CHOLESTEROL DIET SECRETS

In a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2005, researchers compared the cholesterol level of two groups of people. One group was on cholesterol-lowering drugs. The other group was given a diet rich in soy proteins. The study found that both groups have tested lower for cholesterol.

In a separate study conducted by the University of Toronto, a group of middle-aged men and women were given a diet that included foods such as tofu, soy products, raw almonds, oatmeal and barley. The group who faithfully consumed the diet during the one-year study had lowered their cholesterol by an average of 29 percent, while those in the control group who did not consume the diet did not show any improvement in their cholesterol.

Both these studies suggest the cholesterol-lowering benefits of soy products, and people who are concerned about their cholesterol should start acquiring a taste for soy foods such as tofu.

Tofu is extremely low in saturated (bad) fats. Instead, it is high in omega-3 fatty acid believed to help lower the body’s cholesterol. The protein content found in tofu is also comparable to that of animal meat, thereby making tofu a good source of protein and an ideal substitute for eating meat.

In a nutshell, tofu is:

  • cholesterol and lactose free – thus healthy for the heart;

  • rich in calcium – thus healthy for bones and ideal for those with osteoporosis;

  • contains trace elements copper and zinc – these nutrients help our body to maintain a healthy immune system;

  • contains isoflavones – which helps to lower the risk of breast cancer and prostate cancer, and reduces menopausal symptoms such as mood swings and hot flushes;

  • is low in dietary fiber – which means tofu is easy to digest and those with a weak stomach would have one more reason to consume it;

  • is low in carbohydrates – this is good for people who are watching their weights as tofu will not add an extra pound to your body.

 Okay, I think you are ready for a simple test. If you had to choose between a bottle of coke and a pack of soya bean beverage, which would you go for?

To your health,

Nancy


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