5. 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. According to the US National Cancer Institute, breast cancer is seen in about one in 3,000 pregnant women.
Experiments conducted on animals showed an increased risk of mammary tumors.
6. 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.