| |
| |
| Combat High Blood Pressure and Cholesterol with Soybeans
You may have heard of the "Portfolio Diet" wherein it has been clinically accepted that increasing the intake of soy based foods can reduce levels of LDL cholesterol as much as some statin drugs. Well, now it seems that soybeans have another health-giving quality: they also reduce blood pressure. This latest finding is making quite a bit of noise in medical circles and not without reason. Can you imagine how hard the two largest drug markets (cholesterol and blood pressure) would be hit if the American Heart Association or the American College of Cardiology released a statement saying that soybeans can reduce bad cholesterol and control blood pressure? Just think about it. But that's where it will stop; in your thoughts. With all the lobbying power of the giant pharmaceutical industry, I seriously doubt that such a statement from an internationally recognized source will ever be released. However, to date more than 40 clinical trials have clearly shown that soya protein can reduce cholesterol in men and women. The effective dose of soy protein per day appears to range between 25 and 50 grams. Now initial studies show that it is also useful in fighting high blood pressure. Soybean protein lowers blood pressure In a report from the Annals of Internal Medicine (July 2005), it seems that use of soybean protein dietary supplements may help reduce high blood pressure. Soybean products have been commonplace in Asian diets for centuries, and soybeans, as well as its derivative products have long been available in our local health stores and supermarkets. Research has shown that food items like tofu and soymilk can reduce cholesterol levels and lower risks for cancer, heart disease and osteoporosis. If we add the ability to fight high blood pressure to the list of illness and diseases that soy foods are able to combat, then we might just have a super disease killer on our hands. In the study covered by the Annals, a group of American and Chinese researchers focused on 300 Chinese patients suffering from hypertension. One group was and given 40gms of soy protein while the second group was given wheat-based carbohydrates. The objective of the trial was to examine the effect of soybean protein supplementation on blood pressure in persons with pre-hypertension or Stage 1 hypertension. The results showed that Soybean protein supplementation resulted in a reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure. As such, increased intake of soybean protein may play an important role in preventing and treating hypertension. The researchers of Tulane University, New Orleans say it's unclear how soybean products might reduce blood pressure. One theory is that soy proteins widen blood vessels while helping the body do a better job of processing blood sugar. In a related editorial, Dr. Jeffrey A. Cutler and Dr. Eva Obarzanek of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute in Bethesda, Maryland, state that the new study provides "another important link between blood pressure and dietary macronutrient intake," but add that further studies are needed before soybean supplements can be recommended to patients with high blood pressure. Soybeans, soymilk, tofu, bean sprouts, meat substitutes, cookies and even soy-based ice cream are all commonly available. Maybe it is better that you don't wait for the big medical institutions to start singing praises about soybeans. If you want an edge, perhaps now is the time to start making some changes to your diet. Throw in 40 minutes exercise four times a week and your high blood pressure will really take a dive. About the author: To subscribe, or read other articles visit The Web's Heart
MORE RESOURCES:
Google News |
|
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Avoiding Mental Disorders Through the Aid of Vitamins and Minerals When we think about the benefits of being ensuring a good bill of health by keeping track of our daily intake of prescribed vitamins, minerals and as well as the other nutrients that are needed by your body in order to stay healthy. It is important to be conscious of the fact that deficiencies in the daily intake of vitamins and minerals can negatively affect not only your physical capabilities but your how your mind functions as well. A Healthy Diet Means Avoiding Trans-Fat as well as Saturated Fat We all need fat in our diet on a daily basis. However, not all fats are created equal - there are healthy fats and unhealthy fats. What You Need To Know About Inflammation Inflammation is not a disease.Inflammation is best described as a defense mechanism to limit tissue damage. Is Vitamin E Beneficial Or Harmful? Cutting Through The Clutter Of Different Scientific Opinions Numerous reports have recently appeared in both the lay and medical press questioning the value of vitamin E supplementation and suggesting that there are risks associated with its use even at doses previously thought to have been "safe". What do we do with the hundreds of studies and extensive clinical research that has been published in the medical literature suggesting benefit in cardiovascular disease, alzheimers, diabetes and other degenerative diseases? A search of the National Library of Medicine yields over 25,000 citations, many funded or sponsored by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other prestigious medical and scientific organizations. Calculating Your Calorie Needs In order to eat fewer calories than you need, you have to determine how many calories you actually need. Adults can calculate their approximate energy needs using the following formula:A. How to Substitute Fat in Your Everyday Diet Fat is a nutrient that is a contributor to the increasing problem of obesity in the world today. It's stored in the fat cells of the body. What Everybody Ought to Know About Food Additives Every day we are bombarded with information about food products that are healthy, all natural, have no artificial ingredients, no preservatives, low fat, no fat, no cholesterol, sugar free, vitamin fortified and provide 100% of your daily vitamin requirements. Are these foods as healthy as the advertising tries to make us believe they are?Let's look at the facts. The Best Way to Consume Vitamin C Eating orange mean absorbing vitamin C to our body, is that right? Probably yes because orange is rich with this nutrient. Vitamin C is a very essential nutrient for human body because its play a great role as a powerful antioxidant. Try a Slow-Carb Habit Carbohydrates - found in grains, breads, pasta, and sugar, as well as vegetables, fruit, tofu, beans, and dairy - provide the body with the most efficient fuel for energy production and brain activity. They're nutritionally essential, a principle currently downplayed by the "low-carb craze". Hidden Poison Did you know that there might be poison in many of your favorite foods found on grocery store shelves everywhere? Breads, crackers, cookies, energy bars, tortillas, frozen pizza are just a few examples of these dangerous foods. The poison in these items is called partially hydrogenated fat, often referred to as trans-fatty acids. High Acid Levels Lead to Cardiovascular Disease THE RISKWhen you consume food that's high in acid or heavily processed, or food that causes an allergic response in your digestive system, the food will not be absorbed properly into your body as nutrients. Instead, some of the food will be absorbed into your bloodstream as acid waste. Put a Zing in your Step with Ginger! Zingiber officinale has been held in the highest regard by the Indian and Chinese civilizations for as far back as 5000 years.Pythagoras the Greek mathematician was a devotee, as was King Henry VIII. Protein Wont Make You Fat: Myth #1 How many magazines have you read where they tell you to take in X grams of protein? How many times have you see .75g of protein per lb of bodyweight or 1g maybe 1. Alkalize Your Way to Better Health Today we're shifting our focus from wealth to health. First of all, I am not an expert. Carbohydrates - Good or Bad? Carbohydrates have gotten a lot of bad press in the past few years with the advent of low carb diets, but the truth is that not all carbohydrates are "bad" and, in fact, your body needs carbs to survive.Many people mistakenly believe that eating bacon, eggs and steak will set them on the road to a thinner body with increased energy and good health, but this is not the case. The Sneak Attack of Trans- Fats If you are like most people, you are probably confused about trans fats. What are they? Which foods have them? What is the health risk?The truth is, trans fats are everywhere. What is A Balanced Diet For Losing Weight and Good Health? The total calories that you should be consuming depend on whether you are a women or a man. It depends on your body structure and your activity level. Sports Nutrition Made Simple Following these simple nutrition guidelines will allow you to lose weight, and an abundance of energy throughout the day.1) Hydrate with water throughout the day. Discover How to Grow Your Own Source of Vitamins, Fiber, Proteins, and More Sprouts not only taste good, but they are also a great source of vitamins, fiber, protein, anti-oxidants, and enzymes. A sprout is produced when a seed starts growing into a vegetable. The History of Ambrotose® Complex Ambrotose® - the Nutritional Alphabet of the "Sweet Language of Life"The story begins with Aloe Vera. The discovery of Ambrotose® really dates back to the 1980's.
|
| © 2006 |
