|

|

|

|

Cancer and Nutrition - Soy

Soy is a term for any food product that is derived from the soybean. The soybean is a legume, which puts it in the same family as beans, peanuts, peas and lentils. Soybean first captured the attention of medical researchers because Asian women have an incredibly low rate of breast cancer when compared to Western women. The one dietary habit that Asian women had in common was a high consumption of soy products.

Does Eating Soy Help Prevent Cancer?

Various research studies have failed to prove conclusively whether soy helps prevent cancers. Initial results seem to point out that people who eat high levels of soy have lower rates of cancer of the breast, colon, and prostate. It is believed that soy works in a variety of ways. Soy contains plant compounds that are structurally similar to estrogen. These compounds are called phytoestrogens. Phytoestrogens bind to the naturally occurring hormone estradiol in the body. Studies have proven that a woman who has a low natural level of estradiol, through late menstruation, multiple pregnancies, extended nursing or early menopause, have a lower risk of developing breast cancer. It is thought that the phytoestrogens in soy may have the same effect.

Another way that soy is thought to reduce the risk of developing cancers is due to the chemical genestein. Genestein is a chemical in soybeans that blocks enzymes in the body that tumor cells need to grow. Without this enzyme, the tumor cells are less likely to metathesize, or spread.

Another cancer reducing benefit of soy is that it is a high protein food. People who eat soy tend to eat less meat, as soy is a meat replacement. It has been proven that the more vegetables and less meat your diet contains, the less likely your chances are of developing cancer.

The phytochemicals in soy also act as an antioxidant. Antioxidants are important to the body because they reduce the damage to your cells caused by free radicals. This damage is a normal by-product of your cells using oxygen. Antioxidants reduce the damage caused by free radicals, thereby reducing your risk of a variety of diseases, including cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. The antioxidant benefits of soy products is separate than the work performed by phytochemicals and genestein.

Should You Eat Soy if You Have Cancer?

The benefits of eating soy products if you already have cancer are not fully understood. It is thought that the phytochemicals in soy may reduce the spread of tumor cells in the body. This is a controversial idea, and some doctors feel that soy should not be eaten by women that have estrogen sensitive cancers.

If you are diagnosed with cancer that is not estrogen sensitive, or your doctor gives approval, soy is a great food that can be beneficial. High levels of soy are thought to inhibit cancer cell growth, and its high levels of protein, as well as high levels of fiber, make it an extremely healthy food. If you are concerned about adding soy to your diet ta,lk with your doctor before adding it. Recommendations are always changing, and your physician will be able to answer any questions that are related directly to your case.

What Foods Are Good Sources of Soy?

Soy is available as a processed bean in a variety of forms, such as tofu and tempeh. However, unfermented soy products (such as tofu, soy milk, and soybeans themselves) can greatly deplete the body's resources of important minerals such as iron, and depresses the thryoid glad. Unfermented soy products should be avoided, as fermented soy products offer all the benefits of soy without adversely affecting the body. Fermented soy products include tempeh and miso.

Soy generally has a mild flavor and when cooked in casseroles or stir frys will take on the flavor of the ingredients. While some people take a bit of time to acquire a taste for soy, it combines easily with most foods. While there are supplements available that contain soy isoflavones, the research on their effectiveness is inconclusive, and you miss many of the dietary benefits of soy by only taking these supplements.

Adding Soy to Your Diet

Whether you are concerned about cancer or not, soy makes a wonderful addition to the menu. By adding fermented soy products to your diet, you can substantially reduce the amount of saturated fats that you are eating, as well as increase the level of fiber in your diet.

Even if no studies ever prove the benefits of soy in the reduction of cancer, the dietary improvements that come by making these changes are likely to reduce your overall risk of cancer. It is believed that between 35 and 50 percent of all cancers are diet related. By reducing your consumption of red meat and increasing your vegetable intake you are improving your diet substantially.

Sources:

1. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/4508416/
2. http://www.cancercenter.com/after-care-services/soy.cfm
3. http://www.cancernutrition.com/breast_lecture.htm

Name:

Address:

City, State, Zip:

Phone Number:

Email:

Diagnosis:

Select... Mesothelioma Lung Cancer Asbestosis Severe Asbestosis Unknown

Comments:

Show Your Support

Free Wristbands
Get an Asbestos Awareness Wristband. Read More

VA Claim Help

Support Book

Cancer Support Book
Get a Free Copy of Lean on Me - Cancer Through a Carer's Eyes. Read More

In Your Area

Asbestos Exposure
Learn about asbestos exposure and legal options in your area. Read More

We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: Verify Here.