Alternative Health Blog

You don’t associate weight training to lowering cholesterol, but a new study makes it clear that men should in fact connect those dates. Researchers discovered that, while many men use whey protein powder to supplement their weight workouts, preferring it to soy-based protein powder despite soy’s capability to reduce cholesterol, it turns out neither whey nor soy is another more effective than simply lifting barbells and dumbbells alone.

Weights no doubt improve strength and newer research makes a case for building leaner muscle tissue and shedding fat.  But what Buffalo State College scientists discovered is strength training significantly dropped cholesterol readings among 28 male volunteers who were overweight, inactive and tested high for cholesterol.

The men were divided into three groups: All men followed a supervised weight training program three times a week for three months. The first group added a whey protein supplement, while the second group added soy protein power. The third group simply lifted and did not add any supplementation. None of the groups outperformed others in gaining muscle, losing inches around the waist or decreasing cholesterol.

Carol A, DeNysschen, lead researcher of study, which was published in the Journal of the International Soceity of Sports Nutrition, said that male weight lifters tend to dismiss or overlook soy powder for their protein shakes after workouts (when the muscles are most receptive to using protein to rebuild muscle tissue). Her study makes a case that soy protein is as effective building muscle as whey products, plus soy provides the decidedly heart-healthy benefit of knocking down cholesterol levels.

Seems like a power move to me.

Bob Condor blogs for Alternative Health Journal every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.