Black soy (rat's eye) bean protein (Rhynchosia volubilis Lour.) has traditionally been used in Asian medicine to help treat diabetes. Previous studies suggest that soy protein may affect fat tissue metabolism and prevent fatty acids and cholesterol production. Now research reports that black soy protein can help prevent weight gain and lower cholesterol.
The study, published in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, investigated the effects of black soy protein on weight gain and fat composition in rats. Korean researchers at Hanyang University in Seoul, administered a high fat diet with either 2, 6 or 10 percent of its calories as black soy peptide or 20 percent of its calories as casein to 32 male rats, for 28 days. Food intake, body fat and body weight measurements and fasting insulin levels were obtained from the rats.
The researchers found that the soy group had less fat weight gain than the casein group. Furthermore, the soy group had a lower serum LDL to HDL ratio and lower total cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Findings also revealed that the 10 percent soy group gained 50 percent less weight than the casein group.
"It is concluded that black soy protein can be a potent nutraceutical component for anti-obesity and hypolipidaemic benefits," the study authors write.
REFERENCES:
1. Joung Rho S et al. Dietetic and hypocholesterolaemic action of black soy peptide in dietary obese rats. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture Mar 2007 87(5):908-913.
Posted by Elaine Gavalas on March 10, 2007 03:49 PM
