There's a common belief that regular soy milk consumption is harmful to men's health, with the most direct consequences being premature aging, memory decline, and even sexual dysfunction. This claim has led many men to avoid soy milk altogether. But is this really the case?
Soy milk is one of today's most sought-after health foods, a fact underscored by the booming sales of soy milk makers.Regular soy milk consumption helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, promoting longevity among middle-aged and elderly individuals. Yet another rumor claims that frequent soy milk intake is detrimental to men's health, directly causing premature aging, memory decline, and even sexual dysfunction.
"Men Shouldn't Drink Soy Milk" Is a Myth
It's claimed that soy milk contains "soy isoflavones," a type of estrogen. Men who drink it may develop breast tissue, fail to grow facial hair, or exhibit effeminate traits, making it unsuitable for them.
First, "soy isoflavones" are hormone-like substances structurally and functionally similar to estrogen. They possess the ability to bind with estrogen receptors in the human body, hence their designation as "phytoestrogens." These "phytoestrogens" differ from pharmaceutical estrogens. Pharmaceutical estrogens act unidirectionally on the body, directly increasing hormone levels.In contrast, the "phytoestrogens" in soy products exert a bidirectional effect on the human body. When estrogen levels are insufficient, they can provide supplementation; when estrogen levels are adequate, phytoestrogens offer positive physiological benefits such as antioxidant effects.
Since the biological activity of "phytoestrogens" is only one-thousandth that of pharmaceutical estrogen, for young women, drinking one cup of soy milk daily is insufficient to cause significant changes in estrogen levels.For men, the phytoestrogens in soy milk cannot disrupt hormonal balance, nor can they affect male sexual characteristics or interfere with normal development in boys. The abundant plant protein, calcium, vitamins, and other nutrients in soy milk help regulate the female endocrine system and are also one of the best foods for men to prevent osteoporosis.
Moderate soy milk consumption is beneficial without harm
Moderate soy intake is beneficial and harmless for men. This is because women possess estrogen receptors; soy isoflavones must bind to these receptors to exert estrogen-like effects. Since men lack these receptors, the isoflavones in soy milk have no effect on them.
Postmenopausal women lacking estrogen need to consume the equivalent of over 50 grams of dried soybeans or an equal amount of soy products daily to achieve estrogen supplementation. This partially alleviates issues caused by declining estrogen levels, such as reduced skin elasticity, accelerated bone calcium loss, rapid heartbeat, facial flushing, and irritability.
Therefore, soy products are highly beneficial for middle-aged and elderly women but will certainly not alter hormone levels in men.
Who should limit soy milk consumption?
Excessive intake of any food is inadvisable. While nutritionally rich, soy products may not suit everyone. First, soybeans contain high purine levels, making them unsuitable for gout sufferers.
Individuals with acute gastritis or chronic superficial gastritis should avoid soy products to prevent excessive gastric acid secretion that could worsen symptoms or cause gastrointestinal bloating.
Legumes contain oligosaccharides that may trigger belching, intestinal rumbling, and abdominal distension. Those with gastric ulcers should therefore limit consumption.
Patients with gastritis or renal failure require low-protein diets. Since legumes and their products are rich in protein, their metabolic byproducts increase renal burden and should be avoided.
Oxalates in legumes can bind with calcium in the kidneys, potentially forming stones and worsening symptoms of kidney stones. Therefore, individuals with kidney stones should also avoid them.