Questions › Is soya safe to eat?
Is soya safe to eat?
For most people, yes. UK and international dietetic bodies consider moderate soya intake safe and healthy as part of a varied diet. Whole soya foods like tofu, tempeh, edamame and soya milk are useful sources of protein, iron and calcium.
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Soya contains isoflavones, plant compounds that are structurally similar to oestrogen but act very differently in the body. Reviews of the evidence have not found that normal dietary amounts harm hormone health in men or women, and soya foods are staples for hundreds of millions of people.
How much is reasonable
A few portions a day, such as soya milk on your cereal, tofu at lunch and edamame as a snack, sits comfortably within a healthy diet. As with any food, variety is sensible: mix soya with beans, lentils, nuts and seeds across the week.
Common questions
Does soya cause hormone problems in men?
The evidence does not support this at normal dietary intakes. Reviews find no meaningful effect of soya foods on testosterone or oestrogen in men.
Is soya milk healthy?
Yes. Fortified soya milk is a good source of protein and, when fortified, of B12, calcium, iodine and vitamin D, making it one of the more nutritious plant milks.