Soy Protein Displays Strong Anti-Cancer Properties

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark.Soy protein peptides high in oleic acid may inhibit growth of colon, liver and lung cancers, according to a new study published in the journal Food Research International via Elsevier. The study showed peptides derived from soybean meal significantly inhibited cell growth of various types of cancer including colon, lung and liver.

This is the first study to report that proteins found in soybeans could inhibit growth of these types of cancers with colon, lover and lung cancers. The study showed the peptides derived from soybean meal significantly inhibited cell growth by 73% for colon cancer, 70% for liver cancer and 68% for lung cancer cells using human cell lines.

The study looked at the potential role of soybeans in cancer prevention. Using a variety of soybean lines high in oleic acid and protein, the researchers looked to monitor bioactivity between the peptides derived from soybean meal and various types of human cancer cells. The selected high-oleic acid soybean lines could have a potential nutraceutical affect in helping reduce the growth of several types of cancer cells.

Soybean meal is a byproduct following oil extraction from soybean seeds. It is rich in protein, which usually makes up approximately 40% of the nutritional components of the seeds and dependent on the line, and can also contain high-oleic acid (a monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid).