Healthy or harmful? The truth about soy

Soy a protein made from the soybean plant - has gained a lot of attention in the food and health industry as a nutritiously edible bean with numerous uses. It is rich in omega-3 fats, B-vitamins, zinc, iron, polyunsaturated fat, fiber, phytochemicals and antioxidants. Most popular within the vegetarian community, soy protein is a replacement for animal protein - one cup contains 23 grams of protein (about half the daily requirement). Soy is found in popular foods including tofu, edamame, tempeh and soy milk.

Soy contains isoflavones, which are changed in the body to phytoestrogens. Phytoestrogens are similar to the hormone estrogen. Women often use soy as a hormone replacement therapy to relieve menopause-related symptoms. It has also been linked to the prevention and control heart disease and cancer.

However, the effects of soy are controversial. Human cells, including cancer cells, have protein receptors that are extremely particular about the molecules they bind to. The fit between the two determines how that cell is going to behave - they will either trigger a cells activity or block it. Soy can do both. Because human estrogen and soy-derived phytoestrogen are so similar, human cells cannot distinguish between the two. Some believe that soys phytoestrogen may cause breast cancer growth due to its similarity to human estrogen. On the other hand, some believe it may prevent breast cancer by taking human estrogens place within the protein receptors.

Soys controversy begins with the two different types: fermented and unfermented. Fermented soy is native to East Asia where it is consumed in small amounts. Fermented soy is an excellent source of vitamin K2. When combined with vitamin D, K2 can help prevent heart disease, dementia, osteoporosis, and some cancers. This is different from the type of soy consumed by Americans, which is unfermented and processed. Ninety percent of soybeans grown in the United States are genetically modified. Unfermented soy contains high amounts of anti-nutrients which block your body from absorbing its nutrients.

In order to get the benefits from soy, consuming only fermented soy products such as miso, tempeh, natto and most soy sauces in small amounts, is the way to do it. Soy protein is still a good alternative for animal protein and dairy both of which are high in saturated fat.

Tips for eating soy:

Dr. David B. Samadi is the Chairman of the Department of Urology and Chief of Robotic Surgery at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. He is a board-certified urologist, specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of urological disease, with a focus on robotic prostate cancer treatments. Dr. Samadi joined Fox News Channel in 2009 as a medical contributor. To learn more please visit his websites RoboticOncology.com and SMART-surgery.com. Find Dr. Samadi on Facebook.

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Healthy or harmful? The truth about soy