Consuming soybeans during pregnancy is a good way to add some protein to your diet. However, it should be eaten in moderation to avoid any harmful effects. Maternal nutrition plays an important role in the growth and development of the baby. A well-balanced diet can provide all the nutrients along with recommended prenatal vitamin and mineral supplementations. Read on to know the recommended servings and benefits of soybeans during pregnancy and how to incorporate soy into your pregnancy diet.
The Debate On The Consumption Of Soybeans During Pregnancy
Soybeans are considered to be an excellent food choice for pregnant women. They contain high protein, fiber, iron, folate, zinc, magnesium, calcium, vitamin B6, and vitamin K. However, they can cause some problems if consumed while pregnant. The most significant risk of eating soybeans while pregnant is that they may affect your baby’s brain development. This is because soybeans have phytoestrogens (plant estrogens), which can interfere with the production of hormones in the body. In addition, soybeans contain goitrogens (compounds that block thyroid function), leading to hypothyroidism in babies. Hypothyroidism is when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. The research findings may keep you wondering are soybeans safe during pregnancy. Here is more on the pros and cons.
Cons Of Consuming Soybean During Pregnancy
First, lets see the cons of taking soybean during pregnancy:
1. Reproductive issues
The fetus developing inside you gets sensitive to estrogen in certain phases of pregnancy.
Research studies conducted on animals have shown risks associated with exposure to estrogenic substances from isoflavones and phytoestrogens in soy. Exposure to phytoestrogen in pregnancy results in long term complications in reproduction. The research findings were published in the journal Experimental Biology and Medicine in the January 2004 issue.
2. Risk of breast cancer
According to the reports published in the Oncology Reports journal in September 2009, an increase in estrogen levels increases the risk of breast cancer. Here is what the research studies conclude:
Research studies suggest intake of soybeans increases risk of breast cancer. Experiments conducted on animals showed an increased risk of mammary tumors.
3. Phytoestrogen concern
A fetus is extremely sensitive to the growing hormone levels during pregnancy. Concerns for soybean intake during pregnancy increase with substances like phytoestrogens.
The substances tend to mimic estrogen hormone. Phytoestrogens have a similar structure to estrogen and they tend to attach to estrogen receptor sites in different parts of the body. According to the New York University Langone Medical Center the action tends to reduce or increase estrogen effects in the body.
Vital Things For Consideration
In the Experimental Biology and Medicine study, the researchers conducted experiments on female rats and found the following:
The isoflavones levels were found similar to what humans were exposed through their diet. Results from animals do not translate exactly to humans. You must consult with your obstetrician, whenever you have concerns about what you eat. Research findings suggest that babies are sensitive to increases in estrogen levels during the late gestation period. So, you may not need to avoid soybean or soy products all through your pregnancy.
Even though soybean is a healthy food, you may often be asked to avoid taking some of the “healthy” foods in your pregnancy. According to the studies conducted by American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, it was found that consumption of soybeans in large amounts affected fetal development and increased risks of cancer as well. However, the study was conducted on only 7 women.
Soybeans: A Major Source Of Protein
Soy contains about 40% of protein, which is the highest content among different plant products.
Since animal protein contains essential amino acids and lacks pulse protein, soy is used as a replacement for animal proteins. Soybean is processed into different soy products like soy milk, soy flour, cottage cheese such as tofu and fermented products like miso and tempeh. Protein requirements increase during pregnancy to meet the daily requirements of you as well as your developing unborn baby. Soy foods contribute smartly to your increased protein need. Thus, incorporation of soy products can be a good choice during pregnancy.
