27 Jun 2009, 1525 hrs IST

Smokers who eat large amounts of soy products are less likely to develop the smoking-associated lung disease COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), says a new study.

The research published in BioMed Central's open access journal Respiratory Research has shown that consumption of a wide variety of soy products can be associated with a reduction in the risk of COPD and other respiratory symptoms.

To reach the conclusion, Dr. Fumi Hirayama and Professor Andy Lee from Curtin University of Technology, Australia, worked with a team of respiratory physicians to poll 300 patients with COPD from six Japanese hospitals and 340 age-matched control subjects from the same areas as the patients about their soy intake.

Hirayama said, "Soy consumption was found to be positively correlated with lung function and inversely associated with the risk of COPD. It has been suggested that flavonoids from soy foods act as an anti-inflammatory agent in the lung, and can protect against tobacco carcinogens for smokers. However, further research is needed to understand the underlying biological mechanism".

Soy is a constituent of many foods, including tofu (soybean curd), natto (fermented soybeans), miso soup (fermented soybean paste), bean sprouts and soy milk. t has been claimed that soy foods reduce cholesterol and can alleviate menopause symptoms.

COPD is characterized by progressive decline in lung function, and encompasses chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

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