- With Mayo Clinic cardiologist
Thomas Behrenbeck, M.D.
read biographyclose windowBiography of
Thomas Behrenbeck, M.D.
Thomas Behrenbeck, M.D.
Dr. Thomas Behrenbeck is a native of Germany, where he received his medical education at the Westfalian Wilhelm University in Munster and became board certified in internal medicine and cardiology.
He also received a Ph.D. in biophysics and physiology at the University of Minnesota. Dr. Behrenbeck joined the Mayo Clinic staff in 1990 and is currently an associate professor at Mayo Medical School and an academic faculty member at the Westfalian Wilhelm University. He is chair of the Cardiovascular Medicine and Surgery NetWork of the American College of Chest Physicians.
Dr. Behrenbeck is a noninvasive cardiologist, specializing in cardiovascular (CV) imaging modalities (echocardiography, nuclear cardiology, and CT), coronary artery disease and prevention of coronary artery disease. His research interests are the application of imaging technology to early recognition and treatment of atherosclerosis. He is passionate about patients' involvement in their health issues.
"The Internet and patient education present ideal synergies in the ever-growing field of knowledge in cardiology," he said.
Definition (1)
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Symptoms (1)
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Tests and diagnosis (3)
- Cholesterol level: Can it be too low?
- Cholesterol test kits: Are they accurate?
- Cholesterol ratio: Is it important?
Treatments and drugs (7)
- LDL apheresis: Can it lower LDL cholesterol?
- High cholesterol in children: How is it treated?
- Niacin overdose: What are the symptoms?
- see all in Treatments and drugs
Lifestyle and home remedies (4)
- Pomegranate juice: Can it lower cholesterol?
- Kefir: Can it lower my cholesterol?
- Eggs: Are they good or bad for my cholesterol?
- see all in Lifestyle and home remedies
Alternative medicine (2)
- Noni juice: Can it reduce cholesterol?
- High cholesterol treatment: Does cinnamon lower cholesterol?
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Question
Soy: Does it reduce cholesterol?
Does soy reduce cholesterol?
Answer
from Thomas Behrenbeck, M.D.
Possibly. Although eating soy-based foods can slightly reduce your low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or "bad") cholesterol level, the American Heart Association has concluded that soy doesn't significantly lower cholesterol. However, eating soy-based foods can still be good for you because soy-based foods contain less saturated fat than meat does and also provide vitamins and minerals.
If you substitute soy for animal-based products, this switch — rather than the soy itself — may reduce your cholesterol.
Talk to your doctor or dietitian if you're interested in adding more soy to your diet.
Next questionNoni juice: Can it reduce cholesterol?
- Sacks FM, et al. Soy protein, isoflavones, and cardiovascular health: An American Heart Association science advisory for professionals from the Nutrition Committee. Circulation. 2006;113:1034.
- Pipe EA, et al. Soy protein reduces serum LDL cholesterol and the LDL cholesterol: HDL cholesterol and apolipoprotein B:apolipoprotein A-I ratios in adults with type 2 diabetes. Journal of Nutrition. 2009;139:1700.
- Messina M, et al. Report on the 8th International Symposium on the Role of Soy in Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention and Treatment. Journal of Nutrition. 2009;139:796S.
- Soy. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. http://www.naturaldatabase.com. Accessed Dec. 9, 2009.
