Soy isoflavones activate your body’s estrogen receptors, proteins that detect the presence of estrogen and carry out effects such as changes in gene expression. However, isoflavones do so more weakly than your body’s natural estrogen. If estrogen is absent, isoflavones weakly activate the estrogen receptor, mitigating the effect of low estrogen.
Does soy milk really increase estrogen?
Since the alternative to cow’s milk is often soy milk, men may wonder if the phytoestrogens in soy milk will affect their estrogen levels. Fortunately, research has shown that the phytoestrogens in soy milk do not add to estrogen levels in the blood. Soy milk even has several health benefits.
Is it true soy diet can increase estrogen levels?
Soy protein-containing foods, like tofu, textured vegetable protein and edamame, do not significantly increase estrogen levels in either men or women. Soy may have mild, beneficial anti-estrogenic or estrogenic effects, depending on your time of life.
There’s no estrogen in soy. What there is in soy are phytoestrogens or plant estrogens. Plant estrogens can bind to estrogen receptor in your body making the body think you have high estrogen levels., and or not. In other words, your body can react to the plant estrogens as if your natural estrogen were higher…or lower.
Is soy lowering your testosterone?
U. S.-based, unfermented, and overly processed soy will have a direct impact on your levels of testosterone and DHT, effectively lowering both. This is especially true for those guys who are looking to build muscle. Stay far away from soy-based protein.
Studies are ongoing regarding the effect of soy on health and fertility. Soy does not currently appear to lower testosterone levels or affect sperm health, but if you’re concerned about your fertility, you may consider limiting your consumption of soy. Specific nutrients in foods and supplements may help increase your testosterone levels.