Health Magazine March/April 2016 | Page 68

To EatNot To Eat or The soy debate rages on as some experts advise against consuming soy products if you’re trying to start a family. HEALTH investigates the facts about consuming whole soy foods and learns that it doesn’t negatively affect your health. Impact on Fertility The active ingredient found in soy is what is known as phytoestrogens, explains Specialist in Preventative Medicine Dr. Maria Ridao Alonso. “These have estrogen-like effects in the human body and basically estrogen is the main female reproductive hormone, necessary for example, for ovulation and for the buildup of a proper uterus lining,” she tells. While there a few studies done in the field of soy and fertility, Dr. Alonso points out that there is no evidence that the birth rate is lower in countries with high soy consumption, such as the Asian countries. Mar/Apr 2016 66