Soy comes from beans. Beans can be processed into soy protein, which is a powder; soymilk, a beverage that can be fortified with extra calcium from beans; or soy fiber, which contains some of the fiber-rich components of beans. Boiled or roasted beans can also be eaten. Soy is sometimes used as part of milk. Soy is also taken orally and applied to the skin as a medicine.
Disadvantages of Soy Milk
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Eating protein soy foods in the normal amounts of food is SAFE AS YOU are pregnant or breastfeeding. However, soy is likely to be unsafe if used in high doses during pregnancy. High doses during pregnancy can damage the baby’s development. There is not enough information to know if soy is safe to use in large amounts medically available while breastfeeding. Sit on the safe side and stick to the amount of food.
Children
Soy is almost safer for children when used at prices that are more commonly found in food or infant formula. Using soy formula does not appear to cause health or reproductive problems later in life. However, non-infant soymilk should not be used instead of infant formula. Normal soymilk can lead to malnutrition.
Soy is likely to be safer if used as an alternative to cow’s milk for children who are allergic to cow’s milk. Although infant formula-based formulas are commonly recommended for children with milk allergies, these babies are often allergic to soy. Do not give children soy in excess of what is found in food or formula. Researchers do not know whether soy is safe for children in high doses.
Asthma
People with asthma are more likely to get soybeans. Avoid using soy products.
Breast cancer
The effects of soy on people with breast cancer are unclear. Some studies have found that soy can “feed” certain breast cancers because it can act like estrogen. Some studies have found that soy appears to protect against breast cancer. The difference in results may be related to the value taken. Because there is not enough information on the effects of soy on women with breast cancer, a history of breast cancer, or a family history of breast cancer, it is best to avoid using soy supplements until more is known.
Cystic fibrosis
Soymilk can affect the way children with cystic fibrosis process protein. Do not give these children soy products.
Diabetes
Soy can increase the risk of lowering blood sugar levels in people with diabetes who are taking blood sugar control medications.
Endometrial cancer
Long-term use of concentrated soy isoflavone tablets can increase the appearance of pre-existing changes in skin tissue. However, there is conflicting evidence. Use supplements containing soy isoflavones with caution if you are at risk of endometrial cancer. Soy foods may be safe.
Inactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)
There is concern that taking soy could make the condition worse.
Kidney stones
There is some concern that soy products may increase the risk of kidney stones because they contain large amounts of chemicals called oxalates. Oxalates are a major ingredient in kidney stones. Another concern is that people with severe kidney disease are unable to process other chemicals in soy. This can lead to high levels of harmful chemicals. If you have a history of kidney stones, avoid taking large amounts of soy.
Allergies to milk
Children who are allergic to cow’s milk can also be sensitive to soy products. Use soy products with caution.
Kidney failure
Soy contains a chemical called phytoestrogens. High levels of phytoestrogens can be toxic. People with kidney failure who use soy products may be at risk for high blood levels of phytoestrogens. If you have kidney failure, avoid taking large amounts of soy.
Cancer of the bladder
Soy products can increase the risk of developing bladder cancer. Avoid soy foods if you have bladder cancer or are at high risk of developing it (family history of bladder cancer).
Sugars added
Some types of soy milk have serious health problems due to their high sugar content. Excess sugar increases your calories without giving you a healthy amount of food, and you can increase your risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Choose sugar-free soy milk to reduce added sugar – sugar-free ingredients contain only 1 gram of natural sugar per cup and no added sugar. Soy milk chocolate and vanilla-flavored, in contrast, contain about 20 and 7 grams of added sugar per serving, respectively.
FAQ
What are the negative effects of soy milk?
Soy can cause some mild stomach and intestinal side effects such as constipation, bloating, and nausea. It can also cause allergic reactions involving rash, itching, and anaphylaxis in some people. Some people might experience tiredness. Soy might also affect thyroid function.
Why you shouldn't drink soy milk?
Soy, it turned out, contains estrogen-like compounds called isoflavones. And some findings suggested that these compounds could promote the growth of some cancer cells, impair female fertility and mess with thyroid function.
Is it safe to drink soy milk everyday?
That means having one to two servings daily of whole soy foods, including soy milk. For instance, if you are planning on having a tofu stir-fry for dinner, you can still include 1 cup of soy milk in your morning smoothie. The AICR notes that research shows up to three servings a day has been found to be safe.
