Soy and cardiovascular health
Soy protein appears to help lower cholesterol blood levels, particularly low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). The American Health Association recommends replacing animal protein with soy protein as part of a balanced, low-fat diet. People who consume 25 to 50 grams of soy protein daily can lower their LDL-C levels by as much as 8 percent. In combination with other cholesterol-lowering approaches such as increased daily exercise, soy in the diet contributes to a heart-healthy lifestyle. Soy protein contains isoflavones-notably genistein, daidzein, and glycetein-that help to reduce the formation of ATHEROSCLEROTIC PLAQUE, thus lowering the risk for ATHEROSCLEROSIS and related conditions such as CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE (CAD). Soy protein is also high in fiber, helping absorb dietary cholesterol and fats in the intestinal tract to reduce the amount that enters the blood circulation.
| DIETARY SOURCES OF SOY PROTEIN | |
|---|---|
| soy cheese | soy flour |
| soybeans (boiled or roasted) | soy milk |
| textured vegetable protein (TVP) products | tofu |
See also CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE PREVENTION; DIET AND CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH; HORMONE-DRIVEN CANCERS; LIFESTYLE AND CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH.
