A new review taking in animal, human populations, and clinical trials supports the potential role of soy protein to reduce cholesterol levels, and aid weight loss.
According to the review, published recently in Obesity Reviews, the ingredients also have the added benefits of boosting bone health and aiding overall cardiovascular health.
"Overall, the current data suggest that soy foods are as good as other protein sources for promoting weight loss and there is a suggestive body of evidence that soyfoods may confer additional benefits, but results must be carefully interpreted and additional evidence is needed before making firm conclusions concerning soyfoods and weight loss," wrote lead author Mark Cope from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Soy proteins and soy peptides have received attention for their hypolipidaemic and hypocholesterolaemic properties, as well as their ability to lower blood pressure, improve arterial compliance and endothelial function, insulin resistance and weight loss in obesity.
Over 300m adults are obese worldwide, according to latest statistics from the WHO and the International Obesity Task Force. About one-quarter of the US adult population is said to be obese, with rates in Western Europe on the rise although not yet at similar levels.
The review, including results from eight human studies, found that weight loss was equivalent and, in some cases, equal when using soy protein, dairy milk meal replacements, beef or pork at equal calorie levels.
Moreover, there was a suggestion that soy protein may decrease short-term appetite and calorie intake.
They also reviewed the evidence concerning soy isoflavones aiding diabetes by stopping fat tissue build up and enhancing fat breakdown. While some evidence does exist of improved blood glucose and insulin levels as a result of consuming a soy-based diet, the data to date if limited.
The review also supported reports of the cholesterol-lowering benefits of soy, and that soy may reduce bone loss in women.
Source: Obesity Reviews
No comments:
Post a Comment