Staying Healthy
Soy protein helps lower bad cholesterol a small but important amount
In the journals
Another way to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels? Eat more soy protein, suggests a study published online April 22, 2019, by The Journal of Nutrition.
Researchers examined 43 trials to evaluate the effect soy had on LDL levels. (High LDL levels can lead to a buildup of cholesterol in arteries and increase a person's risk of cardiovascular disease.)
They found that, on average, eating 25 grams of soy protein per day, over a six-week period, lowered LDL levels by about 3% to 4%, which is a small but still significant amount.
Soy is used to make many food products, such as tofu, soy milk, and veggie burgers and other meat substitutes, as well as a protein powder for smoothies. About 3½ cups of soy milk or a large scoop of soy protein powder equals 25 grams of soy protein.
The FDA is considering removing soy from its list of heart-healthy foods because in their opinion the evidence that it lowers cholesterol is weak, but this study may change that thinking.
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