Soy is one of the nutrient-dense sources of complete protein and is known to be very beneficial for the human body. However, its use might be controversial if associated with male sperm. If you want to increase sperm count, limiting your soy intake is better.
Most studies have shown that soy foods are not good for male reproductive systems. This is why soy foods and men don’t go along very well. From this study, men who took soy meals for a long time had an average of 41 million/mL fewer sperms that guys who didn’t take soy foods.
This is why you should stay away from soy and its products no matter what.
Study
For a long time, it has been known that high isoflavone intake led to decrease fertility in animals. However, in humans t, he was very rare. This is why this study was conducted with the aim of establishing the relationship between soy foods and isoflavones intake with human semen.
The test subjects were 99 male partners of subfertile couples. The subjects took 15 soy-based products for a period of 12 months. At the end of the twelfth week, they presented their semen to the Massachusetts General Hospital Fertility Center for analysis.
The outcomes of the study were that there is an inverse relationship between soy food intake and sperm concentration where all other factors including age, abstinence time, body mass index, caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco intake were put into consideration.
It was found that men who had the highest soy intake had 41 million/mL sperms than men who didn’t consume any soy foods. In addition, soy food and soy isoflavone were not related to sperm motility, sperm morphology, and ejaculation volume.
The data collected from this study shows that a higher intake of soy foods and soy isoflavones is directly linked to low sperm concentrations.
To second this study, another study was conducted and published in Human Reproduction. This study demonstrated that a high intake of soy foods significantly reduced the sperm count in men.
The other significance of why this study was conducted was to examine the relationship between semen quality and phytoestrogens. Phytoestrogens are planted compound which mimics the physiological effects of the estrogen hormone.
Normal sperm concentrations will usually range between 80 and 120 million/mL but this study also proved that by consuming soy foods you will be reducing your sperm count by 41 million/mL.
To the men who are obese, the effect of soy foods was more pronounced. Even the normal men who had high sperm counts were affected by the intake of soy foods.
Isoflavones, which are present in soy foods, are plant compounds which have estrogen-like effects. Men don’t need estrogen, they need testosterone. Did you know by just takin one cup of soy milk is considered as high intake? That is how dangerous soy is to male fertility.
A University of North Carolina researcher Marcia Herman-Giddens stated that it is not good advice to feed young boys soy-based products. This is because soy food enhances early puberty and it might lead to testicular cancer later in life.
Why? Because the young boys were exposed to sexual hormones at a very early age.
In conclusion, soy-based products are not good at all for men.
SIMILAR QUESTION
Can Soy Affect Sperm Count?
Introduction
Soy is a type of food that is frequently consumed by people all over the world. It is a nutritious food that contains many beneficial components, such as protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals. However, recent studies suggest that soy may have an effect on sperm count. In this paper, the effects of soy on sperm count will be discussed, including potential mechanisms of action and health implications.
Background
Soy is a type of food that comes from the soybean plant. It is a major ingredient in many foods, such as tofu, edamame, and soy milk. Soy is a source of protein and contains various vitamins and minerals, including iron, magnesium, and phosphorus. It is also a source of healthy fats, such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
Soy has been consumed for centuries, and has been widely studied in recent years. As such, there is a growing body of research examining the potential health benefits of soy. However, there is also evidence that soy may have an effect on sperm count.
Effect of Soy on Sperm Count
Several studies have examined the effect of soy on sperm count. The results of these studies have been mixed, with some showing a decrease in sperm count while others have found no effect.
One study found that men who ate a diet high in soy-based products had a lower sperm count than those who ate a diet low in soy-based products. The study also found that the men with the lowest sperm count had the highest intake of soy-based products.
In another study, men who consumed soy-based products had a higher sperm count than those who did not. The authors of this study suggested that the higher sperm count may have been due to the nutrient-rich properties of soy, rather than any direct effect on sperm production.
Mechanism of Action
The exact mechanism by which soy may affect sperm count is not yet known. It is possible that the phytoestrogens found in soy may have a direct effect on sperm production. Phytoestrogens are plant-based compounds that act as weak estrogens and can potentially bind to estrogen receptors in the body.
It is also possible that the nutrients found in soy may affect sperm production. Soy is a source of various vitamins and minerals, including zinc, which has been shown to play a role in sperm production. Additionally, soy is a source of healthy fats, which may also play a role in sperm production.
Health Implications
Although the exact effects of soy on sperm count are not yet known, the potential implications for health are significant. If soy does have an effect on sperm count, it could have implications for fertility and reproductive health. Additionally, it could lead to long-term effects, such as an increased risk of certain diseases.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the effects of soy on sperm count are not yet fully understood. Several studies have explored this topic, with mixed results. However, it is possible that soy may have an effect on sperm count, either through its phytoestrogen content or its nutrient-rich properties. Further research is needed to understand the potential health implications of this effect.
