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New Study Published in The Journal of the American Medical Association Indicates “The Portfolio Diet” Reduces Cholesterol as Effectively as Statins
Research from the University of Toronto suggests a diet of combined plant-based foods such as soy protein may reduce LDL cholesterol equally as well as prescription drug therapy

ST. LOUIS – July 24, 2002 – A new study published Wednesday in The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) suggests that a diet combining soy protein, almonds, plant sterols and viscous fiber may reduce levels of LDL “bad” cholesterol and positively affect other risk factors associated with heart disease as effectively as cholesterol-lowering statins – a common drug therapy prescribed for people with high cholesterol levels.
Participants in the study consumed a diet that included soyfoods such as soymilk, tempeh (cultured soybean cake), tofu and veggie burgers; high-fiber foods such as oat bran; almonds; margarines that included phytosterols; as well as healthy oils such as olive oil.
“ Each of these dietary components is thought to act on a different cholesterol-lowering mechanism in the body,” explained Dr. Debra Miller, director of Nutrition Science Communications for the Solae Company, which produced the soy protein used in the study. “Combining these foods together seems to have an additive – and very positive – effect as it relates to heart health.”
Results of the research showed that participants who adhered to the Portfolio Diet reduced their LDL cholesterol and C-Reactive Protein (a marker of inflamed arteries and a known risk factor for heart disease) approximately 30 percent – the same percentage as participants who followed a low-fat diet and took statins. Those following a low-fat diet alone experienced an 8 percent reduction in LDL cholesterol and C-Reactive Protein.
The results of the study are promising for people who would like an alternative to taking prescription medication for high cholesterol. However, people who want to improve their overall health can look to the portfolio Diet for guidance, suggested Dr. Miller. “This study also is great for people who, instead of needing to aggressively lower their cholesterol, want to add a few foods to their diet that will improve or protect their heart. For instance, adding just a few soyfoods such as soymilk or nutrition bars with soy protein is a simple way to do something that’s good for you.”
This study builds on numerous other studies that indicate eating a diet rich in soy protein has several heart health benefits. The body of evidence is so significant that in 1999 the Food and Drug Administration released a claim stating, “25 grams of soy protein a day, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.” The claim was based on more than 50 independent scientific studies that concluded that soy protein consumption resulted in reductions in total blood cholesterol and LDL cholesterol – an important factor in lowering the risk of coronary heart disease and maintaining heart health.

The Solae Company
For more than 30 years, The Solae Company (an innovative venture between DuPont and Bunge) has invested in fundamental research to further understand the real health benefits of soy protein. The Solae Company researchers also have studied the effects of soy protein on heart health for more than a quarter century. Other areas of study related to soy protein include sports nutrition (15 years), prevention of cancer (10 years), and women’s health (10 years).
During the past six years, researchers have used soy protein products produced by The Solae Company in approximately 400 completed or ongoing soy studies. Of those studies, 110 focus on the effect of soy protein on heart health, 96 involve the effect of soy protein on women’s health (e.g. menopause and bone health), and 83 involve research surrounding soy protein and its effect on certain types of cancer such as breast and prostate cancer. More than 100 additional studies explore the effects of soy protein on other conditions such as weight management.
Because of its high quality, the majority of current scientific research involving soy use soy protein produced
by The Solae Company. At present, more than 200 studies are being conducted using its soy protein. More than 180 leading universities and research institutes trust soy protein produced by The Solae Company for research initiatives.
For more about the health benefits of soy protein including additional research and resources, please visit www.solaeliving.com.

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