Study suggests soy intake can promote heart, bone health

NORTHRIDGE, Calif. New findings published in the April issue of the Journal of Nutrition suggest soy foods can play an important role in promoting heart and bone health.

"Each year, the amount of research conducted on the health effects of soy and soybean components continues to impress," stated Mark Messina, author of the report and professor of nutrition at Loma Linda University. "The research presented on soy and heart and bone health showed strong rationale for people to include soy in their diets."

According to a meta-analysis that was part of the review, soy in the diet netted a reduction in LDL cholesterol of approximately 5%, which is in line with other data. Over time, a 5% reduction in LDL cholesterol can reduce heart disease risk from 10 to 15%.

"Although modest compared to cholesterol-lowering drugs like statins, the cholesterol-lowering effects of soy protein are similar to those of soluble fiber and certainly relevant from a public health perspective," stated Messina. "Integrating a variety of heart-healthy foods - like soy, beans, nuts and certain vegetables - together into a healthy lifestyle are really the best approach to heart health."

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