Mayo Clinic offers appointments in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic Health System locations.
Possibly. Although eating soy-based foods can slightly lower your low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, known as the "bad" cholesterol, the American Heart Association has concluded that soy alone doesn't lower cholesterol enough to make a big difference in your health.
However, eating soy-based foods can still be good for you because soy-based foods have less saturated fat than meat does. Soy-based foods also provide other helpful nutrients, such as good fats, called monounsaturated fats, vitamins, minerals and fiber.
If you substitute soy for animal-based products, this switch — rather than the soy itself — may reduce your cholesterol.
Talk to your healthcare team or dietitian if you're interested in adding more soy to your diet.
Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission.
Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press.
Make a gift to our 2025 Drive to Cure Cancer and transform the way cancer is treated and defeated.