Soybean or soy is one of the most nutritionally rich food products consumed by people all around the world. It is a high-quality protein which is why it is perfect for the vegetarian and vegan diet. Soy has versatile use and is added to a lot of products. Vegans usually consume soy products as they act as an alternative to meat because of the nutrients and texture it provides. Over the years soy has become increasingly popular but this has also subjected it to a lot of controversial takes. There are numerous myths about soy that needs to be addressed and busted so that people can see the real effectiveness and value of this food product.
- SOY CAUSE BREAST CANCER
This is a straight misconception stemming from misinformation. There is absolutely no scientific evidence that soy or soy products can cause breast cancer. There have been numerous studies that have proved that soy reduces the risk of breast cancer. According to research conducted in Asia, it has been noted that people who consume at least half a cup of tofu have been categorized at a lower risk of breast cancer, and around 30% of women are less likely to develop any sort of cancerous properties through it. It is found that consuming around 6-11g of soy per day will increasingly reduce your risk of breast cancer.
- SOY PRODUCTS HAVE PESTICIDES AND GMO
Again, one of the biggest myths which lead to people not consuming soy is the usage of genetically modified soy products. Whenever a soy product is getting manufactured, non-GMO soy is used and is mentioned on the crimp or the backside of the product. Every soy product which is available in the market comes with a label of guarantees that it is 100% organic and GMO-free so you can consume it without any risk.
- SOY AFFECTS FERTILITY IN MEN
Soy contains isoflavones which make people believe that soy products can affect fertility and testosterone in men. Well, this is a myth that needs to be addressed. Even though the amount of isoflavones in soy is a lot and is more than what is needed for our dietary needs, it is in no way harmful to our body or any male’s hormone levels. This myth arises because high amounts of phytoestrogens showed some decline in reproduction in male rats but nothing similar has been found in humans which makes it a safe product to consume.
All these myths have led people to believe that soy is not a safe alternative. Well, these myths are just proving that hearsay is never right. Soy is 100% safe and healthy to consume and in the right amounts, it can do wonders for your body. A lot of vegan alternatives are manufactured using soy and it is being used widely around the world now.