Soy And Cholesterol -Lowering Clinical studies show that high blood levels of total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol are important risk factors in the development of coronary heart disease. To attain acceptable levels of cholesterol an adequate and healthy diet is requested. Soya can play an important role in cholesterol management since: - Soya is a plant containing no cholesterol; - Soya has a beneficial fatty acid composition with a low saturated and high unsaturated fatty acid content; - Soya protein has cholesterol-lowering effects.} In 2002 a cholesterol-lowering health claim has been approved by the JHCI (Joint Health Claims Initiative) in UK for soya products ‘The inclusion of at least 25g of soya protein per day, as part of a diet low in saturated fat, can help reduce blood cholesterol levels’. This claim was approved by the (JHCI) on the 30.7.02, having received advice from seven leading UK scientists. See www.jhci.co.uk for full details of the approved claim. This UK Soya Protein Health Claim is consistent with a similar claim granted in the US in October 1999 . ‘25 grams of soy protein a day, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, can reduce blood cholesterol levels and may reduce the risk of heart disease’ ### References 1FDA (1999) Food labelling, Health Claims; Soy Protein and Coronary Heart Disease – Final rule. Federal Register 64, 57699- 57733. www.jhci.co.uk : 27/07/02 Generic health claim for soya protein and blood cholesterol