Experiments on both animals and humans have
shown that soybean protein has hypocholesterolemic and anti-atherogenic property [8]. Recently, in a meta
analysis of the effects of soy protein intake on serum
lipids, soy protein significantly decreased serum concentrations
of total cholesterol, low density lipoproteins
(LDL) cholesterol and triglycerides when compared
with protein of animal origin [9,10]. Studies in primates
indicate that soy protein may exert its anti-atherogenic
effects via associated isoflavones [11]. Soy isoflavones
also have antioxidant properties, which may protect
LDL from oxidation [12]. Consumption of 25 g of
soybean protein per day can contribute to the lowering
of serum cholesterol levels and the prevention of heart
disease [13]. This health claim places soy foods among
a selected category of ‘functional foods’ possessing
unique medicinal, as well as, nutritional value.