Soy Foods Lower Cancer Risk

Soy is a plant protein full of fiber, potassium, magnesium and other vitamins. Popular soy foods include tofu, edamame, miso and soy milk.

Because natural soy foods contain isoflavones, similar to estrogen, some people fear that soy may raise their risks for certain cancers. This is because estrogen is linked to hormonally-sensitive cancers, like breast cancer. But according to the American Cancer Society, people who ate soy were less likely to get breast cancer. 

Soy might lower the risk of cancers

Soybeans, soy nuts and edamame all contain fiber. And, a diet high in fiber may lower risks for several cancers, including colorectal cancer. Studies among prostate cancer survivors indicate that eating soy foods may lower PSA levels.

A healthy balanced diet can include soy

It’s important to have a variety of foods in your diet, including soy. If you’re uncomfortable adding whole soy foods to your diet but want to reduce animal protein intake, try these common alternatives: beans, lentils, nuts and seeds. If you want to add soy to your diet, eat fewer processed soy foods, and choose more whole foods like edamame, tofu and soy nuts. Avoiding processed foods is another way to keep your cancer risks low.