Surely, in recent months you have read or heard more than once that The consumption of soy products negatively affects male sexual healthMore specifically, it has been said that the consumption of soy milk and other derivatives reduces testosterone levels in men. But what is true about these side effects of soy consumption in women? male sexuality?
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Controversy over the effects of soy on male sexuality
In recent years, research and debate on soybeans have focused primarily on the role of isoflavones in health of women. And as you probably already know, the isoflavones contained in soy, They help regulate a number of functions in estrogens of the woman.
Precisely for this reason, soy is so highly recommended especially for women in menopause.
This finding, together with the reach of advertising by well-known brands of vegetable drinks (whose campaigns were mainly aimed at women), has influenced the fact that, today, the largest consumer group of soy and derivatives are women.
But what about men? Could they also benefit from the properties of soy?
Isoflavones
Isoflavones are phytochemicals whose structure is capable to penetrate the estrogen receptors of our body. This, as we've already noted, is very beneficial for menopausal women. At this stage of life, natural estrogen production declines and can lead to various health problems: osteoporosis, depression, pelvic floor disorders, etc.
In the case of women, isoflavones would replace and substitute estrogens.
As you probably already imagined, isoflavones do not change their function depending on the sex of the body in which they are found. Therefore, When a man ingests soy, isoflavones behave in the same way: entering the estrogen receptors.
It may interest you: high estradiol in men.
Effects of soy on male sexuality
There are a couple of studies done by the Massachusetts General Hospital, and Harvard University, which have yielded inconclusive results.
Because isoflavones bind to a man's estrogen receptors, his cells understand that the amount of estrogen is high. This could lead to, among other things, a low sperm count.
Although according to researchers, "there is an inverse relationship between soy intake and sperm concentration," in the same research they claim that isoflavones are not seen to "affect the mobility, sperm morphology or volume«.
A few years later, another team of researchers, also from Harvard, decided to conduct a new study on the effects of soy on male sexuality. This time, focusing on el hypogonadism and erectile dysfunction associated with the consumption of these products.
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Soy and erectile dysfunction: is there a relationship?
Erectile dysfunction may be related to hormonal, neurological and circulatory factors. It has been hypothesized that the consumption of phytoestrogens, such as those present in soy, could influence erectile function due to their similarity to estrogens.
In rodent studies, high doses of soy isoflavones increased collagen in the corpora cavernosa, which could affect erection. However, These results are not directly applicable to humans., since the metabolism of these substances varies between species and only a small percentage of men convert certain compounds into their active form.
Impact of soy on male fertility
Some studies have looked at the impact of soy on semen quality, as isoflavones can act as xenoestrogens. In one study of 99 men, a relationship was found between higher soy consumption and lower sperm concentration, although without affecting total sperm count, motility or morphology.
On the other hand, other research has shown that isoflavones may even improve certain sperm parameters, such as motility and DNA integrity. Overall, the evidence does not support a direct relationship between soy consumption and infertility in healthy men.
Excessive consumption of soy and its effects on men's sexuality
While moderate soy consumption does not appear to pose a significant risk to male sexual health, some studies have evaluated the impact of extremely high intakes of isoflavones, the estrogenic compounds present in soy.
In one documented case, a man who consumed approximately 360 mg of isoflavones daily (about 180 times more than the average in Europe) experienced erectile dysfunction, decreased libido or low libido and low testosterone levels. Throughout the study, the researchers gradually reduced their soy intake and by the end of the experiment, their sexual function had improved. completely normalized.
This case suggests that excessive soy consumption may influence male hormonal balance. However, this is an extreme scenario and does not represent the effects of regular soy consumption in the general population.
How many times a week can you eat soy?
How often you can consume soy varies depending on your nutritional needs, health status, and dietary goals. However, here are some general recommendations based on current research:
Recommended Soy Intake
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General Frequency:
- Moderation: In general, consuming soy 2 to 4 times per week is considered safe and can be beneficial for health. This frequency allows you to take advantage of its nutritional benefits without the risk of overeating.
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Suggested Servings:
- Servings: A typical serving of soy might be one cup of edamame (green soybeans), one serving of tofu (about 100 grams), or one cup of soy milk.
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Nutritional Benefits:
- Proteins and Nutrients: Soy is rich in plant proteins, unsaturated fatty acids, and phytochemicals such as isoflavonoids, which may offer benefits for cardiovascular health, bone health, and hormonal regulation.
Additional considerations
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Balance in the Diet:
- Variety: Make sure you maintain a balanced diet that includes a variety of protein sources and other nutrients. You don't have to rely solely on soy for protein.
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Allergies and Sensitivities:
- Adverse reactions: If you have soy allergies or digestive sensitivities, it is important to moderate consumption and consult a health professional about suitable alternatives.
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Specific Medical Conditions:
- Hormonal problems: If you have specific hormonal conditions, such as thyroid problems or a history of hormone-dependent cancer, consult a doctor about the safe amount of soy you can consume.
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Preparation and Varieties:
- Processed vs. Unprocessed Soybeans: Opt for unprocessed or minimally processed soy whenever possible. Products like tofu, tempeh, and edamame are usually healthy choices, while some highly processed soy products may contain additives and unhealthy fats.
In summary, eating soy 2-4 times per week is generally safe and may provide health benefits. However, as with any food, it is important to consume it in balance with other nutrients and be aware of any adverse reactions or specific dietary needs.
It may interest you: 15 foods to increase testosterone of natural form.
Is soy products harmful for men?
The reality is that, based on several incongruent studies and some others whose object of study is clearly extreme, It cannot be concluded today that soy produces negative effects on male sexual health..
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Can a heterosexual man change his sexual behavior after taking artificial estrogens?
Yes. My brother turned gay after drinking a cup of coffee with unsweetened soy milk. I regret having offered him that afternoon.
I need to improve testosterone
Hello Mario,
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Thank you
I have a 20-year-old son who, since he was a year and a half old, consumed only soy milk until he was 9 years old due to a serious lactose intolerance. First, he drank 5 bottles a day and then 3 glasses a day. Since he was 12, he has also reported sexual attraction to men, not just women. He has subclinical hypothyroidism, short stature and weight, and has never reached normal percentiles. Can you do some study to determine if something can be done to help him with this sexual uncertainty? We are very distressed and confused and we ask for your help.
Thank you for your comment! If you don't mind, please fill in this form so that we can better address your query and help you with your concerns. Thank you.
Hello, my personal case, in the 80s it was said that soy lecithin helped in concentration, for a student, so I took capsules for a long time, I feel that they helped me, however, I discovered that I had a drop in testosterone, since my nipples became larger than normal in a man, so all my life I struggled with that shame, however my heterosexual character has always been and I have not had any doubt about it, today I enjoy my sexual life, heterosexual included, for some reason my male member grew above the general average, something that my partners enjoy, therefore, with this I want to say that to counteract this drop in testosterone, intense exercise and weights to develop muscle causes more testosterone to be generated, this may help people who face this problem, I hope it helps others, thank you.
Hello. My testosterone has come out over 10 and I would like to lower it, but I don't know how. What can I do?
Thank you.
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