AHA: Soy Offers few Benefits
Reported January 23, 2006
(Ivanhoe Newswire) — The American Heart Association recently re-evaluated a statement published by an association committee in 2000 stating soy protein is good for the heart.
The committee analyzed 22 studies on soy products and found soy actually offers very few heart benefits. Researchers say soy, taken in large amounts, only slightly decreases low-density lipoproteins, or bad cholesterol, but doesn’t show any other significant benefits for the heart — or the rest of the body.
It agreed soy may still prove a healthy alternative to high-fat foods, but disagreed on its ability to slow postmenopausal bone loss.
Researchers have not determined if using soy to treat breast, endometrial and prostate cancer is safe, nor have they established its effectiveness in combating hot flashes or osteoporosis. Frank M. Sacks, M.D., professor of nutrition at the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston, says, “There is nothing proven in this regard.” He also says, “There is little effect on hot flashes and the osteoporosis prevention effects are mixed.”
Considering adverse effects on many people, the committee says the use of isoflavone supplements is not recommended.
SOURCE: Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association, published online Jan. 23, 2006