Analyzing 22 studies, an AHA committee found large amounts of soy protein in the diet only reduced bad cholesterol (LDL) by 3 percent and had no effect on good cholesterol (HDL) or blood pressure. The committee also concluded that soy isoflavones—the bioactive molecules found in most soy products and in soy supplements— also had no effect on heart disease risk factors. The committee further concluded soy products didn’t lessen symptoms such as “hot flashes” due to menopause, and the efficacy and safety of soy isoflavones for preventing or treating breast, endometrial and prostate cancer have not been proven.

The AHA committee did say, however, that soy products such as soy burgers, which are high in polyunsaturated fats, fiber, vitamins and minerals and low in saturated fat, could still be beneficial if used to replace high-fat proteins, such as hamburger.