Information on Soy Protein (Isoflavones) and Lowering Cholesterol Levels

Researchers recently reported that people who added 40 grams of soy protein to their daily diet may see an increase in levels of "good" cholesterol in their blood even if there blood cholesterol is normal.

The Food and Drug Administration allows a health claim that 25 grams of soy protein a day may reduce the risk of heart disease.

One study in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that diets high in soy, fiber, fruits and vegetables are nearly as effective at lowering cholesterol as statin drugs.

One item researchers looked into was what was the most valuable health benefit of the soy: The soy isoflavones or the soy protein? Leading soy researchers at the University of Kentucky believe that approximately 70% to 80% of the soybeans' benefits can be credited to soy isoflavones. Daidzien and genistein are the naturally-occurring soy isoflavones.

Soy foods are a delicious way to balance cholesterol levels without side effects.

The goal of any cholesterol-lowering program is to lower "bad" LDL cholesterol, which is easily oxidized and sticks to artery walls, and to increase "good" HDL cholesterol, which clears LDL out of the body. The proteins contained in soy reliably lower LDL and raise HDL. In one study, LDL decreased by 11% and the ratio of LDL to HDL decreased by 19%. (The lower the ratio, the lower the risk of heart disease.) In another study, a liquid diet with protein from soy increased HDL 11% and reduced LDL by 26%. When protein from meat or dairy products is replaced with soy protein in research studies, cholesterol levels change for the better.

How does soy consistently have these impressive effects on cholesterol?

Improves cholesterol clearance. It's thought that soy protein attaches to bile in the intestines and carries it out of the body in the feces. It is also possible that soy somehow changes the way cholesterol is processed, with the end result of higher HDL (good cholesterol) and lower LDL (bad cholesterol) in the circulation.

Cholesterol-lowering effects of phytoestrogens. Because soy isoflavones are phytoestrogens, or plant estrogens, they behave like the hormone estrogen in the body. Estrogen is known to increase the number of LDL receptors in cells. When LDLs attach to those receptors, fewer are left circulating in the bloodstream.

Soy Protein’s Top Ten Benefits – Click Here!

Soy foods are a delicious way to balance cholesterol levels without side effects.

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