Most believe the daily intake of soy is related to the low incidence of CVD in Japan and Korea. Meta-analysis shows improved lipid profiles and in women, reduced vascular constriction with soy intake.

The possible cardioprotective mechanisms include:

• Up-regulate LDL receptor mRNA
• Inhibit LDL peroxidation
• Inhibit smooth muscle cell migration/proliferation
• Increase vasodilation via alpha-adrenergic receptors
• Suppress the thrombus formation and platelet aggregation
• NorEpi-induced control of tyrosine kinase

A Pilot Study at Ohio State University is looking at the effect of soy on blood lipids, response to stress and whether the vasodilatory effects of isoflavones observed in postmenopausal women, are present in men.

• Males, nonhypercholesterolemic
• soy drink or casein drink for 5 weeks.
• not on a controlled diet.
• Diet histories were taken before and after treatment

Results: Diet histories revealed a significant increase in protein intake after treatment with no change in calories. A significant drop in baseline blood pressure, but no change in body composition, weight, WHR, or blood lipids was found. They found no change in reactivity to stressors in the soy or control group.