I just heard that soy milk is estrogen. I thought it was supposed to be healthy, but isn't too much estrogen UNhealthy? Do you avoid it? Or do you intentionally seek it out for its antioxidant properties?

If soy milk is estrogen, doesn't it cause cancer if you have too much?

Do not post on more than one board. You have to choose one board for a question, even if others apply to your topic.

It depends. I'm in menopause and have had breast cancer and my oncologist said do not eat or drink soy because it acts as estrogen. If you haven't had BC and have not gone thru menopause, it is suppose to be alright.

In small to moderate amounts, unfermented soy is probably ok for most people. It contains phytoestrogens which can cause problems if ingested in large amounts. Thyroid folks should avoid soy because it contains an isoflavone called genistein, which is a goitrogen, i.e. a chemical that interferes with thyroid function.

Some sources say that fermented soy, such as miso, tamari and tempeh are ok as the fermentation process is supposed to destroy the phytoestrogens and isoflavones. Some soy sauces aren't fermented and are just soy protein added to water, so you have to read the label. Soy oil is deemed ok because the active chemicals are removed during the refining process, although its usually hydrogenated, which isn't a great thing.

If you're looking for antioxidants, then getting it through your diet via fresh fruits and veggies is usually the best choice.

So no raw soybeans? Are soybeans different?

What about flaxseed? Do breast cancer and thyroid patients have to avoid flaxseed, too?

What about hummus, garlic, and apricots?

Raw soybeans? You mean like edamame? It still falls into the phytoestrogen/ goitrogen category.

Flax seeds are usually ok. No more than 2 tablespoons per day. It helps to toast and grind them because the toasting neutralizes the cyanogen flax seeds contain and grinding makes them more digestible. Grind the seeds right before eating them and store the leftovers in the fridge. Flax tends to go rancid rather quickly.

From what I've read and heard, garlic's good for everybody, although if taken in large amounts, can interfere with anesthesia and some medications. Apricots are fine. Chickpeas are a great food and even better when combined with garlic in hummus. There aren't any constraints for thyroid folks (and from what I've read, cancer folks) regarding these foods. There are even studies being done right now regarding tne anti-cancer effects of both garlic and apricots, although the jury's still out.