Is Soy Good for You — Or Not?

Q: Is soy good for you or not? I’ve heard conflicting reports.

A: Soy products are an increasingly popular item found in most local grocery stores. I wouldn’t shy away from incorporating this lean plant protein into a healthy diet. Plant-based diets are becoming more popular for both their health and environmental impact. I believe we will see more diversity in the types of soy and other meat substitutes you will see in stores over time.

There has been some debate on the effects of soy on estrogen in both men and women, but they have been inconclusive when studied in humans.

As with any diet, the most important part is balance. I typically encourage my patients to eat a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and lean meats if they choose to have meat in their diet.

So until the evidence is clearer, I advise my patients to eat moderate amounts of soy.

— Family medicine physician Jared Ankerman, MD​