Diet & Lifestyle  Food

Soya protein reduces cholesterol

Researchers in North Carolina, USA(1) have demonstrated that soya protein can help reduce serum cholesterol levels. Studying the effects of isolated natural soy protein on blood concentration of total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, the researchers monitored 156 healthy men and women whose LDL cholesterol levels were between 3.62mm and 5.17mm and recorded the percentage change after the patients had consumed 25g of soy protein daily over a period of nine weeks.

The results showed the soy protein lowered the LDL cholesterol levels by as much as 10%. Without affecting triglyceride concentrations or high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, the natural soy protein significantly reduced the blood concentrations of the LDL.

The results were corroborated by further research in Eastern Europe (2) which investigated the influence of soya protein in patients suffering with ischaemic heart disease and high blood pressure. The results showed a positive effect on the course of the diseases and lipid spectrum of the blood

These studies demonstrate the positive effect of a diet high in soya protein on the cardiovascular system of the body and indicate that soya protein offers significant benefits for patients suffering from cardiovascular disease.

Sources:

(1) Crouse JR 3^rd et al. A randomized trial comparing the effect of caesin with that of soy protein containing varying amounts of isoflavones on plasma concentrations of lipids and lipoproteins. Archives of Internal Medicine. 159(17):2070-6. 27 Sep 1999

(2) Pogozheva AV et al. Effects of antiatherosclerosis diet including soy protein on the dynamics of clinical, biochemical and immunologic indicators in patients with ischemic heart disease and hypertension. Voprosy Pitaniia 68(4): 27-31. 1999