> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://veganvigil.gitbook.io/overview/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://veganvigil.gitbook.io/overview/nutrition/nutrients/optional/soy-phytoestrogen.md).

# Soy Phytoestrogen

There is an argument going around claiming soybeans are harmful. The argument takes a variety of forms, but generally revolves around the concept of phytoestrogen, claiming that it will affect you like estrogen does. However, phytoestrogens doesn't work on your body like mammalian estrogen because you aren't a plant. At least, I'm guessing you aren't.\
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This 41-study analysis found soy has **no effect** on male reproductive hormones, sperm-count, or muscle gains.\
<https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0890623820302926>\
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In reality, soybeans are just beans. Extremely healthy beans, at that. Which is why they became a target for demonization. Such a useful bean to being vegan is a direct threat to the animal agriculture industry, and to people experiencing cognitive dissonance.

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[Phytochemicals](/overview/nutrition/nutrients/optional/phytochemicals.md)
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