The Dangers of Soy Milk

The Pros And Cons of Soy

It's always been known that soy milk offers an alternative to cow's milk. And for people on a weight loss program, it does offer a leaner alternative. Compared to reduced fat, commonly known as 2%, soy milk on average tends to have 5% less of your recommended daily allowance for fat. It's better for cholestorol and in terms of saturated fats, it offers a better alternative.

Dangers Are Numerous

But are there dangers to Soy Milk? It can't all be blue skies. And, there appear there are some dangers associated with Soy Milk.

Soy milk has high levels of phytic acids, which can result in lower absorption rates of certain minerals and vitamins, including calcium which is a necessary mineral for bone structure.

But aside from that, soy milk can also affect the levels of testerone in the male body and therefore sperm production. And for women, as little as 2 glasses a day of soy can lead to change in menstrual cycle. Studies are underway to look at the affect that soy milk formula, usually served to those children who are alergic to cow's milk as infants, has on infants and toddlers. With isoflavones present in soy, it has been noted that high levels of this component can bring on puberty very early in lab rats as isoflavones act much like estrogen and can make for an imbalance in the human body.

It's not just the chemical makeup of soy either. In fact, over 90% of the soy consumed is genetically modified. Along with that, heavy pesticide use is associated with soy.

For years, the bodybuilding and fitness community has discussed the pros and cons of soy protein. However, going deeper into the current research provides one lasting impression to those who are trying to gain muscle with higher protein intake: soy contains enzymes which slow or minimize the breakdown of protein in the body. Due to the fact that soy can create stomach unrest, it can also affect the amino acid balance in the body and therefore, in that way, again affect protein absorption.

Soy has also been studied in conjunction with thyroid production. The claims attached to this have been modified in some cases, but there is proof that it does affect thyroid production, but how much and if it can damage and cause change in the thyroid is still unclear.

There is never a clear blue sky, and soy is a great alternative to cow's milk, but as is almost always the case, always in moderation. A vegetarian delight, Soy has its dangers associated with it and one must take these into account when monitoring their soy intake. Stay away from the genetically modified form and stick to the unprocessed food form.