Other Heart Benefits 
of Soy Protein

Researchers have identified a number of other ways in which consuming soy protein may help reduce the risk CVD. One area of study concerns the ability of soy protein with naturally occurring isoflavones and other bioactives to decrease the extent of plaque formation in arteries. Some researchers are investigating the effect of soy protein and/or bioactives on the normal functioning of your blood vessels. Another approach is to look at the effects of individual isoflavones on the formation of blood clots. Another exciting area of study is the potential ability of soy protein to reduce the oxidation of LDL-cholesterol.

Antioxidant Effect of Soy Protein The discovery that oxidized LDL-cholesterol is more damaging to your arteries has spurred research interest in antioxidants, substances that can delay or prevent oxidation. Some research has shown that the isoflavone genistein inhibits the oxidation of LDL-cholesterol in the laboratory.

Other researchers conducted a small study in healthy volunteers who consumed three bars containing soy protein with naturally occurring bioactives every day for two weeks. LDL-cholesterol was isolated from blood samples taken both during soy intake and again while the participants weren't consuming soy. When the various LDL-cholesterol samples were exposed to an oxidizing agent, oxidation of the samples taken during soy intake was delayed by 20 minutes, indicating that this LDL-cholesterol was resistant to oxidation.

Effect of Soy Protein on Blood Coagulation Blood clots are often responsible for totally blocking an artery already narrowed by atherosclerosis. Laboratory studies suggest that soy isoflavones, especially genistein, have a favorable effect on blood clot formation. Several mechanisms appear to be involved, all of which alter the processes that typically result in the formation of blood clots associated with atherosclerotic plaque.

Effect of Soy Protein on Blood Vessel Health Normal, healthy arteries expand when exposed to acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter naturally occurring in the body. Arteries damaged by atherosclerosis, on the other hand, constrict in response to acetylcholine. This reduction in vascular reactivity is highly associated with fatal heart attacks.

In one study, male and female monkeys were given soy protein either containing naturally occurring isoflavones and other bioactives (Soy+) or with the bioactives removed (Soy-). Next, their coronary arteries were exposed to acetylcholine. The arteries of both groups of male monkeys constricted in response to acetylcholine although the monkeys in the Soy+ group had less constriction. The female monkeys in the Soy+ group experienced a dilation of their arteries in response to acetylcholine. The arteries of the female monkeys in the Soy- group constricted in response to acetylcholine. However, when these monkeys were later given the isoflavone genistein in the purified form intravenously, their arteries dilated.

Effect of Soy Protein on Atherosclerotic Plaque In another study researchers actually measured the amount of atherosclerotic plaque present in the arteries of monkeys consuming either casein, soy protein with containing naturally occurring isoflavones and other bioactives (Soy+), or soy protein with the bioactives removed (Soy-). They found that the monkeys in the Soy+ group had 90% less atherosclerosis than monkeys receiving casein and 50% less than monkeys in the Soy- group. When the researchers measured the size of the atherosclerotic areas that were present, they found that monkeys in the Soy+ group had the smallest areas of atherosclerosis, monkeys receiving casein had the largest areas, and monkeys in the Soy- group fell somewhere in between. The researchers concluded that the beneficial effects of soy protein on atherosclerosis appeared to be due to the isoflavones that were present.

Who Should be Consuming Soy Protein? Clinical studies in humans, backed up by laboratory and animal research, support the value of consuming soy protein with naturally occurring bioactives to help prevent cardiovascular disease (CVD). Who can benefit from consuming soy protein?

Clinical studies in humans, backed up by laboratory and animal research, support the value of consuming soy protein with naturally occurring bioactives to help prevent cardiovascular disease (CVD). Who can benefit from consuming soy protein?

Men Men are at increased risk of developing CVD. Consuming soy protein daily can be a safe and nutritious way to reduce this risk. Women CVD is the number one killer of women. Eating soy protein each day can be a healthy way to lower LDL-cholesterol and reduce the risk of CVD, which increases in women as they reach menopause. Children Early changes in artery walls that occur before the development of atherosclerosis often start in childhood. Daily consumption of soy protein not only provides top quality protein for a child's growth and development but may help prevent elevated levels of LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides that contribute to CVD. Older Adults You're never too old to benefit from consuming soy protein. Lowering LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides, improving the elasticity of your arteries, decreasing your tendency to form blood clots that can block your arteries--these are all good ways for older individuals to protect and preserve their heart health. So who should be consuming soy protein? The answer is "everyone." Whether you're male or female, young or old, you're sure to benefit from consuming soy protein every day.