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1.
Fit for heart
The human heart: Widely decreed to be the throne
of emotion, intuition and romance. It's pretty important to keeping you
. . . well, alive. If you're concerned about Coronary Heart Disease, here's
how soy can help.
Afflictions
of the heart
Coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States.
Coronary heart disease is any damage to the heart muscle resulting from
reduced blood supply from the two coronary arteries. Normal blood supply
is reduced by the narrowing of any section of an artery. The build-up
of fatty deposits (cholesterol) in the arterial walls is the most common
cause. There are many lifestyle factors that contribute to the development
of this disease, such as cigarette smoking and hypertension. The most
important controllable lifestyle factor, however, has to do with the amount
of cholesterol in the body.
What
is cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a waxy substance produced by the liver and supplied in
the diet through animal products such as meats, poultry, fish and dairy
products. Cholesterol is needed to insulate nerves, make cell membranes
and produce certain hormones. However, the body makes enough cholesterol
on its own, so dietary cholesterol may be excessive.
How
does cholesterol affect your heart?
If too much cholesterol is consumed in the diet, your body can't get rid
of it. Excess cholesterol in the bloodstream can then form plaque (a thick,
hard deposit) on artery walls. The cholesterol or plaque build-up causes
arteries to become thicker, harder and less flexible, slowing down and
sometimes blocking blood flow to the heart. This is how Coronary Heart
Disease develops. Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is the main
source of build-up in the cardiovascular system. High Density Lipoprotein
(HDL) cholesterol carries cholesterol to the liver for removal, thus preventing
build-up within the arteries.
Protecting
your heart health
Modifying your diet to be low in cholesterol and saturated fat is a good
first step. Think about decreasing the amount of animal protein you eat
and adding more whole grains (especially oats), soy, fruits and vegetables
to your diet. This can help you decrease the amount of cholesterol your
body has to get rid of.
Soy
protein lowers cholesterol
The FDA and American Heart Association agree that diets low in saturated
fat and cholesterol that include 25 grams of soy protein a day may reduce
the risk of heart disease.
Research
shows that soy protein reduces the amount of bad cholesterol – LDL
and triglycerides – in your body and increases the good stuff, HDL
cholesterol. Soy protein also reduces the risk of blood clot formation
and restores normal activity to damaged blood vessels.(1)
Since
soy is also low in saturated fat and is cholesterol free, you can do your
heart a favor by adding it to your diet. And the best news: it tastes
great. So what are you waiting for?
1.
Anderson JW, Johnstone BM and Cook-Newell ME. (1995). Meta-analysis of
effects of soy protein intake on serum lipids in humans. NE J MED 333:276-82.
2.
Maintaining a Healthy Prostate with Soy
One reason prostate cancer is one of the leading causes of death in men
over the age of 45 is that men don't pay attention. And when they do,
it's often too late. According to the American Cancer Society, when prostate
cancer is discovered early (through the use of annual prostate exams)
the chances for recovery are much higher than when the cancer is discovered
late. So if you're a man, start paying attention. If you're not a man,
but love one anyway, tell him to pay attention. And to drink his soymilk.
Here's why:
What's
a prostate and why should I care?
The prostate is an important part of the male reproductive system. It's
a gland about the size of a walnut that surrounds the urethra (the tube
that carries urine from the bladder to the penis) and lies at the base
of the bladder. This gland secrets about 25% of the seminal fluid that
is combined with sperm during ejaculation. This prostatic fluid acts as
a lubricant to prevent infection in the urethra and protects and energizes
sperm. The prostate starts out very small, but grows significantly until
a man is about twenty. The prostate doesn't grow again until after the
age of 40 when hormonal changes begin to occur.
Increased
growth of the prostate can sometimes lead to health problems such as BPH
(benign prostatic hyperplasia) – a benign enlargement of the prostate
that causes uncomfortable symptoms – and possibly prostate cancer.
Help
keep your prostate healthy
Since prostate cancer is one of the leading causes of death for men over
the age of 45, it's important to begin thinking about how to protect the
health of your prostate now. Cancer prevention research has shown that
the following steps can help prevent cancers of all kinds:
• Eat lots of fruit and veggies.
• Maintain a healthy weight and stay physically active.
• Drink alcohol in moderation, if at all.
• Eat foods low in fat and salt.
• Do not use tobacco.
Additionally, men over the age of 45 should receive an annual prostate
exam. Some dietary choices may also contribute to the prevention of prostate
cancer.
Soyfoods
can protect your prostate
Soyfoods may prevent and/or slow the growth of prostate cancer. Some studies
indicate that even one glass of soymilk everyday is enough to provide
your prostate with the protective benefits of soy.
Research
has shown that soy isoflavones (components of soy protein) inhibit the
growth of cancer cells.
(1)
Soy may also prevent the proliferation of tumors.(2) In some test tube
studies, isoflavones were also shown to increase the effectiveness of
certain cancer drugs.(3) According to a study
at Loma Linda University, men who consumed soymilk at least once per day
had a 70% reduced risk of developing prostate cancer, Don't take chances
with your prostate! Follow the steps to decreasing your risk for cancer
and consider incorporating soy into your diet. What are you waiting for?
1.
Messina, M, Persky V, Setchell KDR, Barnes S. (1994). Soy intake and cancer
risk: a review of the in vitro and in vivo data. Nutr Cancer 21(2):113-31.
2.
Fotsis T, Pepper M, Adlecruetz H, Gleischmann G, Hase T, Montesano R,
Schweigerer. L. (1993). Genistein, a Dietary-Inhibitor of in vitro Angiogenesis.
Proc Natl Acad Sci 90:2690.
3.
Takeda Y, Nishio K, Niitani H, Saijo N. (1994). Reversal of multidrug
resistance by tyrosine-kinase inhibitors in a non-P-glycoprotein-mediated
multidrug-resistant cell line. Int J Cancer 57:229-39.
3.
Managing Diabetes With Soy
If you have diabetes, you're one of about 16 million Americans affected
by this condition. The good news is that millions of people successfully
manage diabetes through diet, exercise and the use of insulin. Because
you may be at increased risk for developing certain chronic conditions,
it's particularly important that you protect your health.
Many
people are unaware of the important role soy protein can play in managing
diabetes and maintaining health.
The
good news about soy
Soyfoods have a low glycemic index and help normalize blood glucose levels.
Research has shown that soy protein helps to prevent and treat kidney
disease.(1) Soy protein also reduces cholesterol levels and helps to prevent
heart disease.
Studies
focus on the prevention of kidney disease
Nearly one-third of all diabetics will develop kidney disease. Research
has shown that eating soy protein instead of animal protein may be effective
in prevention and treatment. Animal protein increases the workload of
the kidneys, so many people are put on a low-protein diet. Now, many health
care practitioners recommend that those with diabetes at risk for developing
kidney disease substitute soy protein for animal protein.(2)(3) Soy is
a complete protein that provides all the essential amino acids.
Decrease
your risk of developing heart disease
People with diabetes are 2 to 4 times more likely to have heart disease,
according to the American Diabetes Association. The FDA and American Heart
Association agree that a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol that
includes 25 grams of soy protein per day may reduce the risk of heart
disease. Soy protein, when consumed as part of a low fat diet, can reduce
elevated cholesterol levels and may impede the formation of blood clots
as well as decreasing arteriosclerosis.(4)
Silk
Soymilk provides the same amount of vitamins and minerals as dairy milk.
White Wave Tofu and Tempeh provide the soluble fiber that help diabetics
maintain a normal blood glucose level. Do your body a favor. Add soy to
your diet. What are you waiting for?
1.
Kellogg, JH. The New Method in Diabetes. Battle Creek Modern Medicine
Publishing Company. Battle Creek, MI 1917.
2.
Anderson JW, Blake JE, Turner J and Smith B. (1998). Effects of soy protein
on renal function and proteinuria in patients with Type 2 diabetes. Am
J Clin Nutr 6:1347S-53S.
3.
Kontessis P, Jones SL, Dodds R, et al. (1990). Renal, metabolic and hormonal
responses to ingestion of animal and vegetable proteins. Kidney Int 38:136-44.
4.
Anderson JW, Johnstone BM and Cook-Newell ME. (1995). Meta-analysis of
effects of soy protein intake on serum lipids in humans. NE J MED 333:276-82.
4.
Building Strong Bones – managing osteoporosis with a soy diet.
Women have a lot to put up with in this world without having to deal with
brittle bones and the other serious symptoms of osteoporosis. We're pleased
to say that soy can help put an end to that aggravation. And it's easy,
too.
Calcium
– the crucial link
Calcium is an essential nutrient your body needs every day. You may already
know that it helps build and maintain healthy teeth and bones. Calcium
also keeps your heart beating steadily, your blood working correctly and
your nerves and muscles in good shape.
Calcium
keeps your body running smoothly. Because your bones are made from calcium,
if you do not get enough from your daily diet, your body "steals"
the calcium from your bones. This “stolen” calcium is then
used throughout your body for the other functions it serves. That's bad
news for your bones. This can reduce your bone strength and lead to osteoporosis,
a potentially crippling disease of thin and fragile bones.
Building
strong bones
Nearly 10 million people in the United States are affected by osteoporosis.
Another 18 million are at risk for developing it due to low bone mass.
Building and maintaining strong bones is the best way to prevent osteoporosis.
To make sure you're taking care of your bones:
• Get the daily recommendation for calcium (see chart below).
• Keep active, particularly with weight bearing exercises (this
causes your bones to build and maintain mass).
• Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables (many fruits and vegetables
are good sources of calcium; including them in your diet can ensure you're
getting calcium at every meal).
• Avoid excessive alcohol consumption (some studies have shown that
alcohol consumption can inhibit calcium absorption).
• Don't smoke (smoking causes the body to lose calcium).
Soy protects your bones
Adding soy to your diet is an effective step in building and maintaining
strong bones. Soyfoods can be a good source of calcium- if they are enriched.
For example, calcium-enriched soymilk or tofu can be a good source of
calcium. Beyond this, however, research shows a strong link between eating
soy and good bone health. Soy protein has a positive impact on calcium
levels in the bones because it enhances calcium retention.
(1)
In some studies, not only was soy consumption shown to increase bone density,
it also improved the quality of the bone.
(2)
Research has shown that soy protein acts to protect bone health and bone
mass.
(3)
To keep your bones healthy, incorporate soy into your diet. Silk Soymilk
provides 30% of the RDA for calcium (300 mg/serving). Better yet, Silk
Soymilk tastes great and can be substituted anywhere you'd use dairy milk.
You'll be getting the same amount of calcium you'd get from dairy milk
without the fat and cholesterol, plus you'll be getting the other bone
protecting benefits of soy.
1. Lovati MR, Manzoni C, Corsini A, Granata A, Frattini R, Fumagalli R,
Sirtori CR. (1992). Low-density lipoprotein receptor activity is modulated
by soybean globulins in cell culture. J Nutr 122:1971-78.
2.
Arjmandi BH, Alekel L, Hollis BW, et al. (1996). Dietary soybean protein
prevents bone loss in an ovariectomized rat model osteoporosis. J Nutr
126:161-67.
3.
Carrol KK, Giovannetti PM, Huff MW, Moase O, Roberts DCK, Wolfe BM. (1978).
Hypocholesterolemic effect of substituting soybean protein for animal
protein in the diet of healthy young women. Am J Clin Nut 31:1312-21
5.
fit for lactose intolerant
If you're lactose intolerant, you don't need us to tell you what a pain
it can be. If you experience discomfort after you eat dairy products,
you may be part of a huge club. There are millions of us who are lactose
intolerant.
What
is it and how did I get it?
Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest lactose, the primary sugar
of milk. This is a result of a deficiency of the enzyme, lactase, which
is necessary to digest milk sugar. Lactase deficiency is genetic and often
occurs as you age. It can also occur as a result of certain illnesses,
such as gastrointestinal tract disorders. The body is designed to digest
milk when you're an infant, but as you get older your body may egin to
produce less and less lactase.
How
do I know if I'm lactose intolerant?
Common symptoms of lactose intolerance generally occur 30 minutes to 2
hours after eating or drinking foods containing lactose. These symptoms
may include: Stomach upset, bloating, nausea, gas, cramps and/or diarrhea.
Not
all people react in the same way and there are varying degrees of lactose
intolerance. Some people are just lactose annoyed. If you experience some
or all of these symptoms after eating or drinking foods that contain lactose,
you may be lactose intolerant.
Hidden
lactose
Lactose is commonly found in dairy products such as milk, yogurt, ice
cream, cheese and butter. It is also found in some unsuspecting places,
hidden in a variety of products ranging from baked goods to prescription
and over-the-counter medications. Reading the ingredient labels will help
you find out if a product contains lactose.
Facts
about lactose intolerance
• 30 to 50 million Americans are lactose intolerant
• Approximately 75% of African Americans, Hispanic Americans and
Native Americans, 90% of Asian Americans and 15% of Caucasian Americans
are lactose intolerant.
• Lactose intolerance can be managed successfully through diet.
It's easy to manage your lactose intolerance
The best way to manage lactose intolerance is by modifying your diet.
Many people feel that they must sacrifice foods they love, or eat them
and suffer due to lactose intolerance. However, there are many good options
as to how to manage lactose intolerance through dietary choices. An important
part of this is finding a good-tasting dairy alternative.
Silk
Soymilk is a great-tasting lactose free non-dairy alternative
Silk Soymilk is the perfect non-dairy alternative. It offers all the vitamins
and minerals in a glass of dairy milk, without any of the unpleasant side
effects. Silk can be used in dishes where dairy milk is used. Plus, it
has a creamy-smooth texture and tastes great.
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