Many people struggle with high cholesterol levels. High cholesterol can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. Fortunately, making changes to your diet can help you lower your cholesterol and improve your overall health.

One of the best foods for lowering cholesterol is soy protein. Here’s why:.

What is Soy Protein?

Soy protein is a type of protein that is derived from soybeans. Soybeans are a legume that is native to East Asia. Soy protein is a complete protein, which means that it contains all nine essential amino acids that your body needs to function properly.

Soy protein can be found in various forms, including soy milk, tofu, tempeh, and edamame.

How Soy Protein Lowers Cholesterol

Soy protein can help lower cholesterol in several ways. One of the main ways is by reducing the amount of LDL cholesterol in your bloodstream, which is commonly known as “bad” cholesterol.

Soy protein also has the ability to raise your levels of HDL cholesterol, which is “good” cholesterol. Here are a few other ways that soy protein helps lower cholesterol:.

Soy Protein Reduces Inflammation

Inflammation is a significant factor in heart disease. Studies have shown that consuming soy protein can reduce inflammation in the body, which can help lower your risk of heart disease.

Soy Protein is High in Fiber

Fiber is an important nutrient for heart health. It helps reduce cholesterol levels by binding to cholesterol in the digestive tract and removing it from the body.

Soy protein is an excellent source of fiber, with one cup of cooked soybeans providing over 10 grams of fiber.

Soy Protein is a Heart-Healthy Alternative to Meat

Meat is one of the richest sources of saturated fat, which can increase your cholesterol levels. Soy protein, on the other hand, is low in saturated fat and can be an excellent substitute for meat in your diet.

How to Add Soy Protein to Your Diet

If you’re looking to add soy protein to your diet, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are a few ideas:.

Drink soy milk or use it in place of regular milk in recipes.
Eat tofu, which can be used in a variety of dishes.
Try tempeh, which is a fermented soybean product that can be grilled, sautéed, or used in sandwiches.
Snack on edamame, which are boiled soybeans that can be enjoyed hot or cold.

Are There Any Risks to Eating Soy Protein?

While soy protein is generally considered safe, some people may experience side effects. Soy protein contains compounds called phytoestrogens, which mimic the effects of estrogen in the body.

This can be a concern for women who have a history of hormone-related cancers, such as breast cancer. However, the evidence is inconclusive, and most studies suggest that moderate soy consumption is not harmful.

The Bottom Line

Soy protein is an excellent choice for anyone looking to lower their cholesterol levels and improve their heart health. It is a complete protein, high in fiber, and low in saturated fat.

There are plenty of ways to add soy protein to your diet, and it can be a delicious and healthy addition to any meal.