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Soy: Does it reduce cholesterol?
By Mayo Clinic staffOriginal Article: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/soy/AN01289
- With Mayo Clinic cardiologist
Thomas Behrenbeck, M.D., Ph.D.
read biographyclose windowBiography of
Thomas Behrenbeck, M.D., Ph.D.
Thomas Behrenbeck, M.D.
Dr. Thomas Behrenbeck is a native of Germany, where he received his medical education at the Westfalian Wilhelm University in Munster and became board certified in internal medicine and cardiology.
He also received a Ph.D. in biophysics and physiology at the University of Minnesota. Dr. Behrenbeck joined the Mayo Clinic staff in 1990 and is currently an associate professor at Mayo Medical School and an academic faculty member at the Westfalian Wilhelm University. He is the past chair of the Cardiovascular Medicine & Surgery NetWork of the American College of Chest Physicians.
Dr. Behrenbeck is a noninvasive cardiologist, specializing in cardiovascular (CV) imaging modalities (echocardiography, nuclear cardiology and CT), coronary artery disease and prevention of coronary artery disease. His research interests are the application of imaging technology to early recognition and treatment of atherosclerosis. He is passionate about patients' involvement in their health issues.
"The Internet and patient education present ideal synergies in the ever-growing field of knowledge in cardiology," he says.
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Question
Soy: Does it reduce cholesterol?
Does soy reduce cholesterol?
Answer
from Thomas Behrenbeck, M.D., Ph.D.
Possibly. Although eating soy-based foods can slightly reduce your low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or "bad") cholesterol level, the American Heart Association has concluded that soy doesn't significantly lower cholesterol. However, eating soy-based foods can still be good for you because soy-based foods contain less saturated fat than meat does and also provide other beneficial nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and fiber.
If you substitute soy for animal-based products, this switch — rather than the soy itself — may reduce your cholesterol.
Talk to your doctor or dietitian if you're interested in adding more soy to your diet.
Next questionHigh cholesterol treatment: Does cinnamon lower cholesterol?
- Sacks FM, et al. Soy protein, isoflavones, and cardiovascular health: An American Heart Association science advisory for professionals from the Nutrition Committee. Circulation. 2006;113:1034.
- Jenkins DJA, et al. Soy protein reduces serum cholesterol by both intrinsic and food displacement mechanisms. Journal of Nutrition. 2010;140:2302S.
- Messina M. Insights gained from 20 years of soy research. Journal of Nutrition. 2010;140:2289S.
- Soy. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. http://www.naturaldatabase.com. Accessed Nov. 2, 2011.
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