08 Aug 2022 – 1:00 p.m.
The soy It is a legume, like beans and lentils, which is not a fundamental part of the diet in Chile, but which we can eat in different formats; the best known is the soy saucebut it is also in tofu, vegetable drinks and you could find traces in bread, chocolate or corn tortillas.
Although it is not a crucial pillar of the Chilean diet, soy is a food with multiple benefits. On the one hand, it is an excellent source of vegetable protein, since it contains essential amino acids for the body.
In addition, it has been studied for its effects on the cardiovascular system because it could help improve cholesterol levels, reduce blood pressure and regulate glucose levels. On the other hand, it would help reduce the symptoms of menopause, as it could improve fertility.
But other research has also raised concerns about possible negative effects soy could have, especially when you eat it in large amounts.
Find out who are the people who should limit or eliminate this legume from their diet:
If you have a nut or soy allergy
Soy allergy is one of the most common allergic reactions caused by food in children. This occurs from exposure to legume protein, which triggers the immune system’s overreaction.
Although this is an allergy to a specific component of the legume, WebMD explains that people with extreme allergic reactions to nuts or dried fruitthey could also react to soy.
Some of the symptoms that may occur are:
- vomiting.
- Stomach ache.
- Indigestion.
- Diarrhea.
- Trouble breathing.
- repetitive cough
- Pale skin or blue coloration.
- Swelling of the lips or tongue.
- Confusion.
- dizziness
- skin irritation
If you have hypothyroidism
Soy contains goitrogenscompounds that interfere with the entry of iodine into the thyroid, thus decreasing hormone production, while the pituitary gland in the brain stimulates the thyroid to compensate for the deficiency.
There is a lot of controversy about this specific interaction, since different investigations have yielded completely different results regarding the real influence that soy would have on the body.
While studies are inconclusive, a 2011 publication recommends that women on vegetarian or vegan diets, who typically consume much more soy than average, regularly monitor their thyroid function.
In case you have a thyroid problem and you are not sure if you can continue consuming soy, it is best to consult directly with your treating doctor.
This article is designed to inform and is not intended to provide medical advice or solutions. Always ask your doctor or specialist if you have questions about your health or before starting treatment.
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