Is Tofu Bad For Your Hormones?
Today Indigo Nutritionist Carolyn Brown is talking Tofu!
People either demonize or love tofu/soy products, not too much of a middle ground on this one and I was definitely in an unconsciously anti camp. So I dove into the research this morning bc it’s my most responded insta story of all time 🤯 apparently many of you guys also overdid soy in the Skinny Bitch book era!
Here’s what you should know:
Soy is a plant based source of protein, with lots of good fiber, vitamins & minerals. It’s also incredibly affordable protein compared to animal products (as it should be!).
Soy contains plant estrogens which *could* impact your hormones, especially if you’re eating soy products, things that have processed soy in them (see below) and drinking soy milk every day or multiple times a day.
There is some research that high consumption of soy products could decrease FSH & LH, two hormones related to fertility. So if you’re TTC, don’t overdo soy. Other research shows soy consumption seems to increase menstrual cycle length and decrease breast cancer risk (minus estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer, soy should be avoided)
For peri or menopausal women, soy might decrease menopause symptoms.
Heres what should be skipped 100%: processed soy like soy protein isolate, textured soy protein, soy isoflavones & soy lecithin. These are found in SO many packaged foods and should be skipped. Read ingredient labels. I recommend my clients skip all faux meats made with processed soy.
Soy is also one of the biggest GMO crops on the planet so buying organic is super important.
There’s lots more to unpack here on breast cancer risk & thyroid health but here’s my takeaway.
No ONE food is the cure-all or the devil.
Soy food like organic tofu, edamame or tempeh 2-3x a week is likely fine and potentially even beneficial.
From a nutrition perspective, Tempeh (fermented soy) and miso are my #1choices.
And no, soy does not cause man boobs! 🤗
What questions do you have on soy? Are you team tofu or do you skip soy?