Beyond the Cholesterol-Lowering Effect of Soy Protein: A Review of the Effects of Dietary Soy and Its Constituents on Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease.
The hypocholesterolemic effect of soy is well-documented and this has led to the regulatory approval of a health claim relating soy protein to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, soybeans contain additional components, such as isoflavones, lecithins, saponins and fiber that may improve cardiovascular health through independent mechanisms. This review summarizes the evidence on the cardiovascular benefits of non-protein soy components in relation to known CVD risk factors such as hypertension, hyperglycemia, inflammation, and obesity beyond cholesterol lowering. Overall, the available evidence suggests non-protein soy constituents improve markers of cardiovascular health; however, additional carefully designed studies are required to independently elucidate these effects. Further, work is also needed to clarify the role of isoflavone-metabolizing phenotype and gut microbiota composition on biological effect.
Guelph Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Guelph, ON N1G 5C9, Canada. dan.ramdath@agr.gc.ca.
D Dan
DD
Ramdath
Guelph Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Guelph, ON N1G 5C9, Canada. epadhi@gmail.com.
Emily M T
EM
Padhi
Guelph Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Guelph, ON N1G 5C9, Canada. sidra9518@gmail.com.
Sidra
S
Sarfaraz
Guelph Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Guelph, ON N1G 5C9, Canada. srenwick@mail.uoguelph.ca.
Simone
S
Renwick
Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2E1, Canada. amduncan@uoguelph.ca.
Alison M
AM
Duncan
D000818:Animals; D000924:Anticholesteremic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008076:Cholesterol, HDL / Q000097:blood; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL / Q000097:blood; D004032:Diet; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D006801:Humans; D007529:Isoflavones / Q000494:pharmacology; D015201:Meta-Analysis as Topic; D064887:Observational Studies as Topic; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012307:Risk Factors; D012527:Satiation; D030262:Soybean Proteins / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013025:Glycine max / Q000737:chemistry*; D014280:Triglycerides / Q000097:blood
D000924:Anticholesteremic Agents; D015415:Biomarkers; D008076:Cholesterol, HDL; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL; D007529:Isoflavones; D030262:Soybean Proteins; D014280:Triglycerides
Dietary soy; cardiovascular disease; cholesterol; functional foods; isoflavones; lipids; obesity; soy protein