Soy Protein benefits the heart in healthy young men

Although previous research has shown that soy protein can reduce risk factors for heart disease, few studies have involved healthy male subjects. New research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition studied the cardiovascular benefits of soy protein on healthy young men.

Male participants with an average age of 28, consumed milk protein isolate, low-isoflavone soy protein isolate and high-soy protein isolate for 57 days each. The different supplements were given randomly, each separated by a one- month break, to insure the sequence didn't influence the findings. Blood samples were collected at the beginning and end of each treatment period. Ratios of total cholesterol to HDL ("good") cholesterol, and LDL ("bad") cholesterol to HDL were significantly lower with both soy protein supplements, compared to the milk protein supplement.

In healthy young men, soy protein influences blood cholesterol ratios in a direction beneficial for the heart.

American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 83, No. 2, 244-251, February 2006.