Can Soy Lower Cholesterol?

Foods containing soy are derived from the soybean plant. Besides offering protein to your diet, soy products may also contain isoflavones, which are estrogen-like components found in many plants. Soy products, such as tofu, soy beverages, soybean burgers, and soy nuts, already have an established reputation of being healthy, since they offer a healthy alternative to animal protein. Soy also has gained a reputation over the years for lowering cholesterol levels, but does it really work?