Expert recommends eating beans ‘comparable’ to a statin for reducing cholesterol levels

Whether it’s crispy tofu cubes hiding in a creamy curry or crunchy edamame beans dotted around a fresh salad, soya beans offer more than a versatile base for different recipes.

Rich in essential amino acids, good fats, vitamins and minerals, soya also packs a punch of potent health properties.

Also Read: Lowering Cholesterol: Indian Gooseberry Vs Lipitor

What’s more, the foods can also bust your cholesterol by as much as 70 percent, according to research.

Dr Justine Butler, head of research at Viva!, said: “We have known for years that soya protein can help reduce cholesterol, which can build up in the arteries and form plaques that increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart disease and stroke.”

While soybeans have been long touted for their cholesterol-lowering properties, research, published in the journal Antioxidants, found just how impressive the beans are.

Dr Butler explained that the cholesterol reduction linked to flour made out of soybeans in the study was “comparable” to a statin.

She said: “Scientists have identified the two main proteins in soya that help lower cholesterol.

Also Read: Coffee Things: Nine Cool Kits

“They are called β-conglycinin and glycinin and taken together, they make up around 70 percent of the protein found in soya foods such as tofu and soya milk.

This article was culled from express.co.uk