Soy milk is a staple drink in many Asian breakfasts and is widely regarded as a health beverage due to its high-quality plant-based protein. It is often praised for beauty benefits and even cancer-preventive properties. However, reports of women developing breast cancer after drinking soy milk daily have raised concerns—does soy milk prevent cancer, or could it increase the risk? Hong Kong Chinese medicine practitioner Tse Ka Man helps clarify the confusion.
Does Soy Milk Cause or Prevent Cancer?
Some online reports suggest that excessive soy milk intake, taken to boost plant-based estrogen, may increase breast cancer risk. Estrogen can promote cell growth, and excessive levels may stimulate abnormal breast cell proliferation. However, experts stress that breast cancer is influenced by multiple factors, including genetics, lifestyle, and environment—not diet alone.
Soy Isoflavones Are Not True Estrogen
Tse explains that soy contains isoflavones, plant compounds that resemble estrogen but are much weaker in effect. These “phytoestrogens” may gently mimic or regulate estrogen activity rather than overstimulate it. Many studies suggest that moderate consumption of soy foods may actually reduce breast cancer risk. This may explain why Asian populations, who traditionally consume more soy, have lower breast cancer rates than Western countries.
Five Health Benefits of Soy Milk
- Lowers cholesterol: Naturally cholesterol-free and rich in healthy fats
- Stabilizes blood sugar: Low in sugar and high in protein and fiber
- Protects the heart: Isoflavones help improve blood lipid levels
- Supports weight loss: Low calorie and increases satiety
- Enhances skin health: Helps slow skin aging and supports metabolism
Soy Products to Limit
- High-fat soy products: Such as deep-fried tofu
- Fermented soy products like fermented tofu: High in sodium
- Highly processed soy products or supplements: May contain excessive isoflavones
Who Should Avoid Soy Milk?
- People with weak digestion: May experience bloating
- Those with thyroid conditions: Should limit soy intake and avoid concentrated soy products
Beauty Soy Milk Recipe (Sugar-Free)
Ingredients:
20g soybeans, 10g black beans, 15g pitted red dates, 1200ml water
Method:
Blend all ingredients in a soy milk maker, strain, and serve.
Moderate soy milk consumption is safe and beneficial for most people. The key lies in balance, preparation, and understanding your own health condition.
