Nutrition News & Views

October 27, 1999
Soy Health Claims-October 1999/No.3

Every day scientific discoveries are being made in healthcare. Among the most significant findings are those related to the cure and prevention of chronic diseases. There is now enough evidence to indicate that soy protein plays a major part in fighting heart disease and cancer. Thus, the Food and Drug Administration has recently authorized the use of health claims on soy protein products.

Soy and Heart Disease

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a serious form of cardiovascular disease and the cause of many deaths in the United States. The risk factor for CHD is a high total cholesterol level and a high low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol level. Studies have shown that eating soy protein along with a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol will lower high blood cholesterol levels. Soy protein also protects blood cholesterol from forming plaque in arteries, which can cause heart disease. Research has shown that the phytosterols (plant sterols) in soy may reduce cholesterol levels by reducing cholesterol absorption.

Soy and Cancer

Soy protein contains many naturally occurring substances called phytochemicals. These "plant chemicals" may inhibit the enzymes necessary for growth and spread of many types of cancer, like colon, breast, and prostate cancer. They may also interfere with the activity of enzymes that convert normal cells into cancer cells.

Soy protein plays a major role in reducing the risk of coronary heart disease and cancer. You may now see a health claim on food package labels to indicate this. For food products to qualify for the health claim, the food must contain at least 6.25 grams of soy protein per serving, one fourth of the effective level. The label will read: "Diets low in saturated fat and cholesterol that include 25 grams of soy protein a day may reduce risk of heart disease. One serving of (name of food) provides (number) grams of soy protein."

A good way to introduce soy into your diet is through meat alternatives. Some examples are soy burgers, soy-containing hot dogs and sausage and textured soy protein (TSP) which can replace ground beef in various dishes. Soy-based meat alternatives are excellent sources of protein, iron, and some B vitamins.

Studies indicate that soy protein does reduce the effects of CHD and cancer. Today is a good day to include soy protein in your diet.

Submitted by Judy Wingert, MSU Dietetic Intern
Distributed by Barbara McLaurin, Ph.D., R.D., L.D., Human Nutrition Specialist, MSU Extension Service, October 1999

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