Reading Is Believing

Vegetarian Times, April, 1999 by Cristin Marandino

Still turning up your nose at tofu? Well, if reading is believing, that may soon change. If soy's heralded cancer-fighting abilities aren't enough for you, consider this: Last November, Protein Technologies International (PTI), a Missouri-based soy manufacturer, filed a petition with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) proposing that products containing soy protein be allowed to carry a label stating that a diet low in fat and high in soy protein could reduce the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). "The major purpose of submitting this claim is to encourage Americans to include a minimum of 25 grams of soy each day in their diet and act as a stimulus to food processors to start developing new, good-tasting ways to include soy," says PTI president Ed Coco.

The petition cited research claiming soy--whether as a powder, milk, tofu sausage or tempeh burger--can effectively decrease CHD risk by lowering serum cholesterol levels. Studies found that certain compounds unique to soy, called isoflavones, prevent cholesterol from oxidizing--a process that leads to arterial plaque buildup. They also show that isoflavones may reduce the inflammation of arteries and improve the elasticity of the small channels within the arteries, both of which prevent blockages.

After reviewing more than 50 studies, the FDA concluded that 25 grams of soy protein daily, as part of a diet low in fat and cholesterol, does indeed reduce CHD risk. The agency issued a temporary rule that would allow any product containing at least 6.25 grams of soy protein per serving to bear PTI's proposed heart healthy label. "Soybeans are an important source of protein and could be a beneficial food because they are low in saturated fat and cholesterol," said Susan Pilch an FDA spokesperson. At present, the FDA is reviewing the public comments it solicited last winter. If all goes as expected, the label should start appearing on products this October.