There are numerous myths about the food and its influence on our bodies. On the one hand, we are really what we eat as our diet provides us with all the required building blocks for our bodies. However, on the other hand, this connection is not always so simple and straightforward. For instance, many people have long believed that soy is dangerous for men and chnages their testosterone levels. Let’s discover the truth and the reasons for this myth, as well as the real impact of this plant on the body and the possible health benefits that await those who add soy to their diet.

What is Soy

Soy is a plant that produces beans with a high content of proteins. They have a mild flavor and are used both on themselves and as an additional component in other food products and meals.

It is popular in some cultures, like Japanese, and also vegans and vegetarians highly appreciate this plant because it is one of the best non-animal sources of proteins. In addition, it contains useful fats and numerous vitamins and minerals. Thus, it successfully replaces meat and milk products in the diet and even provides additional health benefits compared to usual sources of animal proteins.

Soy Role in the Body

There are two main ways of influencing the body that we should keep in mind for soy. First and foremost, it provides us with proteins, namely:

• There are nine essential amino acids in these beans. The body cannot produce them, so we must get them from food and this source is considered one of the perfect.
• Compared to animal protein this option is healthier due to the absence of cholesterol and saturated fats.

However, sometimes soy causes digestive problems that are not common for animal proteins. In addition, some foods that contain it are highly processed and are rich in carbs. Thus, if you buy some ready-made products learn more about their calorie content and other components that are present.

Furthermore, there are special isoflavones or phytoestrogens in the plant composition. These compounds possess a chemical structure similar to estrogen and can react with the receptors for this hormone. Actually, this is the base of the myth of soy danger for men.
Still, phytoestrogens have a much lower effect of such binding and are quickly metabolized by the body. This means we just cannot compare their influence with real estrogen.

Sources of Soy

One can easily find soybeans on the market or the following food products that are made with their utilization:

• Flour;
• Milk;
• Miso;
• Tempeh;
• Tofu;
• Edamame;
• Burgers and sausages;
• Protein powders.

Other products may as well contain soy. In this case, they usually have special labeling and the presence of this plant must be designated clearly for customers. This is useful for both people who would like to avoid soy and those who prefer to add it to their diet.

Soy and Testosterone

As we have already mentioned there is a myth related to soy that states that it lowers testosterone levels. It was widely believed that phytoestrogens from their composition activate estrogen receptors in men’s bodies and disturb the hormonal balance, decreasing testosterone levels.

We should mention that men always have some amount of estrogen in their hormonal system. However, it is quite low and when it grows this causes major health issues. Thus, phytoestrogens were considered dangerous as they may serve in the same way as female hormones and mimic their action on the body.

However, the first big analysis on the topic that was made in 2010 revealed no connection between soy and men’s hormones. Another research was published in 2021. It summarized more than 40 investigations of different scientific groups and again the results showed no influence of phytoestrogens on the male hormonal system.

How Soy Effects Testosterone

Nowadays we can claim for sure that soy does not influence testosterone levels. When consumed in small or moderate amounts, it does not increase or decrease the concentration of any hormones. Therefore, men will not suffer from the consumption of these beans or other products that contain proteins obtained from soy.

Any significant risks were established and this myth was destroyed. However, not everyone is still aware of the absence of danger from soy-contained products.

Soy and Men’s Health

Moreover, there is scientific evidence of the profits that this plant brings to men’s health. This may seem incredible but that is what scientific investigations revealed. Men can consume soy and benefit from it without any worries about their hormonal balance.

Muscles

Proteins are the main building block of our bodies and are especially valuable for muscular system. In this case, plant proteins appeared to be as useful as those of animal origin were. For instance, whey proteins were for a long time considered one of the best sources of amino acids among bodybuilders.

Recent investigations revealed that essential amino acids of soy composition are also valuable and provide benefits for those who want to build up the muscular mass. In addition, they are healthier than proteins of animal origin, as they do not bring an excess of harmful fats to the body.

Cancer Risk

More than 30 scientific groups have studied the influence of soy on the risk of cancer development. According to the obtained results, this plant product decreases the chances of prostate cancer and this type of disease is very widespread among men both in the USA and all over the world.

One of the possible explanations of such an effect states that prostate tissues have estrogen receptors and phytocompounds can bind to them and activate them. This reduces further division of cells and inhibits cancer development.

Overall Health

In addition, we should mention that soy does not contain harmful saturated fats and cholesterol and is rich in vitamins and minerals. It contributes to the heart health and positively influences the state of the cardiovascular system.

The main thing is to consume a reasonable amount of soy-contained products to get all the benefits without any harmful consequences. Thus, a quantity of up to 100 mg of isoflavones per day is safe. It corresponds to nearly four servings of whole soy foods. Therefore, keep this amount in mind while planning your diet and then you will get all the health benefits that soy may give.

Does Soy Lower Your Testosterone?

To finish the discussion and dispel the myth about soy and men, we must state that this plant does not influence testosterone levels, especially if we talk about moderate consumption.

Of course, if the amount of soy-contained products in the diet is enormous, this may lead to harmful consequences. Still, phytoestrogens from this plant cannot be compared with real female hormones. They are much weaker in action and are easily eliminated by the body. That is why one miso soup and a cup of coffee with soymilk will not do a man any harm.

On the contrary, soy provides nine essential amino acids and other useful nutrients. It protects the heart and cardiovascular system in general and even helps to prevent prostate cancer. No wonder vegetarians and vegans benefit from this plant and use it as a primary source of proteins.

Do not be scared to try soy-contained products. Just remember to limit their quantity and not overconsume them. Then, soy will bring you all its benefits without any influence on testosterone levels.

Summary

In a nutshell, all problems that were earlier associated with soy and soy-contained products appeared to be a myth. This plant does not have any powerful effect on the hormonal system of men and does not cause any changes in testosterone concentrations.

Moreover, it has beneficial properties as it provides nine essential amino acids without harmful saturated fats or excess cholesterol. Scientific investigations revealed that soy promotes the growth of muscles, protects the heart and reduces the risk of prostate cancer. Therefore, it is high time to change your opinion about this plant and consider adding it to your regular diet.

FAQ

Does soy lower testosterone?

No, numerous scientific investigations did not find any correlation between the consumption of this plant or products based on it and testosterone levels. On the contrary, soy provides us with essential amino acids, helps to grow the muscular mass and is beneficial for health in general.

Should guys avoid soy?

No, the plant and different products derived from it are harmless for men. They do not bring any danger or disturbance to the hormonal system when the consumption does not exceed the daily norm.

Should males drink soy milk?

Soymilk is not prohibited for men. Moreover, it provides nine essential amino acids and does not bring saturated fats or excess cholesterol. That is why it may be considered as a healthier alternative to animal proteins.

Which food increase testosterone?

If you want to boost your hormonal system, add to your diet oysters, fish, eggs, garlic, onions, spinach and other leafy green vegetables. A healthy well-balanced diet will do well for testosterone levels.