|
Soya is one of the oldest and most nutritious foods in the world. In the 11th
century BC it was primarily consumed in Northern China, spreading to the west
and the U.S.A. in the middle of the 18th century and only more recently to
Europe. Soya is mainly used in industry and for animal feed despite the fact
that it is the third most important crop world-wide today and less than 3% is
consumed by humans.
Soya has many nutritional advantages as it contains protein, fibre and
isoflavones which have positive effects on cholesterol, bone density, menstrual
and menopausal symptoms as well as preventing certain cancers. It is thought to
be a wonder food by the Chinese who believe it can cure kidney disease, water
retention, common colds, anaemia and leg ulcers.
Research studies by Professor Anderson in 1995 resulted in healthy heart
claims as Soya was found to reduce blood cholesterol levels in many of his
studies. Soya isoflavones combined with soya protein enhance blood cholesterol
reductions as well as having a positive effect on menopausal women by reducing
the risk of hot flushes. Improved vascular function, reduction of blood
pressure, antioxidant protection of LDL cholesterol and inhibition of platelet
activation are other known cardiovascular effects of Soya and its constituent
isoflavones.
The recommended daily amount of soya protein by the UK Joint Health Claims
Initiative in 2002 is 25g as part of a low-fat diet to help reduce cholesterol
level. In orser to achieve this RDA of Soya to promote a healthy heart and
reduce cholesterol it is necessary to consume three portions of a Soya based
food each day. This can be easily achieved by using Soya milk on cereal each
morning, adding soya milk to tea and coffee and choosing a dessert made from
soya milk eg. custard or fruit smoothies yoghurt etc.,
There are many Soya cookery books available as well as the many recipes
containing soya beans and tofu which already exist in Chinese cooking books. If
more people included Soya into their daily diet the risk of developing Heart
disease would be reduced which would have a significant impact on the incidence
of mortality caused by Coronory Heart Disease today.
Why not check out our nutrition guide at http://www.nutritional-supplement-guides.com/nut-ebook.html
About The Author
John Gibb is the owner of Nutrition guides, a website offering free nutrition
advice and a quality nutrition book with special offers for newsletter
subscribers.
http://www.nutrtional-supplment-guides.com/what-we-use.html
Dedicated to optimsing health.
info@nutritional-supplement-guides.com |
