Soy protein helps reduce bad cholesterol by a small but important amount

In the newspapers

Posted: August 2019

Another way to reduce LDL (bad cholesterol) levels? Eat more soy protein, suggests a study published online April 22, 2019 by The nutrition journal.

The researchers examined 43 trials to evaluate the effect of soy on LDL levels. (High levels of LDL can cause cholesterol build up in the arteries and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.)

They discovered that by consuming an average of 25 grams of soy protein a day for six weeks, LDL levels decreased from about 3% to 4%, which is a small but nevertheless significant amount.

Soy is used in the manufacture of many food products, such as tofu, soy milk, veggie burgers and other meat substitutes, as well as protein powder for smoothies. About 3½ cups of soy milk or a large spoon of soy protein powder equals 25 grams of soy protein.

The FDA plans to remove soy from its list of heart-healthy foods because, in its opinion, the evidence showing that it lowers cholesterol is low, but this study could change this thinking.

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