Soy Protein Helps Control Cholesterol

Ivanhoe Newswire

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(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Filling up on foods that contain soy protein may help your heart.

A new report from Tulane University in New Orleans reveals soy protein helps lower your total cholesterol, bad cholesterol (low-density lipid or LDL) and triglycerides while at the same time slightly raises your good cholesterol (high-density lipid or HDL).

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Researchers analyzed data from 41 studies that took place between 1982 and 2004 and included 1,756 adults.

Results reveal including soy protein in the diet is associated with a significant reduction in the levels of total cholesterol, LDL and triglycerides and a significant increase in HDL.

"Our results support the notion that soy protein should be an important component of a comprehensive dietary intervention for the prevention and treatment of hypercholesterolemia [high blood cholesterol]," write the authors.

Researchers conclude replacing foods high in saturated fat, trans-fat and cholesterol with soy protein may help reduce the risk factors of heart disease.

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SOURCE: The American Journal of Cardiology, 2006;98:633-640