HealthLine99

Soy Protein may help improve blood cholesterol levels, through any benefit is likely to be small, according to an analysis of several dozen studies. Pooling data from 41 clinical trials conducted between 1982 and 2004, researchers found that people who were given isolated soy protein tended to see a decline in their bad cholesterol (low density lipoprotein or LDL) and triglycerides, another type of harmful blood fat.

Across the studies, soy protein lowered LDL cholesterol by about 4 points, on average, the researchers report in the American Journal of Cardiology. The findings echo those of a recent research analysis by the American Heart Association. That study concluded that isolated soy protein lowers LDL cholesterol by only a few points, and that supplements containing isoflavones – compounds found in soybeans that mimic estrogen – are ineffective.

The key is to eat soy products – like tofu, tempeh or soy nuts – in place of foods high in cholesterol-raising saturated fat or “trans” fats. Saturated fat is found in animal products, so replacing a hamburger with a soy burger could in animal products, so replacing a hamburger with a soy burger could be a heart-healthy move. Soybeans, on the other hand, contain heart-healthy unsaturated fat, as well as fibre an other nutrients that may help lower cholesterol.