Soy milk is good for the liver, a new study shows.
A team from the University of Illinois has found that soy proteins, which are also found in tofu, help reduce the accumulation of harmful fats in the liver by 20%.
The level of triglycerides, which are known to be harmful to the heart, also decreases.
According to the results, soy has a protective effect against the development of fatty liver disease. Obesity is a major risk factor for the disease, which can lead to liver failure, said study leader Dr. Hong Chen of the University of Illinois.
Nearly one-third of American adults are affected by fatty liver disease.
The proteins in soy support processes in the liver related to fat metabolism, scientists explain. This prevents the accumulation of excess fat in this area.
The results were presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology in San Diego, California.
Another study showed that the presence of isoflavones in soy milk, green tea, tofu and peanuts contributes to lowering blood pressure.
According to scientists, isoflavones help dilate blood vessels by increasing the release of nitric oxide - the main reason for lowering blood pressure.
Consumption of a glass of soy milk, for example, provides the body with about 22 mg of isoflavones, and 100 g of roasted soybeans - 130 mg.