Washington:
Eating soy products, like bean sprouts, tofu, natto and soy milk, everyday could reduce the risk of developing pulmonary disease and respiratory symptoms, a new study has revealed.
An international team has carried out the study in Japan and found that long-term consumption of soy products can reduce the risk and symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which mostly develops due to smoking.
In their study, the researchers, led by Professor Andy Lee of Curtin University of Technology found that people who consumed more than 75 gm of soy products daily had the most health benefits.
"We also found that people who consumed at least 50 gm of soy products per day reduced their risk of developing COPD and respiratory symptoms," he said.
The researchers have warned that although the study found that soy consumption could reduce the risk of COPD, it did not mean smokers should continue with the habit.
"Studies like this show that diet can result in new methods of prevention which can have an important impact on the cost to our health care systems. Our research showed that long-term soy consumption was associated with improved lung function and a reduction in the risk of COPD.
"It also showed that increased consumption of soy products can lead to a decrease in breathlessness, which has been suggested as a result of flavonoids from soy foods acting as an anti-inflammatory agent in the lung. Further research is needed to understand the underlying biological reason for this occurring," he said.
The findings of the study have been published in the latest edition of the 'Respiratory Research' journal.
An international team has carried out the study in Japan and found that long-term consumption of soy products can reduce the risk and symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which mostly develops due to smoking.
In their study, the researchers, led by Professor Andy Lee of Curtin University of Technology found that people who consumed more than 75 gm of soy products daily had the most health benefits.
"We also found that people who consumed at least 50 gm of soy products per day reduced their risk of developing COPD and respiratory symptoms," he said.
The researchers have warned that although the study found that soy consumption could reduce the risk of COPD, it did not mean smokers should continue with the habit.
"Studies like this show that diet can result in new methods of prevention which can have an important impact on the cost to our health care systems. Our research showed that long-term soy consumption was associated with improved lung function and a reduction in the risk of COPD.
"It also showed that increased consumption of soy products can lead to a decrease in breathlessness, which has been suggested as a result of flavonoids from soy foods acting as an anti-inflammatory agent in the lung. Further research is needed to understand the underlying biological reason for this occurring," he said.
The findings of the study have been published in the latest edition of the 'Respiratory Research' journal.
