Soya beans, like many vegetables and pulses, contain phytoestrogens – plant oestrogens.

Research has shown that soya consumed in the diet or as isoflavone-containing supplements can reduce cholesterol levels, though not by the amounts achieved with cholesterol lowering drugs, such as statins. Reductions are closer to those achieved with cholesterol lowering spreads, such as Flora pro-activ and Benecol.

The principal isoflavones in the soya bean are genistein, daidzein and glycetin. These are usually found in the form of glycosides, which after ingestion are hydrolysed in the large intestine by the action of bacteria to release isoflavones.

Soya protein and supplements containing isoflavones have been investigated for their role in cardiovascular risk reduction. Several studies in animals and humans have shown that soya can reduce both total and low- density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, particularly in people with raised cholesterol levels. The mechanisms by which soya foods could reduce cholesterol are being investigated and may include enhancement of bile acid secretion and reduced cholesterol metabolism.

Posted: 01|20|07 at 6:51 pm. Filed under: News.