Edamame, also known as soybeans, are a popular snack and ingredient used in many Asian cuisines. Edamame is typically boiled or steamed in the pod and served with a sprinkle of salt. They make for a nutritious, protein-rich snack.
However, edamame may not be suitable for everyone. There are certain groups of people who should avoid eating edamame or at least exercise caution when consuming them. In this article, we will explore who should not eat edamame and why.
People with soy allergies
One of the most obvious groups that should avoid edamame are those with soy allergies. Edamame is made from soybeans. Therefore, anyone with a soy allergy will experience an allergic reaction if they eat edamame.
Allergic reactions to soy can range from mild to severe. Mild soy allergy symptoms include hives, itching, swelling of the lips or face, digestive issues like diarrhea, nausea or stomach pain. Severe reactions can include throat tightening, difficulty breathing, a dramatic drop in blood pressure or even anaphylaxis which can be fatal if not treated immediately.
If you have a known soy allergy, it is crucial to avoid edamame and any products containing soybeans. Check food labels carefully to watch out for hidden soy ingredients. A soy allergy means edamame is completely off limits.
People sensitive to phytoestrogens
Soybeans contain phytoestrogens which are plant compounds that mimic the hormone estrogen in the body. There are two main types of phytoestrogens – isoflavones and lignans. Edamame contains high amounts of isoflavones.
For most people, eating moderate amounts of soy foods like edamame will not cause issues. However, for some sensitive groups, the phytoestrogenic effects of edamame may cause concerns.
Women with a history of estrogen-related breast cancer are often advised to limit soy intake. The isoflavone phytoestrogens may act like estrogen and potentially stimulate breast cancer cell growth. More research is still needed, but it is reasonable for breast cancer survivors to be cautious with soy-rich foods.
Men with lower testosterone levels or infertility issues may also want to limit edamame. The phytoestrogens may mildly suppress testosterone or impact fertility. However, studies show mixed results so more research is needed.
Overall, people concerned with hormonal disorders or balances may want to limit soy-rich edamame until more definitive evidence is available. Those with sensitivities or existing conditions may choose to avoid edamame to be on the safe side.
People taking certain medications
Eating edamame may interact with the effects and absorption of certain prescription medications. The compounds in soybeans make it important for some individuals on medications to avoid edamame.
Edamame contains vitamin K. Vitamin K can interfere with the performance and effects of blood-thinning medication like warfarin. For this reason, people taking blood thinners need to watch and limit vitamin K intake from edamame and other soy foods.
Soy may also impact the absorption of certain medications. The compounds can either slow absorption – making the medication less effective – or increase absorption to potentially toxic levels. Specific drugs impacted include antibiotics, antidepressants, blood pressure and heart medications.
If you take any important medications or supplements, check with your doctor or pharmacist before adding edamame to your diet. They can advise if any interactions may occur that could alter effectiveness and require stopping edamame intake.
People prone to kidney stones
For the majority of people, eating edamame likely has no impact on kidney stone risk. But for those prone to developing kidney stones, caution with edamame may be warranted.
Kidney stones develop from crystals forming in concentrated urine and clumping together into stones. Two conditions that predispose people to kidney stones are hyperoxaluria and hypercalciuria.
In hyperoxaluria, too much oxalate is excreted in urine. Edamame contains moderately high amounts of oxalates. For those already excreting excess oxalate, eating edamame may add to oxalate levels and increase kidney stone risk.
With hypercalciuria, too much calcium is excreted through urine. Edamame contains calcium so could hypothetically worsen this condition. However, studies show soy isoflavones help inhibit calcium absorption and excretion. Still, for those with known hypercalciuria, monitoring urine calcium levels with edamame intake may be prudent.
If you frequently develop kidney stones, limiting or avoiding edamame and other oxalate-rich foods may be beneficial. Check with your urologist for personalized advice.
Infants and young children
Edamame is not considered suitable for babies and young toddlers under age 1. Soy is one of the top 8 common food allergens. Introducing soy too early may increase chances of developing a soy allergy.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends first introducing soy between ages 1-3 years. Soy formula is also not recommended for babies, especially infants at risk for allergies.
In addition, soy phytoestrogens may impact development in infants. More research is still needed on the effects of phytoestrogens in babies. It is prudent for parents to wait until at least 12 months to begin cautious introduction of edamame and other soy foods.
Pregnant women concerned about soy effects on baby
Pregnant women need to be selective about soy intake for benefits of baby. Early research raised concern about soy phytoestrogens causing changes in baby’s development, growth and hormones.
However, more recent studies have found no significant adverse effects in babies born to mothers who consumed soy. Still, definitive evidence is lacking either way.
Pregnant women concerned about potential impacts to their baby may choose to avoid edamame and other soy products during pregnancy. Since soy formula is not recommended for infants, pregnant women may prefer to altogether avoid soy.
Of course, each woman’s nutritional needs during pregnancy differ. Checking with your obstetrician is important when making choices about edamame and soy intake while pregnant.
Thyroid issues
In healthy individuals with no thyroid problems, eating soy like edamame appears to have minimal or no effects on thyroid function. However, for those with existing thyroid problems, soy may exacerbate issues in some cases.
Studies show the isoflavones in soy may inhibit enzymes needed to produce thyroid hormones in those with hypothyroidism. It may also potentially impact or interfere with treatment.
Concerns also exist around soy isoflavones aggravating autoimmune thyroid disease like Graves’ disease. The bottom line is those with existing thyroid conditions should likely minimize or avoid edamame and other soy-rich foods.
As always, individuals should check with their healthcare provider to help guide dietary choices for optimal thyroid health.
Digestive disorders like IBS
For some individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and other digestive disorders, edamame may exacerbate gastrointestinal symptoms.
The high fiber content of edamame could potentially aggravate IBS symptoms like diarrhea, gas, bloating and abdominal discomfort. FODMAPs in edamame may also trigger IBS flare-ups for some.
Those with a history of digestive issues when eating gas-producing foods may want to avoid edamame. If introducing edamame, go slow and monitor for any acute GI symptoms. This allows identifying if edamame is well-tolerated or should be eliminated from your diet.
Gout
Individuals with gout may want to eat edamame and other soy foods with moderation. This vegetable contains purines.
In those predisposed to gout, increased purine intake can raise uric acid levels. Excess uric acid accumulation may lead to gout attacks and painful flares.
However, research indicates the purine content in soy is low compared to other legumes. Those without gout concerns can feel comfortable eating edamame. But if you have gout, discuss with your doctor about including edamame and optimal frequency and serving sizes.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
The effects of soy foods like edamame on RA inflammation are controversial. Some research indicates phytoestrogens may help lower inflammation. However, other studies found joint problems like pain and stiffness increased in RA patients consuming soy.
More research is still needed, but it may be prudent for individuals with RA to limit edamame until more definitive evidence on effects and safety is available. As always, it’s important to discuss your specific condition with a rheumatologist when assessing whether edamame is appropriate.
People taking blood pressure medications
Edamame may not be suitable for those taking certain blood pressure drugs. The isoflavones in this soybean have been shown to lower blood pressure modestly in people with hypertension.
This blood pressure-reducing effect can be beneficial for most people. However, for individuals taking medications like ACE inhibitors or calcium channel blockers, eating edamame could potentially cause blood pressure to dip too low.
If you take these types of anti-hypertensive drugs, check with your prescribing doctor about whether the impact of edamame on blood pressure is a risk requiring dietary changes. They may recommend avoiding edamame or limiting intake.
Conclusion
For most people, eating edamame is perfectly healthy and carries little risk. However, those with soy allergies, sensitivities to phytoestrogens, certain conditions, or taking medications may need to avoid or limit edamame.
Check with your healthcare provider if you have concerns about eating this soybean. They can offer personalized advice about whether you should avoid edamame or are able to safely incorporate it into a healthy diet.
With the right precautions for specific health issues, the majority of people can enjoy edamame and take advantage of the nutritional benefits of this green soybean. Just be aware of any potential interactions with medications and existing conditions that warrant caution with edamame intake.
References
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