The Israeli Health Ministry recently issued a health advisory strongly recommending that soy foods be eaten only in moderation. They also recommended that soy formula be avoided altogether by infants.
A Host of Disorders
There are hundreds of studies linking soy with such disorders as:
- Digestive problems
- Thyroid dysfunction
- ADD and ADHD
- Dementia
- Reproductive disorders
- Cancer
Phytoestrogens are the Culprit
The Israeli Ministry based its advice on the findings of a panel of nutritionists, oncologists, pediatricians and other specialists who spent over a year looking at the available evidence. They concluded that the phytoestrogens in soy (estrogen-like plant hormones) can be harmful. Their recommendations are in accord with those made by the United Kingdom's chief medical officer and the British Dietetic Association.
The panel found that:
- The evidence that soy alleviates menopausal symptoms is inconsistent.
- Soy phytoestrogens increase the risk of breast cancer.
- Soy phytoestrogens can also reduce male fertility.
They also noted that while soy has been shown to reduce blood cholesterol, there is no proof that it reduces the risk of heart disease.
The panel concluded that the proven risks of soy foods outweigh the possible benefits.
