Soybeans could be a natural way to lower cholesterol levels, with a new study suggesting that it may have a similar effect as medication commonly used to manage cholesterol levels known as statins.
Published by Antioxidants, the research analyzed 19 different types of soybeans, measuring the extent of absorption of LDL cholesterol, or "bad" cholesterol, after exposing each individual soybean flour to a simulation of digestion using fatty cells.
The study found that two proteins found in soybeans, glycinin and B-conglycinin, helped to reduce cholesterol.
"We measured several parameters associated with cholesterol and lipid metabolism and various other markers—proteins and enzymes—that positively or negatively affect lipid metabolism," explained study author Dr. Elvira de Meji, professor of food science at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, as reported by Medical News Today.
Soybeans may be just as effective as statin medication in managing overall cholesterol levels, according to a new study published in Antioxidants. Researchers examined 19 types of soybeans with different levels of glycinin and B-conglycinin and found that two soybean proteins - glycinin and B-conglycinin - helped lower cholesterol levels.
The study compared the effectiveness of soybeans and cholesterol statin medication Simvastatin, which is also known as Zocor, and found that soybeans reduced lipid accumulation by 50% to 70%, which was comparable to Simvastatin's 60% reduction.
The researchers concluded that selected soybean varieties might regulate cholesterol and LDL homeostasis, preventing atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases. While the study was conducted in vitro, registered dietitian Stephanie Wells cautions that whole soy foods like edamame, tempeh, and soy curls could have different results from the defatted soybeans tested in the study.
However, including soybeans in a heart-healthy diet can be a good choice for those looking to lower their cholesterol.