Is cholesterol-lowering the only way soy protects the heart?

The isoflavones found naturally in soy protein may protect the heart in other ways. Isoflavones are known to act as anti-oxidants and studies have shown that an important part in the development of atherosclerotic plaques involves the oxidation of LDL cholesterol. Dr. Jonathon Hodgson and colleagues from the University of Western Australia ⁵ , plus researchers from other centres have shown that the isoflavones in soy inhibit lipoprotein oxidation.

Soy isoflavones inhibit other processes that are key in the formation of plaques inside the arteries ⁶ . Soy isoflavones may also influence the formation of blood clots ⁷ that block arteries, which are one of the factors responsible for 'heart attack'.

More recent research indicates that soy protein helps to relax blood vessels ⁸ and lower blood pressure levels ⁹ , ¹⁰ . In addition, soy protein with isoflavones, combined with soy fibre has been shown to reduce homocysteine levels ¹¹ , a key marker of heart disease risk. Further research in these areas, however, is needed.