Unexpected effects of soy milk on blood fat

Soy milk is popular because it is low in saturated fat and contains vegetable protein. Not only that, this type of milk also affects cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood.

One of the most commonly mentioned effects of soy milk is that it helps reduce "bad" LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol. A study by Stanford University (USA) showed that consuming about 25 grams of soy protein per day helps reduce LDL cholesterol by about 5%, according to the health website Healthline (USA).

Drinking soy milk regularly can help reduce blood fat.

PHOTO: AI

Meanwhile, a meta-analysis published in the Journal of Nutrition found that consuming about 25 grams of soy protein per day can reduce "bad" LDL cholesterol by about 3.2% and total cholesterol by 2.8%.

These research results show that if we use soy milk combined with a controlled diet, low in harmful fats, not too much sugar will reduce harmful cholesterol. Therefore, soy milk can be added to the diet to help control blood fat.

Why soy milk helps reduce blood fat

To understand why soy milk helps reduce blood fat, we need to look at the biological components of soybeans, such as plant protein, isoflavone compounds and plant sterols.

If soy protein is used to replace animal protein, such as cow's milk or meat, it will reduce the absorption of exogenous cholesterol and reduce the production of endogenous cholesterol. A study in the journal Circulation noted that using soy protein to replace animal protein can help lower blood cholesterol.

In addition, isoflavone compounds found in soybeans are believed to participate in regulating lipid metabolism enzymes, reducing oxidative stress in blood vessel walls and improving endothelial function. For example, in the isoflavone group there is a substance called genistein. This substance has antioxidant effects, regulating gene expression related to lipid metabolism.

Plant sterols in soybeans have a structure similar to cholesterol. Once in the intestine, plant sterols reduce the amount of cholesterol absorbed into the blood.

For soy milk to really have an impact on blood lipids, people need to maintain a regular drinking habit. In studies, soy milk has the effect of reducing harmful cholesterol when consuming about 25 grams of soy protein per day for a minimum of several weeks to several months. This amount of protein can come from soy milk, tofu or other soy products.

If you drink soy milk but also eat a lot of fat, fatty meat, sugar and starch, the effect of soy milk will be reduced. To achieve a clear effect, it should be combined with a diet low in saturated fat, high in vegetables, fiber and limited in processed foods, according to Healthline .

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/tac-dong-bat-ngo-cua-sua-dau-nanh-voi-mo-mau-185251003000545769.htm