Q: Will phytoestrogens in soy trigger cancer cell growth?
Phytoestrogens from plant foods are highly beneficial to the human body. They fill estrogen receptor sites on cells, keeping animal-derived estrogens from promoting growth of malignant cells. In this way, phytoestrogens help lower the risk of estrogen-dependent cancers, such as breast cancer.
In addition, a study by experts from National University of Singapore, Cancer Research UK, and the US National Cancer Institute concluded that females who consumed high amounts of soy had less dense breast tissue, according to X-ray reports. Hence, compared to females who did not consume large amounts of soy, they were at lower risk of suffering from breast cancer.
Q: What is phytic acid? Will the phytic acid in soy affect health?
Phytic acid is present in the hulls of grains and seeds. It binds easily to elements like calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus and, in particular, zinc in the intestinal tract. Hence some people think that long-term consumption of soy products will cause a deficiency of trace elements in the human body.
Soy contains moderate amounts of phytic acid. However, soy is rich in calcium and iron that are easily absorbed by the human body. It is also rich in fructooligosaccharides (FOS), which can increase the good bacteria in the intestine and also promote absorption of calcium and magnesium, thereby making up for the metallic elements bound to phytic acid. In addition, the medical community has discovered that phytic acid may prevent colon cancer. Hence phytic acid in soy will not have a major effect on mineral absorption when there is moderate or suitable consumption of soy products coupled with a balanced diet. In fact, phytic acid may be beneficial to health with its anti-cancer effects. If you are still concerned, you can soak soybeans before removing their skin to reduce their phytic acid content.
Q: Will soy cause gout?
Soy contains purines, which are organic compounds that occur naturally in the human body. Uric acid is produced when the body breaks down purines. Excessive amounts of purines in the body will lead to high levels of uric acid in the blood, which can cause gout.
The amount of purine in soy is lower than purine-rich foods (e.g. organ meats) but higher than foods low in purine (e.g. fruits and vegetables). Most purines are removed along with water during the manufacturing process of many soy products. 500g of soybeans can produce 2,500ml of soy milk. Hence the amount of purines in 500ml of soy milk is insignificant. A Japanese study by Yamakita and co-workers of Hyogo College of Medicine concluded that tofu is a safe source of protein for gout patients due to its small and transient effect on plasma urate levels. A 12-year study by Hyon K. Choi and co-workers involving more than 45,000 men found that higher levels of meat and seafood consumption are associated with an increased risk of gout, whereas moderate intake of purine-rich vegetables is not associated with an increased risk of gout.
In addition, estrogens help inhibit formation of uric acid. Soy isoflavones can restore balance to men experiencing irregularities in uric acid elimination due to interference from male hormones, and replenish estrogens in menopausal women, thereby reducing gout incidence. Compared to fish, meat, seafood and freshwater delicacies, soy and soy products are relatively safer and more ideal sources of protein.
Q: Are plant proteins more beneficial to health than animal proteins?
Let's look at the comparison chart.
For better protein intake, I will definitely opt for safer option, which is soy protein, as compared to whey protein, cow's milk or others.
Nutrifresh is the best convenience for me given that it's formulated with principle of Nutritional Immunology, and it's safer, free from all preservatives and chemicals.
Nutrifresh Ingredient Label
As you can see most ingredient you can read easily, such as Asparagus, Barley, Broccoli, Citrus Peel etc.
Ingredient Label of other protein powder in market
Which normally contain of other synthetic ingredient, such Glycine, L-Glutamine, etc
Siew Choon
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