December 29, 1999 – Consumption of soy products containing a good proportion of isoflavones contributes significantly to lowering blood cholesterol levels in people with high cholesterol. And the higher the cholesterol levels, the more the drop.
These conclusions are those of a study carried out on 167 men and women with a blood cholesterol level greater than 140 ml per deciliter of blood. The group was split into two, one consuming isoflavone-free soy protein, the other consuming 3, 27, 37, or 62 mg of isoflavones daily for nine weeks. The group that consumed 37 or 62 mg of isoflavones saw their total cholesterol drop on average by 4 to 8%, with the level reaching 9% in people with cholesterol levels above 164 mg / dL. Cholesterol levels did not change in participants consuming soy without isoflavones or with 3 mg of isoflavones.
Isoflavones are part of the phytoestrogen family and many studies have now shown their positive effect on blood cholesterol levels and the risk of heart disease.
The findings of the current study show that consuming a soy protein containing isoflavones helps lower cholesterol levels more markedly than a diet with 300 mg per day of cholesterol and less than 30% of cholesterol. calories from fat, of which 8-10% is saturated fat.
HealthPassport.net
Crouse JR 3rd, Morgan T, Terry JG, Ellis J, Vitolins M, Burke GL. A randomized trial comparing the effect of casein with that of soy protein containing varying amounts of isoflavones on plasma concentrations of lipids and lipoproteins. Arch Intern Med. 1999 Sep 27; 159 (17): 2070-6.
