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Arnold Schwarzenegger Debunks Misconceptions Claiming a Specific Protein Source Causes Cancer

Published 02/20/2023, 9:00 AM EST

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In 1970 a young Austrian established himself as the best bodybuilder in the world after winning that year’s Mr. Olympia. However, few would have thought the Austrian would soon revolutionize bodybuilding and help it become mainstream. The ‘Austrian Oak’ won the title six more times and, by the end of his bodybuilding career, had become a star who also busted several myths related to bodybuilding. Now 75, Arnold Schwarzenegger has started another quest to help the average working American improve their fitness levels. However, he is still busting myths.

In December 2022, Arnold Schwarzenegger announced his plans to start a newsletter, The Pump Daily. In a recent edition of the newsletter, the seven-time Mr. Olympia busted a myth surrounding the cancer-causing probabilities of a particular type of protein.

Arnold Schwarzenegger reveals if soy causes cancer

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A reader of The Pump Daily had asked the Terminator actor, “Does soy cause cancer?” Soy protein is among the most popular forms of protein, especially for vegetarians and vegans. Soys are cheap and one of the few non-meats that’s considered a complete protein. However, “soy protein — is clouded by conspiracy,” Schwarzenegger wrote in his newsletter.

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“Specifically, many people worry that soy will convert to estrogen and cause cancer,” clarified the 75-year-old. Another popular notion peddled by many in the world of online fitness is that eating a lot of soy can increase estrogen levels enough to cause gynecomastia. However, according to the seven-time Mr. Olympia, people who rely on soy for protein have nothing to worry about.

“Research suggests that not only does soy not cause cancer, but it can play a role in improving all-cause mortality,” wrote the Terminator actor in his newsletter. “Phytoestrogens (what’s found in soy) are much weaker than the human hormone of estrogen,” added Schwarzenegger. He explained the phytoestrogens found in soy don’t disturb the hormone balance of the human body and thus do not increase the risk of cancer.

Busting two myths with one newsletter

In the same edition of The Pump Daily, Schwarzenegger also busts another myth about intermittent fasting. In recent years fasting has become a craze in the world of fitness. Many people fast intermittently to fast-track their weight loss and reduce body fat levels. 

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However, Arnold Schwarzenegger highlighted the “dark secret” of intermittent fasting. “New research found that people who followed a time-restricted feeding plan (AKA intermittent fasting) lost more lean mass than those who didn’t,” said the bodybuilding icon. Hence those who feel fasting is the magic tool to getting shredded without losing muscle might want to rethink their approach.

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Watch this story | “Bible of Bodybuilding”–7x Mr. Olympia Arnold Schwarzenegger Once Explained the Book that Got Him Into Bodybuilding

What did you make of the info Arnold Schwarzenegger shared? Have you signed up for The Pump Daily? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by:

Sagnik Bagchi

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Sagnik Bagchi is a US Sports writer for EssentiallySports. He has completed his Bachelor's and Master's in English Literature from the University of Calcutta. He has experience working as a freelance MMA writer for Sportskeeda.
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Edited by:

Simar Singh Wadhwa