| 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.
References
View cardiovascular
disease references list.
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