• Soya beans should be used in moderation.Soy beans on green leaf image by Monika 3 Steps Ahead from Fotolia.com
  
  Soy is often consumed by people who are lactose intolerant or are looking to increase protein through various sources. Soy is often present in small amounts in various food items, and will not produce side effects. Excessive intake of soy can cause side effects, so reading labels on prepackaged food items is recommended.
  
  

Soy Beans

• Soy beans are part of the legume family, as are chickpeas, lentils and broad beans. Soy foods are commonly found in traditional Asian foods such as tofu, tempeh and miso. Soy provides a source of high-quality protein and has been included in the diet of Asian countries for centuries. Many people take soy supplements as part of a daily regimen, but also consume soy in various food products like legumes, yeast, egg yolk, soybean, wheat germ and peanuts. People with weak immune systems are more likely to experience soy milk side effects.
  
  

Soy's Effects on the Skin

• If soy is ingested in excessive quantities, skin problems like rashes and hives can arise. Occasionally, people experience skin itching. Unpleasant body odor can be a effect of soy. Soy side effects can also include swelling in the throat or facial swelling, excessive sweating, anaphylactic shock and sometimes, in very rare incidences, death, if an allergic reaction is evoked.
  
  

Soy Skin Benefits

• Soy can be beneficial to skin, if it is not an allergen to the person consuming it. Moderate amounts of tofu or a glass of soy milk can contribute to external skin benefits. Soy has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory influences on the skin. Isoflavones in soy can stimulate collagen production in the body. This increases the skin's underlying structure, which helps augment thickness and elasticity. Isoflavones can also inhibit matrix metallo-proteinases, which are enzymes that break down the network that supports the skin infrastructure. Soy can also soften skin. A benefit to soy topical treatments is that they do not include any hormonal ingredients.