Modern Health Observation

Eating large amounts of soy may reduce the risk of developing a breathing problem known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), researchers reported.

Smoking is the major risk factor for COPD, the team said Dr. Andy H. Lee, of the Curtin University of Technology in Perth, Australia, in his article published in the journal Respiratory Research.

“Other factors, such as diet and environmental exposures protect or contribute to the development of the disease,” added the experts.

The team studied 278 patients with COPD (244 men and 34 women) between 50 and 75 years, diagnosed in the last four years. The authors also recruited 340 people (272 men and 68 women) without the disease.

The control group consumed more soy per day (about 60 grams) than patients with COPD (about 45 grams). The risk of COPD was significantly reduced among those who ate more soy.

Similar declines in the risk of COPD were recorded with a higher intake of tofu and bean sprouts. The more people ate soy, had minor respiratory problems, especially shortness of breath.

“Regular consumption of soy-based foods (…) can have a major impact on the costs of medical care systems related to morbidity and death from this disease,” said Dr. Lee.

“The studies recommended long-term monitoring to assess whether soy intake can extend the survival of patients already diagnosed with COPD,” the researcher added.