Soy Protein Improves Blood Vessel Health

Soybean protein is generally considered a healthy food, based on studies that suggest a favorable effect on cholesterol and blood pressure.  C M Rebholz, from Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine (Louisiana, USA), and colleagues examine the effect of soybean protein on biomarkers of inflammation, endothelial dysfunction and adipocytokines.  102 men and women were enrolled in a double-blind, three-phase crossover trial in which each subject was randomized to eight-week consumption phases of soy protein (40 g per day, containing 89.3 mg of isoflavones), milk protein (40 g per day), or complex carbohydrate (40 g per day, as placebo). Improvements in plasma levels of inflammation biomarkers (C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α), endothelial dysfunction biomarkers (E-selectin, intercellular adhesion molecule-1, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, thrombomodulin) and adipocytokines (high-molecular weight adiponectin, leptin, resistin) – signaling molecules produced by fat tissue all underwent significant improvement in the phase involving the soy protein.