Soy, a type of legume, can be found in many products. On the
grocery store shelves, you will see soy milk, tofu, protein
bars, veggie burgers, and many other options. Are you interested
in adding soy to your diet? Are there health benefits? Find out
if soy is a good option for you. Soy and Cholesterol Levels Some
studies have found that substituting soy protein for high-fat
meats and other foods may slightly reduce LDL "bad" cholesterol
levels. Since high cholesterol puts you at an increased risk of
developing heart disease, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
allows a "heart healthy" label on foods that contain 6.25 grams
(g) of soy protein. But, researchers do not know the exact
components of soy that may lead to these benefits. And some
experts are debating if this label is deserved at all. Soy
Safety Issues While soy is considered safe for most people,
there are some health concerns if you have certain conditions,
such as: - Impaired thyroid function—Soy may affect the thyroid
gland, but research had p