If you’ve thought about shifting to a more plant-based diet , whether for environmental or health reasons, you’ll find that a lot of meals include some kind of soy. From tofu and tempeh to soy protein isolate found in fake meat, there are many different forms of soy available. Despite the ubiquity of soy, there are many rumors swirling about whether or not it’s good for you.
To get answers, Fortune spoke with experts—here’s what you need to know. What is soy? Soy products are derived from the soybean plant, which is a member of the legume family—you might recognize its seeds as the popular food edamame. The U.
S. is the largest grower of soybeans in the world, according to the Department of Agriculture . It is arguably one of the most important crops, providing protein for animals and humans, in addition to being processed into biofuel, vegetable oil, and other food products.
Some common soy food products include: tofu, edamame, tempeh, miso, soy milk, soy sauce, soy protein isolate, soybean oil, and textured vegetable protein. Is soy bad for you? The concerns about soy primarily stem from two studies published in 1987 and 1998 , says registered dietitian Lauren McNeill , who specializes in plant-based nutrition. Researchers were investigating how raw soybeans consumed by mice affected their hormone levels and health outcomes.
They found that soy increased the mice’s cancer risk and stimulated breast growth. Soy contains phytoestrogens, meaning it has a similar c.
