Soybean can prevent Heart Disease

The claim: Soy prevents heart disease

What you need to know : According to a recent study from Johns Hopkins University, soy appears to play a role in lowering cholesterol in postmenopausal women. By mimicking the hormone estrogen, isoflavones (plant compounds in soy that act like weak forms of the hormone) may prevent cholesterol levels from rising in postmenopausal women. But young women produce estrogen on their own, so additional benefits from soy would likely be minimal.

The explanation: “Estrogen keeps cholesterol levels steady; cholesterol tends to increase after women enter menopause and no longer make this hormone,” says study author Jerilyn K. Allen, Sc.D., an associate dean for research at Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing.

The bottom line: Just because your cholesterol levels won’t plummet from eating soy doesn’t mean it won’t help your heart. Soy is a good alternative to meat because it’s lower in cholesterolraising saturated fat. Use soy-based meat substitutes in lasagna or tofu in stir-fries occasionally, and try tofu as a replacement for cheese (also high in saturated fat).

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