Lifestyle medicine physician Dr Nitu Bajekal shared that people should consume at least two portions of a particular bean a day to reduce their risk of cancer
Youngsters are being encouraged to add a generous helping of a certain bean to their meals in an effort to ward off various types of cancer. In a chat with Dr Rupy Aujla on his podcast, The Doctor’s Kitchen, lifestyle medicine expert Dr Nitu Bajekal shared her insights on nutrition, focusing on anti-inflammatory diets for those battling polycystic ovarian syndrome.
However, the conversation took an unexpected turn when the nutrition guru began singing the praises of soy, or “the magic bean”, which she recommended everyone, especially the younger generation, should include in their diet.
Despite the “poor little bean” often being the subject of controversy in nutritional debates, Dr Bajekal insisted: “It has fibre, protein, lots of micronutrients it also has plant estrogens.
“These smart beans have plant estrogens that block the excess mammalian estrogens coming from our body fat, dairy and red meat. They promote bone growth, reduce your risk of osteoporosis, lessen hot flashes, aid weight loss, and protect the heart.”
The specialist pointed out that this “blocking effect” is why soy can significantly lower the risk of aggressive prostate cancer and a host of other cancers.
She mentioned: “We know that those who consume soy earlier in childhood and in early adulthood have a 25% reduction in aggressive prostate cancer and it also reduces colon cancer, ovarian cancer, womb cancer, breast cancer, liver cancer,” underscoring how soy can help by stifling the creation of blood vessels that encourage cancer to grow.”
However, soy can potentially harm those with thyroid issues. Dr Bajekal cautioned: “If you have a thyroid problem I want you to have at least two hours between taking your (medicine) and your soy milk or tofu because it can compete for the same receptors.”
Dr Bajekal recommends consuming between two to four portions of soy per day. She wrapped up her advice by saying: “Don’t demonise soy, you should celebrate soy because it has plant estrogens.”
