While much soy research has focused on benefits for women, soy can also play an important role in the diet for men. Some men may be reluctant to consume soy because of a mistaken belief that soy causes feminizing effects, a belief that is without scientific support. In fact research suggests that soy consumption is associated with a decreased risk of prostate cancer,1,2 and soy also has heart health benefits including lowering cholesterol. Since many soyfoods provide high-quality protein and are low in saturated fat, they are excellent choices for men looking to increase the amount of protein in their diets.
References:
1. Yan L, Spitznagel EL. Soy consumption and prostate cancer risk in men: a revisit of the meta-analysis. Am J Clin Nut. 2009; 89: 1155-63.
2. Hwang YM et al. Soy food consumption and risk of prostate cancer: a meta-analysis of observational studies. Nutr Cancer. 2009: 61: 598-606.
A 2009 meta-analysis of 15 epidemiological studies concluded that consumption of soy foods is associated with a marked reduction in prostate cancer risk.1
References:
1. Yan L, Spitznagel EL. Soy consumption and prostate cancer risk in men: a revisit of the meta-analysis. Am J Clin Nut. 2009; 89: 1155-63.
A new review, published in the Fertility and Sterility journal, examined data from over 150 clinical studies and found that isoflavone and soy food consumption showed no effect on testosterone or estrogen, sperm count, semen quality, breast size, or erectile function in men. 1
References:
1. Messina M. Soybean isoflavone exposure does not have feminizing effects on men: a critical examination of the clinical evidence. Fertil Steril. 2010; 93 (7): 2095-2104.
In this analysis of 32 reports, soyfood and/or soy isoflavone intake had no significant effects on reproductive hormone levels (including testosterone, sex hormone–binding globulin, and free androgen index) in men.1
References:
1. Hamilton-Reeves JM, Vasquez G, Duval SJ, Phipps WR, Kurzer MS, Messina MJ. Clinical studies show no effects of soy protein or isoflavones on reproductive hormones in men: results of a meta-analysis. Fertil Steril. 2010; 94(3): 997-1007.
