People think that soy has dangerous estrogens but it has phytoestrogens not the kind of estrogens humans have. I’m a nutrition student and just learned that it actually does the opposite; it reduces chances of breast cancer when consumed frequently . Asians who consume high leaves of soy since childhood are less a likely to get breast cancer and have less aggressive forms of prostate cancer than westerners. Answer from CuddleFishPix on reddit.com
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/nutrition › any downside to soy milk?
r/nutrition on Reddit: Any downside to soy milk?
November 15, 2021 -

I have about 4 grocery stores in my vicinity and they all stock maybe 1 kind of soy milk and then like a dozen kinds of almond or oat milk. To me though the soy milk is by far the tastiest and has way more protein than the rest. I'm wondering if there's some reason perhaps it's not as popular? Is it just the stigma of soy turning men into women? The Silk Dark Chocolate in particular is particularly good.

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People think that soy has dangerous estrogens but it has phytoestrogens not the kind of estrogens humans have. I’m a nutrition student and just learned that it actually does the opposite; it reduces chances of breast cancer when consumed frequently . Asians who consume high leaves of soy since childhood are less a likely to get breast cancer and have less aggressive forms of prostate cancer than westerners.
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Soy milk is a great milk alternative. Neither soyfoods nor isoflavones warrant classification as endocrine disruptors: a technical review of the observational and clinical data Abstract: Soybeans are a rich source of isoflavones, which are classified as phytoestrogens. Despite numerous proposed benefits, isoflavones are often classified as endocrine disruptors, based primarily on animal studies. However, there are ample human data regarding the health effects of isoflavones. We conducted a technical review, systematically searching Medline, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library (from inception through January 2021). We included clinical studies, observational studies, and systematic reviews and meta-analyses (SRMA) that examined the relationship between soy and/or isoflavone intake and endocrine-related endpoints. 417 reports (229 observational studies, 157 clinical studies and 32 SRMAs) met our eligibility criteria. The available evidence indicates that isoflavone intake does not adversely affect thyroid function. Adverse effects are also not seen on breast or endometrial tissue or estrogen levels in women, or testosterone or estrogen levels, or sperm or semen parameters in men. Although menstrual cycle length may be slightly increased, ovulation is not prevented. Limited insight could be gained about possible impacts of in utero isoflavone exposure, but the existing data are reassuring. Adverse effects of isoflavone intake were not identified in children, but limited research has been conducted. After extensive review, the evidence does not support classifying isoflavones as endocrine disruptors.
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PubMed Central
pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov › articles › PMC9525506
Harmful compounds of soy milk: characterization and ... - PMC
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Discussions

When and why did soy become the devil?
There may have been some changes in popularity or usage of soy due to a proposed change in FDA health claims. In 1999, the FDA approved the usage of the health claim that soy protein consumption can reduce risk of coronary heart disease. In 2017, this came back into question and there has been a formal proposal to revoke the usage of that health claim. I don't believe this proposal indicates that soy is "bad" and can increase risk of coronary heart disease, but rather the amount of proof indicating it significantly helps reduce risk is potentially not substantial enough. On soy phytoestrogens, from my many years of nutrition education (currently in a nutrition PhD program), my understanding is they are not of concern for humans consuming soy in a reasonable amount (e.g. not 100 blocks of tofu a day etc.) More on reddit.com
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279
426
January 27, 2021
Is soy milk actually bad or is it all over exaggeration?
Over exaggerated More on reddit.com
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22
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August 30, 2020
Soy - (can be) Harmful for your health....?

This is one of those controversial topics with a lot of misinformation out there. When I researched it, I found the arguments against soy not to be validated in a conclusive manner by the studies I reviewed.

More on reddit.com
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August 8, 2013
Is soy bad for you?
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December 12, 2016
People also ask

How is soy milk made?

To make soy milk, soybeans are soaked in water, blended with water, and then strained. Certain brands add vitamins and minerals, such as calcium, to fortify the beverage. It is a vegan food.

If you make DIY soy milk at home, it won’t contain calcium. But most store-bought soy milks are fortified with calcium.

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everydayhealth.com
everydayhealth.com › nutrition & fitness › diet & nutrition › beverages
Soy Milk: Nutrition, Benefits, Risks, and More
Is soy milk good for you?
Yes. Soy milk is considered a whole soy food, and it has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and potentially heart-protective properties. Soy foods may play a role in preventing cancer, as well as reduce the risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease and osteoporosis.
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everydayhealth.com
everydayhealth.com › nutrition & fitness › diet & nutrition › beverages
Soy Milk: Nutrition, Benefits, Risks, and More
Is soy milk bad for men?
Soy foods, including soy milk, are not bad for men. Rather, some studies suggest that consuming soy isoflavones (plant chemicals that are part of a class called phytoestrogens) is associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer.
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everydayhealth.com
everydayhealth.com › nutrition & fitness › diet & nutrition › beverages
Soy Milk: Nutrition, Benefits, Risks, and More
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Everyday Health
everydayhealth.com › nutrition & fitness › diet & nutrition › beverages
Soy Milk: Nutrition, Benefits, Risks, and More
June 30, 2025 - Soy milk may be a solid choice if you’re living with a milk allergy or are lactose intolerant, which means you have trouble digesting a sugar called lactose (the carbohydrate found in cow’s milk), says Barbara Schmidt, RDN, a nutrition lifestyle program specialist at Norwalk Hospital in Norwalk, Connecticut. Discover how different types of milk can impact blood sugar levels and explore the best choices if you're living with diabetes.
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Dr. Axe
draxe.com › nutrition › soy milk benefits for breast cancer, cholesterol and menopause
Soy Milk Benefits, Nutrition and Side Effects - Dr. Axe
September 12, 2024 - Soy is often considered one of the most polarizing products. In fact, depending on whom you ask, it’s often classified as either a potent superfood or a dangerous hormone disruptor. Let’s separate fact from fiction, including some new research about soy foods and breast cancer. Like all foods, soy milk has both benefits and drawbacks that need to be considered, and not all soy products are created equal.
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Healthline
healthline.com › nutrition › is-soy-bad-for-you
Is Soy Bad for You, or Good?
August 27, 2020 - On the other hand, the more processed a soy food is, the more salt, sugar, fat, and unnecessary additives and fillers it likely contains. That’s why minimally processed soy foods, such as soybeans, tofu, tempeh, edamame, and unsweetened soy ...
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FlabFix
flabfix.com › home › 10 major disadvantages of soy milk you should know
10 Major Disadvantages of Soy Milk You Should Know - Flab Fix
February 6, 2023 - Genetically modified crops can be linked to causing antibiotic resistance in the body. One of the gravest disadvantages of soy milk is that it can impair thyroid function in your body if taken in excess.
Find elsewhere
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BistroMD
bistromd.com › blogs › nutrition › pros-and-cons-of-drinking-soy-milk
Soy Milk Benefits & Disadvantages | BistroMD
Soy is suggested to mimic estrogen, the primary female hormone that is responsible for the development and maintenance of female characteristics. In a nutshell, high levels of estrogen are suggested to increase breast cancer risk.
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Vinmec
vinmec.com › home › nutrition
Who should not drink soy milk? | Vinmec
February 3, 2025 - Soy milk is a nutritious drink, loved by many people, but not everyone should drink it. People with stomach and intestinal problems, people with gout, people taking antibiotics, people after surgery should not drink too much soy milk.
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FitDay
fitday.com › fitness-articles › nutrition › healthy-eating › pros-and-cons-of-drinking-soy-milk.html
Pros and Cons of Drinking Soy Milk / Nutrition / Healthy Eating
Cow's milk contains lactose, a natural sugar that some people have a difficult time digesting, but soy milk is lactose-free. Therefore, if you're lactose intolerant or have a milk allergy, soy milk is a nutritious substitute that shouldn't cause any negative side effects for you.
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PubMed Central
pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov › articles › PMC9410752
The health effects of soy: A reference guide for ... - PMC - NIH
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Quora
quora.com › What-are-the-cons-of-drinking-soy-milk
What are the cons of drinking soy milk? - Quora
Answer (1 of 32): Soy has been getting a bad rap lately and frankly, it's starting to annoy me. All of a sudden the whole world is an expert on soy. Everyone I talk to seems to be able to recite at least 15 reasons why it shouldn't be eaten, which range from the mildly amusing to the clinically ...
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The Nutrition Source
nutritionsource.hsph.harvard.edu › soy
Straight Talk About Soy • The Nutrition Source
November 7, 2024 - Soy is unique in that it contains a high concentration of isoflavones, a type of plant estrogen (phytoestrogen) that is similar in function to human estrogen but with much weaker effects. Soy isoflavones can bind to estrogen receptors in the body and cause either weak estrogenic or anti-estrogenic activity. The two major soy isoflavones are called genistein and daidzein.
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WebMD
webmd.com › children's health › reference
Soy Milk for Toddlers: What Are the Pros and Cons?
May 19, 2025 - If your child is lactose intolerant or you have personal reasons for avoiding dairy products, you must find an alternative source of these nutrients. Many milk alternatives lack nutrients like calcium or protein. However, soy milk contains very similar nutrient ratios to cow's milk.
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Holland & Barrett
hollandandbarrett.com › the-health-hub › food-drink › nutrition › benefits-of-soya-drink
Soya Drink: Benefits, Nutrition & Risks | Holland & Barrett
October 24, 2024 - The original dairy-free alternative milk. Find out more about soya milk and all it has to offer from the health benefits to it's nutritional profile
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Verywell Health
verywellhealth.com › soy-milk-11897999
What Happens to Your Body When You Drink Soy Milk Every Day
May 15, 2026 - Drawbacks and groups who may want to limit or avoid soy milk include: Digestive side effects: Constipation and diarrhea can occur. Breast cancer survivors: Current evidence suggests that soy foods are safe for women with a history of breast ...
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Lifeboost Coffee
lifeboostcoffee.com › home › lifeboost blog home page › lifeboost blog home page
Soy Milk - Pros, Cons, Coffee Uses, And More | Lifeboost Coffee
November 16, 2024 - Ah, but is soy milk truly the right choice for you? Let’s confront the controversy surrounding soy, breaking down the pros and cons of soy milk to get a clearer picture of this non-dairy coffee companion. Soy milk is considered a heart healthy food as it brings benefits to many areas affecting your heart.
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Quora
quora.com › What-are-the-benefits-and-disadvantages-of-soy-milk-and-almond-milk-Why-do-you-prefer-one-over-the-other
What are the benefits and disadvantages of soy milk and almond milk? Why do you prefer one over the other? - Quora
Answer (1 of 2): Soy Con: High GMO, High Pesticide, goitrogen (means it can mess up your thyroid more if you have hypothyroidism), potential endocrine disruptor, typically a lot of other fillers in the milk, if you are vegan then soy production kills a lot of small animals like mice, voles, moles...
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Quora
quora.com › What-are-the-pros-and-cons-of-soya-milk
What are the pros and cons of soya milk? - Quora
Answer (1 of 3): It is lactose free so good for those who are lactose intolerant. It is a rich source of protein. It is rich in calcium and iron. It is rich in vitamin b complex. Disadvantages are that it contains a chemical estrogen which might pose a health risk for people who had breast ca...