Soy Good

 

What are other names for this remedy?
Type of medicine: natural remedy

Scientific and common names:Glycine max, soy, soybean, soya, tofu, miso, phytoestrogen, plant estrogen, isoflavone, genistein, tempeh

What is soybean?

The soybean is a plant that grows 1 to 5 feet tall. The bean pods contain up to 4 oval seeds, which can be yellow to brownish in color. Soybeans contain isoflavones which are similar to the hormone estrogen.

What is it used for?

This remedy has been used to treat several conditions. Studies in humans or animals have not proved that this remedy is safe or effective for all uses. Before using this remedy for a serious condition, you should talk with your healthcare provider.

Studies suggest that this remedy may help lower cholesterol and triglycerides, and help treat diarrhea in infants.

Soy has been used to:

• Relieve symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes
• Help prevent osteoporosis
• Reduce the risk of breast, colon, thyroid, endometrial, and prostate cancer (There is conflicting evidence on whether soy prevents or increases the risk of breast cancer.)
• Reduce high blood pressure
• Reduce protein in the urine of people with kidney disease
• Treat diabetes

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve uses for natural remedies. The FDA does not inspect or regulate natural remedies the way they do prescription medicines.

How is it taken?

Examples of soy food products are soy milk, soy cheese, soy yogurt, soy nuts, tofu, soybean oil for cooking, soybean flour, soybean curd, tofu, fermented soybean paste, soybean sprouts, soy sauce, and soy protein drinks. Soy is used to make some infant formulas for babies who are allergic to milk.

Soy is also available in the form of capsules and tablets.

Follow the directions printed on the product label or given by your healthcare provider.

What if I overdose?

Symptoms of an acute overdose have not been reported.

Reference:  Developed by, R. (2013). Soybean. CRS - Medication Advisor, 1.