Much of the research investigating the potential benefits of soy protein and its components in chronic disease has focused on cardiovascular disease (CVD), certain cancers, and bone health. However, these are not the only areas of interest currently being studied.

Diabetes
Glycemic Index
Cardiovascular Disease
Kidney Disease
Weight Management
Antioxidant Function of Soy
Looking to the Future

Diabetes
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease in which the body doesn't properly manufacture or use the hormone insulin. Insulin helps transport glucose from your blood into your cells, where it is used as the body's primary fuel.

Glycemic Index
The type of carbohydrate (sugars and starches) you eat affects glucose levels. The ability of a carbohydrate-containing food to raise glucose levels is reflected in its glycemic index (GI). Soybeans have a very low GI, meaning they have little effect on glucose levels. In one study, overweight diabetic people who consumed a low-GI diet improved their glucose control, compared with people who ate a high-GI diet.

Cardiovascular Disease
People with diabetes are 2-4 times more likely than those without diabetes to have and to die from heart disease and to have a stroke. Extensive research has identified several ways that consuming soy protein with its naturally occurring isoflavones may help reduce the risk of CVD. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized a Health Claim stating that consuming soy protein as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease.

Kidney Disease
Your kidneys have several vital functions, including filtering waste materials from your blood. High glucose levels associated with diabetes are a major cause of a kidney disease called diabetic nephropathy. High levels of fat in your blood can also damage your kidneys.

People with kidney disease typically are prescribed low-protein diets to reduce the work of their kidneys. However, very low-protein diets are both difficult to follow and may have some negative side effects, such as loss of muscle strength and increased body fat.

However, animal and plant proteins differ in their effect on your kidneys. Consuming soy protein is associated with kidney changes comparable to those resulting from a low-protein diet. This raises the possibility that people with kidney disease may be able to liberalize their protein intake by using soy protein. (Do not change any diet prescribed for kidney failure unless directed by your doctor and registered dietitian).

Research has also shown that consuming soy protein instead of animal protein decreases levels of harmful fats in your blood. In addition to reducing your risk for heart disease, lower blood fat levels may also have a beneficial effect on kidney health.

Weight Management
Overweight and obesity are the number one nutritional problems in the United States. A reduced tendency to burn fat for energy is a major risk factor for weight gain. Increased insulin production promotes fat storage in your body, whereas production of the hormone glucagon enhances your body's use of fat for energy. How might soy play a role? Soybeans have a low GI, meaning that they cause a very small increase in glucose, which limits insulin production. And, compared to animal protein, isolated soy protein has been shown to provoke a greater release of glucagon.

Antioxidant Function of Soy
Oxidation is a chemical reaction that damages cells and tissues in the body, contributing to the process underlying most heart disease and stroke. Oxidation also plays a role in the cell damage that initiates cancer. Laboratory research has shown that genistein, the major isoflavone in soy, is a potent antioxidant, meaning that it limits or prevents oxidation.

Looking to the Future
Researchers continue to investigate the many potential health benefits of consuming soy protein. Keep watching for news about soy protein and your health.