems, and cancer.
controversy
The British Dietetic Association examines soy and look for evidence of health benefits.
The results showed soy isoflavones may increase the risk of breast cancer and can reduce fertility in men.
The agency also concluded that claims that soy isoflavones can reduce menopausal symptoms showed no consistent evidence.