Concerns about the effect of soy on men may have arisen because soybeans and other legumes contain isoflavones. These are phytoestrogens, or estrogenic compounds structurally similar to human estrogen. However, “they have different biological properties than human estrogen and do not enhance estrogen’s harmful effects on the body,” Hensrud says. “In fact, it may be protective.”
Studies generally do not support the idea that drinking soy milk will cause men to grow breasts, or experience any other feminizing effects. Studies also refute the idea that soy increases the risk of breast cancer in women.
“I have not seen any data that leads me to believe that drinking soy milk or eating soy products promotes feminization in men, i.e. breast growth, or any similar adverse health effects, such as breast cancer, in women,” says David Jenkins. University Professor in the Departments of Nutritional Sciences and Medicine at the Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto. “I recommend soy to my patients – of both genders. I don’t think it has any bad effects.” He added that no major health organization has warned of any risks associated with soy consumption.
At least two early studies described soy consumption being associated with feminizing effects in men, including enlarged breasts, erectile dysfunction, and decreased libido. But experts noted that both people consumed unusually large amounts of soy – in one case, three liters of soy milk per day – the equivalent of several times the intake in the average diet.
“That’s a very large amount of soy milk on a consistent basis — most people don’t drink that much water daily,” Hensrud says. “These are two unusual cases, and do not represent the comprehensive evidence on soy phytoestrogens.”
“Breast development – gynecomastia – sometimes occurs in men and teenagers,” he says, referring to other causes of gynecomastia in young men. “More importantly, there is strong evidence that eating soy provides many health benefits with few risks.”
Several studies have also found that soy milk and other soy products may reduce the risk of breast cancer, which may be the reason for the lower incidence of breast cancer among Japanese women, whose traditional diets are rich in soybeans. According to studies, eating soy may also reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence in women.
Women with estrogen-positive breast cancer may worry about soy, but Hensrud says the data doesn’t indicate a greater risk. Other research suggests that breast cancer rates rise among Japanese women who reduce soy consumption and follow a Western diet.
What’s more, soy milk can have cardiovascular benefits by lowering blood pressure, inflammation and low-density lipoprotein (bad) cholesterol, according to studies. Additional research shows that soy appears to reduce the risk of prostate cancer and may prevent age-related memory loss and cognitive impairment.
What you should know
Soy milk is a processed food that may contain added sugar, flavorings and other ingredients. Those who suffer from soy allergy should also avoid it.
In addition to isoflavones, soy foods are rich in B vitamins, fiber, potassium and magnesium. Also, unlike some plant proteins, soy protein contains all nine essential amino acids, making it a complete protein. Soy foods can be unfermented or fermented, meaning they have been grown with beneficial bacteria, yeast, or mold.
“Fermented soy milk may have more health benefits, similar to other fermented foods,” Hensrud says.
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