Is Soy Bad For Men’s Health? Benefits & Impact On Fertility

Soy protein is one of the world's most popular proteins. Enjoyed by many different cultures, soy also contains iron, omega-3 fats, fibre, calcium and other essential vitamins and is known to reduce cholesterol and heart problems.

Soy can be eaten in the form of tofu, salad, curry, sticks, milk, etc. In fact, it is common for most people to consume soy at least once every day.

The health benefits of soy are numerous, but the misconceptions about its effect on men have also increased over the past decade. While soy has been shown to improve women’s health, many people believe that it has a negative impact on men's sexual health.

Today, we will answer the question: is soy bad for men? So, continue reading to find out soy’s effects on men’s sexual and overall health and how much soy is okay for men to consume.

Is Soy Protein Bad For Males?
9 Benefits Of Soya Chunks For Males
4 Major Side Effects Of Soy For Males
Dietitian’s Recommendation
The Final Say
FAQs
References

Is Soy Protein Bad For Males?

The answer is no. As long as you eat it in moderation, eating soy is not at all harmful to men’s health. However, when consumed in excess amounts, the answer may be different.

Soy contains phytoestrogen, which is a naturally occurring compound in plants. When we consume soy, the phytoestrogen mimics the estrogen hormone in the body. Estrogen is the female sex hormone that is essential for female fertility. Due to this, many people believe that if men consume soy, the amount of female sex hormones will increase in their bodies, which would lead to low sperm count and decreased sex drive.

Estrogen is present in men as well, though in smaller quantities than females, and plays crucial roles in maintaining bone health, regulating sexual function, and supporting cardiovascular health. Additionally, estrogen aids in fat distribution, preventing excess belly fat and helps maintain a balance with testosterone levels.

However, an imbalance of estrogen in men—whether too high or too low—can lead to issues such as gynecomastia and sexual dysfunction, highlighting the importance of maintaining proper estrogen levels for overall well-being.

So, even for men, soy is not at all harmful when consumed in moderation. The recommended amount is around 25-30 grams per day.

Also Read: 8 Amazing Morning Exercises For Men: Benefits And Insights On 5-5-5-30 Morning Workout

9 Benefits Of Soya Chunks For Male

Soya chunks are healthy for men, which means they are a useful component of a healthy diet. They contain a large dose of protein and vital nutrients such as calcium and isoflavones, contributing to health in general from various sides. Below are some of the key health benefits of soy chunks:

1. Good Source of Protein and Vitamins

Soya chunks are packed with all the essential amino acids your body needs to build and repair tissue. This is especially important if you are physically active, as these amino acids support muscle growth and regeneration. It is also a good source of vitamins A, B, K, folic acid, zinc, and even omega 3.

Also Read: Protein Powder For Non-Gym Goers: 5 Types, Benefits, Myths And Ways To Include In Diet!

2. Helps Build Overall Stamina

Soya chunks are great foods to increase stamina. They are very rich in protein and vitamins like vitamin A and folate, which help build stamina. The high protein content in soya chunks supports muscle repair and growth. Additionally, their high fibre content helps maintain stable blood sugar levels, providing a sustained energy release during physical activity and contributing to better stamina and performance.

Also Read: 20 Best Cardio Exercises At Home To Boost Stamina, Burn Calories & More!

3. Reduces The Risk Of Prostate Cancer

There is a myth that soy can lead to prostate cancer. However, the opposite is true! Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men. Regular soy consumption has been linked to a lower risk of this cancer, though more research is needed. This is mainly due to its isoflavones, which have antioxidant properties and help regulate hormones that influence cancer growth.

4. Improves Bone Health

Soya chunks are rich in protein and provide plenty of calcium, which is essential for strong and healthy bones. In addition, they also contain high amounts of magnesium and phosphorus, which are said to be good for maintaining bone health. Magnesium allows your body to absorb the calcium in your bones, and phosphorus and calcium help build strong bones.

Also Read: 6 Best Exercises For Osteoporosis And To Strengthen Your Bones

5. Supports Muscle Building & Repair

The protein in soya chunks is responsible for muscle recovery and growth. That's why it's one of the best foods for athletes or people who work out a lot - because it helps muscles recover faster and strengthens them.

6. Balances Blood Sugar Levels

Low-glycemic soy chunks stabilise blood sugar levels without peaks and troughs. This is more beneficial for diabetics or anyone who intends to have energy levels throughout the day. Additionally, the fibre in soy chunks slows down the rate at which sugar enters the bloodstream. This could reduce the risk of insulin resistance, a factor involved in treating or preventing type 2 diabetes.

7. Promotes A Healthy Heart

Soy protein tends to lower bad cholesterol levels, reducing heart disease risk. In addition, isoflavones in soy activate healthy arteries, making soya chunks beneficial for heart health. Additionally, soy chunks contain phenolic acids, a form of antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and protect your heart system. Regular consumption can also promote healthy blood pressure levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.

8. Weight Management

Soya chunks are great for weight management due to their high protein and fibre content, which help promote feelings of fullness and reduce overeating. As one of the effective weight loss fibre foods, they are low in fat and calories, making them an ideal addition to a balanced diet for maintaining or losing weight.

Consider ToneOp Fit’s Balanced Diet Plan For Weight Loss for an expert-guided sustainable weight management process involving region-based meal planning, 24/7 expert support and a library of over 60,000+ recipes.

9. Helps Improve Sleep Quality

Soy has magnesium, which is beneficial for one’s sleep quality. It may stimulate sleep and even treat sleep disorders. It also contains vitamin B6 and edamame, which contain a compound called isoflavones, a compound said to increase the production of serotonin, which is known to improve sleep quality.

Also Read: 9 Instant Benefits Of Power Nap, Its Effectiveness & Tips To Avoid Oversleeping!

4 Major Side Effects Of Soy For Males

Here are some side effects of eating soy/soya chunks for men:

1. Makes Protein Digestion Difficult

Although soy contains lean protein, it also has protease inhibitors. These enzymes make it difficult to digest protein, leading to an upset stomach.

2. Bloating & Gas

Soy contains prebiotic compounds, oligosaccharides, along with fibre. Although these compounds are good for your gut bacteria, some people may experience bloating and gas, which is uncomfortable.

3. Hormonal Imbalance

Due to its phytoestrogen content, eating soy in excess may lead to hormonal imbalances. If consumed in very high amounts, soy can potentially affect male hormone levels, leading to issues like gynecomastia (breast tissue development) or reduced libido.

4. Reduced Sperm Concentration

Higher intake of soy foods and isoflavones has been associated with lower sperm concentration in men. A study found that men consuming significant amounts of soy had sperm counts approximately 41 million sperm/ml lower than those who did not consume soy, indicating a potential impact on male fertility.

Note: The risk of this side effect is only due to over or excessive consumption beyond the recommended amount of soya chunks. Other than that, it’s perfectly healthy—and, in fact, encouraged for men to eat soy in their diet.

Also Read: Diet For Hormonal Imbalance: Fix Your Hormones | ToneOpFit

Dietitian’s Recommendation

Although soy consumption has been shown to have many health benefits for men, such as reduced incidence of prostate cancer and prevention of cardiovascular disease, high consumption can lead to complications. Small amounts (20-30g) of soy consumption are considered safe. Men trying to start a family should avoid consuming large amounts of soy or soy products on a daily basis.

Dt. Lavina Chauhan

The Final Say

By providing high-quality protein and healthy fats, soy is quickly becoming an ideal choice for people who want to make healthier choices in their lives. It's a healthy plant-based protein that promotes muscle growth, helps maintain normal blood cholesterol levels, and has many other benefits for your health and the environment. So, even if you’re a man and don't have a soy allergy, you don't have to worry about eating soy foods, but remember to eat in moderation.

FAQs

1. Is soy healthy for men?

Yes, soy is generally healthy for men when consumed in moderation; it offers benefits such as lowering cholesterol and providing high-quality protein.

2. Are soya chunks good for male health?

Yes, soya chunks can be beneficial for men as they are a great source of protein and can help improve heart health while providing essential nutrients.

3. How many pieces of soy a day for men?

Soy nuggets are a popular soy product you can eat as a snack. However, soy can affect the uric acid in your body, further damaging your liver. So, you must stick to only 25-30 grams of soy chunks daily.

4. Is soy bad for males?

Soy is not inherently bad for males, but excessive consumption may lead to hormonal imbalances due to its phytoestrogen content, so moderation is key.

5. How to eat soy chunks for weight loss?

Add soy chunks to meals as a protein-rich, low-fat ingredient to promote fullness and support weight loss efforts. Start with 25-50 grams per day as part of a balanced diet.

6. Is there any bad effect of soy on male fertility?

Some studies suggest that high soy intake may lower sperm concentration in some men, but more research is needed to fully understand its effects on male fertility.

References

About ToneOp Fit

ToneOp Fit is a platform dedicated to improving and maintaining good health through a comprehensive range of goal-oriented health plans with up to 3 Coach support. With a range of Weight Management, Medical Condition, Detox Plans, and Face Yoga Plans, the app also provides premium health trackers, recipes and health content. Get customised diet, fitness, naturopathy & yoga plans and transform yourself with ToneOp.

health

Is Soy Bad For Men’s Health? Benefits, Risks And Impact On Testosterone & Fertility

Table Of Contents