SOY BENEFITS FOR CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM Purpose C

SOY BENEFITS FOR CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and many other countries. Soy protein has been identified as a substance that may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. This research paper investigates the benefits of soy for the cardiovascular system. A questionnaire developed by the investigator was used as a technical component to survey soy benefits related to cardiovascular health. The literature reports the benefits of soy regarding cardiovascular disease. This study will provide additional support regarding these soy benefits.

This literature review discusses the benefits of soy for the cardiovascular system. Included in the presentation will be the effects of soy on cholesterol and blood pressure.

Benefits of Soy For Cardiovascular System

In October, 1999, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved labeling of foods with soy protein, with claims for reduction of risk of heart disease. The product must meet requirements for low amounts of fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol, and at least 6.25 g of soy protein per serving. Foods that may carry this label include soy beverages and meat alternatives, tofu, tempeh, and whole soybean foods (Stein 292). The health claim was approved after more than 20 years of research addressing this issue.

Research regarding coronary heart disease (CHD) has been centered around its association to fat a

Related Essays

Analysis of a Drug Study .... Benefits are within 1-3 weeks with full effects .... estrogens from plant sources such as .... and yams .... it has been recommended for reduced cardiovascular risk in .... (4153 17 )

Overview of Menopause .... 4. Cardiovascular disease, although this is more common a risk .... exercise, vitamins, fish oils, .... products, herbs .... have indicated that several benefits are also .... (1170 5 )

for decreasing CVD risk was concluded (Potter, Baum, Teng, Stillman, Shay, & Erdman 4). A study of women aged 45 to 55 years examined effects of phytoestrogens on cholesterol. A carbohydrate diet without soy was compared to a diet with 20 g of soy protein (34 mg phytoestrogens) and a diet of 20 g soy protein (34 mg). Serum cholesterol levels were lowered for both soy diets; LDL cholesterol was reduced 7.5%. Triglyceride levels were also lowered. A reduction of 6% in total cholesterol levels is expected to reduce CHD by around 12%, which suggests the benefits of soy protein for the cardiovascular system (Apgar 1492). A further benefit includes the lack of any side effects from phytooestrogen properties (Finking, Hess, & Hanke 455). Human studies over a 25 year period have shown the hypocholesterolemic effects of soy protein (Talksoy 2). The consumption of 2 oz soy protein for 4 weeks, decreases total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol 10% to 20%. Soy has been found to lower triglyceride levels, particularly in cases where they are elevated. A meta-analysis of 38 studies showed that average intakes of 47 g soy protein per day resulted in 13% decrease in LDL cholesterol levels and 10% decrease in triglyceride

Category: Medical - S