Tofu And Cancer

June 10, 2021

There is a widespread misconception that women who are at high risk for breast cancer should avoid eating soy because of a belief that the natural plant phytoestrogens found in soy cause breast cancer. It also contains isoflavones such as phytoestrogens.

Can Soy Cause Breast Cancer Health Essentials From Cleveland Clinic

While past research results have been mixed a small study done by researchers at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Weill Cornell Medical College suggests that for some women adding a medium amount of soy to their diets turns on genes that can cause cancer to grow.

Tofu and cancer. A moderate amount is one to two servings a day of whole-soy foods such as tofu soy milk and edamame. Most health experts agree that the evidence is not strong enough to recommend that all women with a history of breast cancer eat more soy. Its also shown to inhibit angiogenesis the growth of blood vessels in tumors and metastasis the spreading of cancer.

105-140 and 150 95 CI 122-184 respectively comparing 90th to 10th percentiles of intakes. Many patients worry however that eating soy might be harmful if they have estrogen-receptor positive breast cancer. 1 cup of soy milk 12 cup cooked soy beans 12 cup of edamame 1 ounce of soy nuts or 13 cup of tofu.

Tofu is available for purchase in health food stores and online. Examples of a single serving include. On the other hand most soy is sourced from GMO crops highly.

Population studies have found that high tofu intake is associated with lower risk of breast cancer especially for pre-menopausal women. In fact there is growing evidence that eating traditional soy foods such as tofu tempeh edamame miso and soymilk may lower the risk of breast cancer especially among Asian women. However higher intakes of dairy calories and dairy milk were associated with hazard ratios HRs of 122 95 confidence interval CI.

Its time to overturn this urban legend. Interestingly a second study reported a 59 lower risk in women 22. Tofu is a soy-based food and there is growing concern over a possible link between soy and breast cancer.

So where did the idea come from that soy increases breast cancer risk. Soy foods are excellent sources of protein especially when they replace other less healthy foods such as animal fats and red or processed meats. Childhood consumption of tofu appears to enhance the protective effect of tofu in premenopausal women.

Because natural soy foods contain isoflavones similar to estrogen some people fear that soy may raise their risk for certain cancers. However soy foods do appear to be safe and possibly beneficial for female breast cancer survivors. Confusion about soy arises from the term phytoestrogens.

However eating a moderate amount of soy foods does not increase risk of breast cancer or other types of cancer. No clear associations were found between soy products and breast cancer independently of dairy. Potential health benefits of tofu include better blood sugar control improved heart health enhanced bone strength increased weight loss and protection against certain types of cancer.

There has also been speculation that soy might help protect against other cancers like uterine and prostate. Studies have not shown any increased risk of breast cancer recurrence or death linked to soy consumption Chen says. Soy has shown to regulate apoptosis aka cell suicide cell proliferation which is an increase in the number of cells and cell survival.

In addition other forms of soy such as tofu and edamame are part of the traditional Chinese diet. Heres the scientific truth. In fact higher amounts of soy were linked to a lower risk of breast cancer recurrence or death.

Eating soy foods like tofu edamame and soy milk has been linked to reduced risk of certain cancers including breast cancer prostate cancer and gastric cancer. One study observed that higher intakes of tofu were linked to a 61 lower risk of stomach cancer in men. Soy also possesses antioxidant properties.

This is because soy contains estrogenic chemicals known. Isoflavones which are found in soy are plant estrogens. Soy and breast cancer.

On one hand consuming soy foods like edamame tofu and unsweetened soy milk have been shown to reduce the risk of certain cancers such as breast cancer prostate cancer and gastric cancer. Isoflavones may have both estrogen-agonist or. The prevention of metastases is critical as death from prostate cancer isnt caused by the original tumor but its spread throughout the body which explains why it is recommended that men with prostate cancer consume soy foods such as soybeans tofu miso and tempeh.

Is Soy Bad For You Or Good