(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease -- commonly known as COPD -- is most often caused by a lifetime of smoking. But could what a person eats make a difference?

Yes, report Australian researchers who surveyed 300 Japanese COPD patients about their diets, comparing them with 340 similar people without COPD. They found people who ate more soy were less likely to have the lung condition.

“It has been suggested that flavonoids from soy foods act as an anti-inflammatory agent in the lung, and can protect against tobacco carcinogens for smokers,” study author Dr. Fumi Hirayama was quoted as saying. He is quick to note, however, more study will be needed to understand exactly how soy may be affecting the risk for chronic lung disease.