Is Soy Safe? Exploring the Science & Debunking Myths

Soy: love it or hate it - it has been stirring up controversy for years. But what does the science really say about this versatile plant source of protein? In this video, we dive deep into the world of soy research, separating facts from fiction, and exploring the complex relationship between soy and human health. From its nutritional profile to its potential effects on hormones and beyond, I will unravel the soy story and give you the tools to make informed decisions about incorporating this needlessly controversial food into your diet. Whether you're a tofu lover or a skeptic, this video will shed light on the science behind the soy debate.

Citations

[arungowda]

I love how you start with a Historical / science fact

[arjunvartak]

You're truly incredible at what you do, sir, and I can't thank you enough. A couple of months ago, as a college student, I joined the gym, determined to fund my own expenses. But being cost-conscious, I eventually realized that protein is an expensive macronutrient, generally speaking. I was too broke to afford it.

Half of my protein intake already came from dairy, which isn’t exactly cheap either. For no real reason, I avoided soy, maybe due to unnecessary fear. But after watching your video and doing my own research, I realized that soy isn’t just nutritionally solid—it’s an absolute superfood, especially cost-wise.

My local vendor sells soybeans and soy chunks at ₹20-25 for 250g, and for someone like me who can’t cook and relies on ready-to-eat foods, this was a game changer. I started soaking, drying, and roasting the soybeans to squeeze out most of the water and concentrate the protein up to almost 45-50 g per 100g.
(These days, roasted soybeans and chunks are even available online) But what blows my mind, is that, I’m getting roughly 4-5g of protein for just 1 rupee; which is insane! It's now a staple in my diet and has helped me meet 40-50% of my protein needs without breaking the bank. Regardless of whether someone is vegan, vegetarian, or non-vegetarian; soy is Fantastic.

[abhishekbagga]

I don't know if you are a certified nutritionist or not but let me tell this I have obsessively listened to many nutritionist and your stuff is at par and even better. Unbiased. Conclusive and well supported with facts

[nocopyrightgameplaystockvi]

The problem with soy is that it has to be processed well and correctly, to preserve the nutrition and make it easy for the body to absorb.

[piyushb]

Please consider sharing the references. It helps in studying the subject further.

[GuruPrasadCT]

The opening, The StoryTelling and Fact checking all are on Point ... This is the best video on soy, so far far better than fitness channels .. Keep doing these Highly researched Vids . Subbed!!

[pandit]

Most informative video on soy I have ever encountered. I am a vegetarian and need to to get protien for various sources including soy. And all those fear mongering did slightly made me concerned. Now I can enjoy soya chunks without any worry. Thanks a lot.

[nutankaramcheti]

How beautifully articulated with visuals, facts and arguments

[MovementScience]

Thank you so much for giving evidence based information and debunking the myths! You are really making a big difference!

[giacomo]

Good work sir. Clear, simple, direct, fun, informative. Keep it up :) Support from Italy

[JoelBergling-vnqi]

Shouldn't soy be consumed only if fermented and if not, in very little quantity (like tofu). South East Asian countries have been consuming soy since thousands of years yet they never use soy chunks or soy flour (even to this day) primarily, because it's very taxing on the digestive system if unfermented.
In Manipur and other North-eastern Indian states soy is consumed only in it's fermented form too. Studies have also shown thyroid disruption and nephrotoxicity from soy consumption. Would like to know your take on this.

[patwardhanmandar]

I have been avoiding Soy beans because of the myths you mentioned. Thanks for busting them. On a separate note, can you make a video on food allergies? especially in infants? Do allergies go away? Is micro-introduction a scientific thing to do? As a parent of an 11-month-old who is allergic to eggs, wheat, peanuts, and cashews, I want to know more about the allergies. A lot of other parents can benefit from this. Thank you for what you do!

[homely]

Sir.. You are the saviour of the middle class.. Thanks for such a great content again.. To me you are the best of all the influencers.. I had read one of your article about Ladakh .. Just loved.. You are the best..

[RizwanMuzzammil]

In the book "Sacred Cow - The Case for Better Meat" is the following section:

"THE PROBLEMS WITH SOY

Soy is one of the few plant foods that provides all nine essential amino acids, so it is often promoted as an amazing alternative to meat. But there is a troubling amount of research linking soy to digestive problems, reproductive issues, and cognitive decline.

A big reason soy intake is subject to so much research and controversy is because soy is high in anti-nutrients, particularly isoflavones. These plant compounds are similar to estrogen and are used by the soy plant as a natural defense, disrupting the reproductive cycle of livestock that eat it.15

Some research has suggested that isoflavones could result in a disruption in fertility, hormone balance, and thyroid function in humans.16

How these compounds behave in the body is complicated, and it's beyond the scope of this book to fully dive into all the research on soy-thousands of studies have investigated it. But we think there are a couple things to keep in mind.

Traditional cultures that consume a lot of soy-based products tend to ferment or prepare the soy in a manner that reduces the content of the anti-nutrients, reducing the risk of toxicity. But in most Western societies we consume soy in the form of soybean oil, soy protein isolate (a highly processed, high-protein powder), or as soy lecithin (a combination of soybean oil and phospholipids). We have already addressed how soybean oil is high omega-6 fats, further skewing the ratio between essential fatty acids.

Soy products consumed in this highly processed form can be problematic for health. People with allergies to soy can be triggered by soy lecithin, which is hidden in foods as a common emulsifier. Soy lecithin may also impair cognitive function and impact brain chemistry.18

Given that research has raised troubling questions about how safe soy is, we think meat is a superior option; it offers much more nutrition for the calories. Our take is that soy should be limited or avoided in the diet, especially in the forms commonly found in processed and packaged foods."

Is there merit in this? There are some numbered references which I could post up if needed.

[paramparekh]

I have seen only 3 videos of yours, but I love your work.

[ispeakforthebeans]

Absolutely love the direction your channel is taking Krish. Youtube has been around for decades, and you have still managed to find a niche for high quality content. So fun watching your videos.
You failed to mention that soy chunks and soymilk fall under ultra processed foods, which are problematic in their own right.

[raghunandangowda]

your video popped up when i was searching for essential nutritional foods.
Kirsh you are too good at explaining things with facts easy to understand, thank you for your contents, loved it.❣
Keep growing stay healthy🙂

[guandjs]

Thanks for this excellent and informative video! As a vegetarian, I already love soy products (esp tofu, soy sauce and edamame) and this video makes me appreciate them even more! Will try to now use more TVP and tempeh!

[nandinik]

Recently turned vegan and soy has been a life saver. This video came up just at the right time for me :)

[manikiran.mithinti]

Introduction of Soyabean to the Indian industry has been the biggest reason for multitude growth of Poultry, Fish, Prawn industry in the country.

All these farm grown animals feed on Soya Deoiled cake as their main source of Protein.

What we humans consume Soya in form of Milk, Tofu etc etc is not even 1% of the total crop produce.