Not just the estrogen. The phytates in the soy also bind with minerals and prevent us from absorbing them. It’s a plant’s natural defense mechanism against predators, which is disabled through cooking or fermentation. Someone trying to live off of soy products is going to have to eat a lot more to obtain basic nutritional requirements.

In a child or adolescent, it will stunt growth. In an adult, it will hamper the body’s natural ability to repair itself. Most plants and beans do the same thing, which is why vegans and vegetarians are so unhealthy.