Soy Helps Reduce Blood Pressure

Recent research conducted at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and presented at the annual meeting of the American College of Cardiology found that individuals who ingest the highest amounts of soy protein in a day lower their systolic blood pressure. Compared to those consuming the least amount of soy per day, those who consumed the most were able to lower their systolic blood pressure by 5.52 mg Hg. Although the researchers try and control for variables that might also be responsible for lowering blood pressure, it is not an exact science. Eating a diet high in soy probably means the individual is practicing a number of other healthy behaviors that would lower blood pressure. This is the trouble with looking for a silver bullet: in order to lower blood pressure you need a holistic approach that includes many healthy behaviors, such as regular exercise, adequate sleep, stress management, healthy plant-based diet, in addition to including soy and vitamin C.