Soy Protein Confirmed to Help Reduce Cholesterol
Solae, a leader in soy protein innovation and technology, unveiled a new study today at the 8th International Symposium on the Role of Soy in Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention and Treatment. A new meta-analysis confirms that soy protein consumption can lead to a meaningful and significant reduction in blood cholesterol levels. Solae is also presenting a poster that defines one of the possible mechanisms by which soy lowers cholesterol and protects against heart disease.
Numerous studies show that soy consumption may be associated with a lower incidence of certain chronic diseases, notably heart disease. These findings led to the approval of the health claim for soy protein in the prevention of heart disease risk by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) in 1999. The FDA-approved health claim helps promote the daily consumption of 25 grams of soy for lowering cholesterol levels and reducing the risk of heart disease.
The meta-analysis found reductions in total cholesterol of 9.54 mg/dL and reductions in LDL cholesterol of 7.12 mg/dL (which is about a 4 and 5 percent reduction respectively). The meta-analyses also looked at individuals who had high and normal blood cholesterols and found that soy protein consumption resulted in a significant reduction in blood cholesterol for both groups.
This and other studies further confirm the heart health benefits of soy protein. Research continues to show that consuming 25 grams of soy protein per day results in significant and meaningful reductions in total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. Soy protein can easily be a part of a healthy, low-cholesterol, low-fat diet and can be incorporated into a variety of food forms, including bars, beverages and cereal, to make eating heart healthy convenient for consumers.
SOURCE: Medical News Today