Why tofu is unhealthy

Soy protein isolates, a highly processed form of soy used in cereals, protein bars, and snacks among other foods , may contain more soy isoflavones, which are organic compounds that can also be considered endocrine disruptors in high amounts. Elevated levels of this kind of soy may lead to unbalanced hormone levels, which can play a factor in cancer risk. Eating soy could help protect against other types of cancer, too.

Findings show that soy consumption may slightly lower the risk for gastrointestinal cancers and have a protective effect in prostate cancer survivors. Eating a high-fiber diet is also tied to lower colon cancer rates, and soy foods like edamame and tempeh both have plenty of roughage. The only instance in which you may wish to limit soy consumption? If you've previously been diagnosed with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer, Clarke says.

Your doctor may advise that it's best to skip soy altogether if estrogen is at play in this case. Women undergoing in vitro fertilization who have environmental exposure to BPA are more likely to get pregnant if they also ate soy.

Consuming over mg of soy isoflavones the equivalent of 6-ounces uncooked tempeh or 16 cups soy milk daily was linked to reduced ovarian function, found a Journal of Nutrition review. As for soy solving those annoying and disruptive hot flashes that accompany menopause? It might help, but not for everyone. Among women whose bodies produce the soy metabolite equol, those who ate the most soy experienced significantly fewer hot flashes and night sweats compared to those who ate the least, found one Menopause study.

If it helps, you produce equol. That email doesn't look right. Photo courtesy of poptarts. Gif courtesy of giphy. Photo courtesy of merci-mama. Photo by Katie Walsh. Here are 5 things that may happen if you start eating too much tofu as part of your everyday meals. We know tofu is a rich source of high-quality protien.

But eating too much tofu may increase levels of uric acid in your body. Bangalore-based nutritionist Dr. Anju Sood says, "Tofu is certainly one of the best protein sources, but is also listed amongst hard proteins in terms of it digestibility.

The end part of protein metabolism includes the generation of uric acid. Eating too much tofu, would lead to the accumulation of excess uric acid in the lower part of the abdomen, which in worse may cases lead to gout. Eating too much tofu may increase levels of uric acid in your body 2. Hormonal imbalance. It's the same argument you've likely heard against using plastic water bottles containing bisphenol A BPA , except that soy is even more estrogenic than BPA, according to a review of research on the pros and cons of phytoestrogens by Patisaul and her team.

Beyond that, the NIH states that soy's possible role in breast cancer is "uncertain" and advises that, "women who have or who are at increased risk of developing breast cancer or other hormone-sensitive conditions such as ovarian or uterine cancer should be particularly careful about using soy and should discuss it with their health care providers.

The Takeaway. So should you give up soy for good? Not necessarily. Eating some soy can be a healthy way to cut back on meat while still making sure you're eating enough protein. But too much of a good thing has the potential to take its toll on your hormones and your health.