Green light for soya
Growing mountain of evidence is in agreement that soya is safe and nutritious
A new review of all scientific studies and data on the safety of soya has been conducted to settle the debate about whether soya has positive or negative health effects. The authors focused particularly on the health of different population groups, such as vegetarians and vegans, children and cancer patients.
After examining the evidence, the scientists agreed that soya is a good source of protein, unsaturated fats, antioxidants, iron and calcium. They highlighted that soya consumption can lower the risk of some cancers, heart disease and osteoporosis and does not affect the thyroid, reproductive health and sexual development. Babies fed soya-formula grow and develop at a normal rate and there’s no need to worry about any side-effects. The study also mentions how soya consumption can be helpful for breast cancer patients and may improve the treatment outcomes.
Rizzo G and Baroni L, 2018. Soy, Soy Foods and Their Role in Vegetarian Diets. Nutrients. 10 (1): 43.
About the author
Dr. Justine Butler
Justine joined Viva! in 2005 after graduating from Bristol University with a PhD in molecular biology. After working as a campaigner, then researcher and writer, she is now Viva!’s head of research and her work focuses on animals, the environment and health. Justine’s scientific training helps her research and write both in-depth scientific reports, such as White Lies and the Meat Report, as well as easy-to-read factsheets and myth-busting articles for consumer magazines and updates on the latest research. Justine also recently wrote the Vegan for the Planet guide for Viva!’s Vegan Now campaign.
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