Soy may help protect against cardiovascular disease

• Main Authors: Emily R. Cena, Francene M. Steinberg
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources 2011-07-01
• Series: California Agriculture
• Online Access: http://calag.ucanr.edu/archive/?article=ca.v065n03p118

Diet and lifestyle choices are major factors contributing to the risk of cardiovascular disease, which is responsible for more deaths in the United States than any other cause. One dietary component that has received considerable attention for its potential cardioprotective effects is soybeans, which contain lean vegetable protein, dietary fiber and bioactive compounds known as isoflavones. Recent research investigating the relationship between soy and cardiovascular disease has identified several potential mechanisms for the observed protective effects, including cholesterol-lowering properties, antioxidant activity and gene regulation. This review highlights current understanding of the complex relationship between soy and the risk of cardiovascular disease.