Gynecomastia: Does Soy Really Cause Breast Swelling?

52sec Snip

00:00

Play full episode

Key takeaways

Transcript

Episode notes

A three-year study found no evidence of breast swelling or gynecomastia from consuming a high amount of soy isoflavones.
Multiple clinical trials showed no adverse effects on sperm or semen from consuming soy or isoflavones.
A meta-analysis of 41 clinical studies found no effects of soy on testosterone or estrogen levels.
Another meta-analysis of nine clinical studies showed that soy promotes muscle mass and strength gains to the same extent as animal protein and whey protein.

Episode #258. Join me as I sit down with renowned soy expert Dr Mark Messina to clear up misconceptions and address concerns about soy consumption. We dive deep into isoflavones, how much soy you can safely consume, and soy’s safety in relation to male feminisation, breast cancer, and thyroid function.

If you’ve been hesitant about incorporating soy into your diet, this episode is packed with essential information you need to make an informed choice.

Specifically, we discuss:

Intro (00:00)
Soy throughout history (01:45)
Dr. Mark Messina and the Soy Nutrition Institute (6:12)
Industry affiliation in research (8:04)
Debate surrounding soy and breast cancer (18:04)
Isoflavones and estrogen (24:04)
Isoflavones, breast tissue and cholesterol (32:12)
Oversimplification of health information about the soy (40:39)
Fermented soy and equol (48:11)
How much isoflavones are in your soy foods? (53:16)
Safe upper limit of soy isoflavones intake per day (58:50)
Are blood tests necessary for high protein eaters? (1:01:37)
Soy formula and soy allergy (1:03:50)
Soy and thyroid Health (1:11:15)
Does soy affect menstrual cycle length? (1:16:12)
Soy consumption and migraines (1:22:54)
Isoflavonoid supplements (1:27:10)
Soy farming and the environment (1:29:10)
Outro (1:33:12)

To stay up to date with Dr Mark Messina’s work, head to https://sniglobal.org/. Here you’ll find extensive research on the health and safety of soy, as well as regular articles written by Dr Messina. You can also read some of Dr Messina’s recent, relevant articles in the full show notes.

Enjoy, friends.

Simon

Want to support the show?

The best way to support the show is to use the products and services offered by our sponsors. To check them out, and enjoy great savings, visit theproof.com/friends. You can also show your support by leaving a review on the Apple Podcast app and/or sharing your favourite episodes with your friends and family.

Simon Hill, MSc, BSc (Hons)

Creator of theproof.com and host of The Proof with Simon Hill

Author of The Proof is in the Plants

Watch the episodes on YouTube or listen on Apple/Spotify

Connect with me on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook

Nourish your gut with my Plant-Based Ferments Guide

Download my complimentary two-week meal plan and high protein Plant Performance recipe book