beauty asked:


Grandma called it “roughage” and today we may call it Fiber, but it is the simple path to regularity, gastrointestinal health and so much more. It is now medically accepted that people who consume more Fiber have fewer weight problems, along with a lower risk of Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and most cancers. And when it comes to heart health, Fiber is a real superstar.

What Happens If You Don’t Get Enough Fiber?

Beyond the effects on regularity and your digestive system, consuming insufficient amounts of Fiber can impact heart health. Foods that are dense with Fiber can have a moderating effect on carbohydrate absorption, which in turn helps balance blood sugar levels. 6 Fluctuating blood sugar can cause the body to fall into a vicious cycle of cholesterol synthesis. And, when the body produces more cholesterol than it needs, the coronary arteries suffer damage, which can lead to heart disease.

Omega 3 Fatty Acids.

Omega 3 is probably the most researched nutritional supplement in the world. The astounding health benefits of omega-3 have been studied by some of the most prestigious institutions and their findings have been reported in literally thousands of the world’s best peer-reviewed medical and scientific journals. The two most important omega 3 fatty acids that help support a healthy heart are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

The American Heart Association (AHA) affirms that Omega-3 fatty acids benefit the hearts of:

•Healthy people

•those at high risk of cardiovascular disease

•those who have cardiovascular disease.

Phytosterols

Phytosterols are cholesterol-like molecules found in all plant foods, with highest concentrations found in vegetable oils especially sea buckthorn oil, corn oil and soybean oil. As a food ingredient or additive, Phytosterols can reduce cholesterol levels by up to 15% according to a study published in the Journal of Nutrition (June 2003). The FDA and the American Heart Association have declared that there is evidence that phytosterols may block the absorption of bad cholesterol in the intestines and therefore prevent it from entering the bloodstream.

The healthy heart cabbage diet or the “cabbage soup diet” is one of the fad diets that the American Heart Association and other public health organizations warn against. There are many reasons for these warnings, depending on which diet one is attempting to follow. The healthy heart cabbage diet has many flaws.

Drawbacks of the Cabbage Diet

The guidelines for the healthy heart cabbage diet begin with a recipe for cabbage soup. The ingredients include green onions, green peppers, diced tomatoes, celery, onion soup mix, bouillon cubes and a head of cabbage. The heart healthy benefits of cabbage soup by itself are questionable, at best.

If you are overweight, you could probably go without the fat for one day, but extremely low-fat diets are not filling, not advisable for permanent weight control and many of the organs, including the brain, need dietary fat to function effectively.

Whole Food Supplements

Public health organizations recommend 5-10 servings of fruits and vegetables per day in a variety of colors. Each different color provides different flavonoids, some of which may prevent cancer, most of which are antioxidants and some that can reduce unhealthy levels of cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar levels.



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Ruth Butters asked:


One of the most exciting results of the ongoing research on CoQ10 benefits is the role it plays in maintaining and restoring heart health.

Over the years numerous studies have investigated the benefit of Coemzyme Q10 supplementation for improving cardiovascular function and over all heart health. The compound, a potent antioxidant, has been proven to enhance energy production and improve the ability of heart muscles to contract.

Landmark study demonstrates effectiveness

A landmark 1994 study, which involved more than 400 patients with cardiac disease, summarized eight years of research on the usefulness of CoQ10 in clinical cardiology. The patients were supplemented with oral CoQ10 at daily doses of 75-600 mg in addition to their conventional medical regimen, and were followed for an average of 17.8 months.

The clinical response of this study was evaluated according to the New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional scale. The results were very encouraging; 58 percent of patients improved by one NYHA class, 28 percent by two classes, and 1.2 percent by three NYHA classes.

Medical dependency was also tracked, and 43 percent of patients receiving the coQ10 supplements stopped between one and three medications, with no side effects reported.

Continued research confirms role as heart heath helper

A mounting body of research confirms the the benefit of CoQ10 supplementation for various cardiovascular conditions.

One important clinical study, for example, found that people who received daily CoQ10 supplements within 3 days of a heart attack were significantly less likely to experience subsequent heart attacks and chest pain. In addition, these same patients were less likely to die of heart disease than those who did not receive the supplements. CoQ10 supplementation is believed to reduce swelling and blood pooling in the lungs and legs of patients with congestive heart failure. Numerous clinical studies suggest that 4 to 12 weeks of CoQ10 supplementation may lower blood pressure Clinical studies show that introducing coQ10 supplementation prior to heart surgery can reduce free radical damage, lower the incidence of arrythmias, and shorten recovery time. CoQ10 may help prevent heart damage caused by certain chemotherapy drugs.

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Emmanuel Aubrey asked:


Obesity is a common problem that causes heart attacks or heart problems. Yet is it not the only one. What makes obesity so life threatening is that the fat goes in and blocks the arteries, which are important for keeping the blood flowing to your heart.

This limitation of blood often causes the heart to pump harder as it goes in a state of panic; and that is briefly is what causes a heat attack.

Natural heart health is about ensuring that your heart is well taken care of. It also entails taking care of your heart’s valves, so that it can function at its best.

Another important part of natural heart health is being aware of the types of foods that will promote better heart health. You have to remember that your heart is the main organ which helps supply oxygenated blood to your body. And if it is not healthy and cannot function as nature intended, it will have a serious effect on your entire body.

In the natural heart health department, you will find many forms on natural heart health supplements. These can be natural heart health capsules or natural heart health syrups, all made in one way or the other from natural ingredients.

These cardiac tonics will help you improve the condition of your heart; and for the health conscious person, that is the best quality they can ask for in terms of natural health.

And you don’t have to spend a whole lot of money if you opt for the natural heart health approach to curing and preventing illness. You will soon learn to find the best natural health products at low prices so that you ensure that your heart stays in good condition for as long as it can.

Remember that heart surgery will cost you loads of money; if you invest in natural heart health, you can avert those enormous hospital bills, as well as the dangers that come with heart surgery.



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Bonnie K. Nicholson asked:


The French people and their nutritional choices pose an important question. They live long lives and have a low incidence of heart related problems. How is it they can have a diet rich in saturated fat and still maintain cardiovascular health? The key is in the red wine they consume throughout their lives everyday with meals. Reservatrol and other antioxidants such as flavonoids, researchers believe, can have promising benefits for the heart.

Studies show that not only is the antioxidant factor important in red wine but the actual alcohol has health benefits as well. It can thin the blood and result in better circulation through arteries. Improved circulation guards against stroke and heart disease. However, doctors are hesitant to recommend that anyone should begin any treatment by drinking alcohol. Small amounts of alcohol are fine; but, alcohol in excess can have disastrous effects on the liver.

Antioxidants in red wine consist of two types, the first of which is flavonoids. Flavonoids are found in many food sources such as cocoa, tea, apples, onions and oranges. At this time, the highest levels of antioxidants have been found in red wine. Nonflavonoids are also found in red wine and seem to prevent arteries from becoming clogged with fat blockages. Resveratrol falls under this category and is of particular interest to researchers.

Resveratrol is thought to be the nonflavonoid responsible in studies for reducing the build up of bad cholesterol, preventing blood clots, and preventing damage to blood vessels. This antioxidant also helps to prevent obesity and diabetes, and gives heart healthy benefits such as a reduced risk of blood clotting and risk of inflammation. Symptoms such as blood clotting can lead to heart disease and stroke.

Resveratrol supplements taken daily can lead to heart health and a decreased instance of other diseases associated with obesity.



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Richard asked:


If you have a better idea of what cholesterol is and how you can manage it in your life, this information will lead to better heart health, and all round better feeling of well being. Cholesterol is a waxy like substance that is found in the walls of all your body cells, from your nervous system to your liver and in your blood stream as well. Your body uses this cholesterol to make necessary hormones, bile acids, vitamin D and other vital substances that your body needs to survive. There are good and bad types of cholesterol as well

 

Where does the Cholesterol in your body come from?

 

Your body manufacturers all the cholesterol your body requires from the foods you eat. This cholesterol will circulate in your bloodstream in packages known as lipoproteins, which consist of fat inside and protein on the outside. Cholesterol which is a fatty substance does not mix with the blood, just as oil does not mix with water. Your blood carries it to the parts of the body where it is required as mentioned above

 

Your Body has 2 Types of cholesterol in your body, both good and bad!.

 

Your body carries two types of cholesterol one which is good for your health and the other bad… These are known as low density lipoprotein or LDL which is the bad cholesterol which carries cholesterol that builds up in your body tissues including your heart arteries. Most cholesterol in your blood at any given time is the LDL cholesterol. The higher the levels are of LDL cholesterol in your blood stream; the higher your dangers are of contracting heart disease. So remember LDL is the bad cholesterol and you don’t want high levels of this type in your body.

 

The good Cholesterol in your body is called HDL cholesterol. This cholesterol carries cholesterol away from your tissues to your liver where it is harmlessly removed from your body by natural secretion. Low levels of HDL increase heart disease. Healthy levels of HDL are good for you. Do not get mixed up between the two.

 

Why are high levels of LDL Cholesterol bad for your body?

 

Too much cholesterol in your blood leads to blocked and clogged up body tissues including your heart arteries. This build up is called plaque and as a result your arteries become less flexible. You may have heard the term atherosclerosis; which is hardening of your arteries and as you know the end result can be a heart attack. It is not just your heart blood vessels that can suffer from too much cholesterol, but any of the arteries in your body as well. If your coronary artery becomes blocked by too much plaque you will suffer angina because your blood is unable to get the oxygen it needs or the nutrients to the heart muscle. Hardening of the coronary artery is called coronary heart disease which you may likely by now have heard somewhere or another. This form of heart disease is becoming common in the western world due to high cholesterol in the blood from; Yes; and you guessed it; from unhealthy eating habits!

 

The risk factors.

 

Certain risk factors nothing can be done about regarding heart diseases and cholesterol levels. These factors where risks of heart disease are increased, are age groups for men and women over 45, which are ages that will increase the likelihood of coronary heart disease from atherosclerosis. Family history of early heart disease is also a factor that must be taken into consideration. The lack of regular exercise and bad eating habits increase the risk of heart disease from cholesterol as well. Most fast foods are prepared in unhealthy fats which is a high risk factor more than anything else as well…

 

How to lower your risks of high cholesterol.

 

Perhaps you have heard some of these tips before but it is prudent to go over them again for your information:

 

1 Avoid foods with high animal fat content. Trim excess fat off meat

2. Eat Lots of fruit, vegetables, and fiber for your health

3. Eat less salt in your diet and limit salty snacks and foods.

4. Lose some weight if you are carrying too much according to your BMI (Body Mass Index)

5. Regular sensible exercise in moderation and plenty of fresh air.

6. Stay calm and avoid stressful situations.

7. Limit your alcohol intake to a sensible level.

8. Smoke less, or give up altogether if possible.

 

Other treatments that can be used if your doctor has found you to have unhealthy levels of cholesterol are certain drugs called ‘statins’ that will control the rate which your body produces cholesterol. These drugs increase HDL and lower the bad LDL cholesterols. See above about what we mentioned about the good and bad cholesterols.

 

Watch your diet and eat healthily

 

Choose healthy fats like olive oil, avocado pears, peanut butter, unsalted nuts and fish oils. Try and limit intakes of salt, polyunsaturated fats, sunflower oils, soft margarines and salad dressings like mayonnaise. (Some newer soft low cholesterol margarine is available on the market that is completely safe to use nowadays though).

 

Watch out particularly to avoid eating too much animal fats on meats, eat less eggs, cheese, fatty meats, butter, and ice creams and of course take out foods. Naturally you can eat any of the above as long as you are sensible about it. Everyone tells you to eat more fiber, and by now with this advice it should be a given. If you are not eating enough greens or fresh vegetables then take some sort of antioxidants or supplements. Cut down drinking of alcohol to one or two drinks a day.

There is some great advice and diets that have been designed to help people with high cholesterol reduce these high levels. With a little research you will find the right ways to control your cholesterol.

 

More Heart Health Information Here



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Gregory Camp asked:


Exercise – The Pursuit of Fitness and Heart Health

 Only about 25 percent of adult in the United States currently believe in exercising regularly to achieve physical fitness and overall well-being.  Attaining and maintaining peak physical condition and not getting “soft” is sufficient incentive for them.  Another large segment of the population exercises as an adjunct to dieting efforts in an effort to be slim and trim, while others exercise in an effort to decrease their risk o f heart disease.

 But whatever their reason for all this increased activity, more Americans are turning to a wide-variety of exercise regimens as a pleasurable and healthy experience.

  Putting Exercise in Perspective

 Lack of exercise is only one, albeit a strong one, among a number of factors, which may predispose an individual to the development of coronary artery disease.  Some of these risk factors are inherent and cannot be changed, such as heredity (heart disease in several close blood relatives), being male (since middle-aged men are statistically more likely to develop coronary artery disease, although the gap is closing.) On the other hand, aging is significant, since both older men and women are more likely to have coronary artery disease, than middle- aged adults.

 Other risk factors are amendable to modification.  High blood pressure and diabetes are treatable.   It is also possible to stop smoking, although in many cases, smoking cessation presents a definite challenge.  Reducing daily stress in your life can decrease the emotional tension, which may predispose to heart attack.  Also sometimes difficult, but significant, is maintaining a reasonable body weight, with an increased muscle mass, as opposed to fat content.  This today, although you cannot alter your family history, blood pressure, cholesterol level, smoking, stress, obesity and other risk factors can be medically or behaviorally controlled.

 High blood, fat levels, and physical activity can be difficult to address, as personal lifestyles become ingrained and repetitive, and we are creatures of habit.

 Good consumption and physical activity become routines and difficult to change.  Although challenging, modifying these two risk factors may turn out to be a distinctly pleasant experience.  You will have the incentives of enjoyment and recreation plus health benefits as added encouragement.  In addition to modifying your dietary intake, you will learn to change, and enjoy, your exercise habits, as you simply fell better and are able to perform your daily activities more easily.

 By adopting these changes in your lifestyle, you can learn how to attain and maintain a higher level of physical fitness and lower possibility of becoming a heart attack statistic.

 And even if you don’t become chronically health-conscious, risk factor modification may lower the possibility of developing coronary artery disease, while becoming slimmer, fitter, and more energetic.



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Megan Hazel asked:


Heart disease is a leading cause of death in the United States, and is an illness which concerns many men and women over the age of forty. Even if you maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly, you can still benefit from additional, precautionary measures such as taking supplements.

One of the best supplements for heart health is Vitamin E. Vitamin E has been shown to lower the risk of heart disease by up to 40% over time, so long as it is taken consistently and regularly. Vitamin E should be taken while ingesting fat. Unlike many other vitamins which are water-soluble, vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin which means it can only be properly digested and utilized with fat in the body.

Also worth mentioning is that while vitamin E is wonderful for heart health, there is some truth to the old adage “too much of a good thing can be a bad thing”. Vitamin E can cause diarrhea or excessive bleeding if consumed at high levels, and you also need to take care when combining Vitamin E with fish oils.  Natural vitamin E, also known as d-tocopherol, is among the best kinds to take. A good dosage for heart health maintenance is 200 to 400 IUs per day. Most supplements are sold in either 200 or 400 IU capsules.

Another great vitamin is Vitamin C. Unlike “E”, Vitamin C is water soluble.  Unfortunately, humans do not produce their own vitamin C in their bodies and therefore must constantly replenish their levels with outside sources. A lot of people enjoy vitamin C-rich foods, which are easier to eat at plentiful levels than Vitamin-E rich foods.  Sources of Vitamin E tend to be animal sources, while vitamin C can be found in great-tasting foods like oranges, strawberries, and many other fruit and vegetable sources.

However, because you eliminate vitamin C so quickly, it is best to consistently add this supplement to your diet. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, and keeps blood vessels working properly.  It also works in tandem with Vitamin E to promote heart health, raising ‘good’ cholesterol levels while lowering ‘bad’ cholesterol levels.  Most people find a dose of 500 mg to 1000 mg a day to be enough, but if you choose to supplement with higher doses you will not risk overdosing.  Of course, your doctor is your best guide but many people do report higher energy levels, less colds and flu, and greater overall health and wellness with higher levels of vitamin C.

Omega 3 fatty acids, found mainly in fish oil, give a powerful heart-health boost as well.  This can be especially good to supplement since people do not always like fish, or do not choose to eat enough of it for levels to be most beneficial.  Fish oils help the immune system to function better, which in turn benefits the cardiovascular system.  Most people find a supplement taken with each meal is easy to remember, and they are pleasantly surprised when they find that their skin conditions have improved, their memory is boosted, and their mental clarity and outlook are better while helping their heart health at the same time.

Vitamin B comes in many different forms, and each plays a crucial role in the health of the heart. For this reason, most consumers buy a B-complex vitamin which is a multi-vitamin and includes all of the important “Bs”. The B vitamins are responsible for hundreds of functions in the body, many of which regard the heart.  For example, niacin, or B3 as it is also known, is one of the best supplements to help with cholesterol levels. It helps raise the good ‘LDL’ in the body and lower the negative ‘HDL’, as well as triglycerides.  B3 is also good for both your liver and your brain, and the B vitamins in general help break up fats in the blood and plaque in the system.

Magnesium and potassium should be included in your heart health supplement plan as well. Magnesium helps the actual functioning of the heart muscle, while potassium regulates the heart beat; obviously quite an important function! Since most Americans do not get the recommended dietary allowance of magnesium through their foods, it is important to get it through supplementation to maintain optimal heart health.

Heart health is a subject which should never be ignored. Talk to your doctor and confirm that these supplements are safe for you. In all likelihood you will be given the green light to help your own heart health with these supplements which can easily be found online or at your local vitamin store.



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Rich Hawkins asked:


Let’s face it, many of us know that fish oil for heart health is a good thing, but did you realize just how effective it is and how many benefits it can bring to your life?

With heart foundations and even the government advising us to take a daily supplement, it’s obvious it can help us, but just how do they reduce our risk of heart disease and keep us healthy?

It is the power of the omega 3 fatty acids, DHA and EPA that help fish oil for heart health be so effective. They stop the platelets in the blood from sticking together, helping to prevent a clot and improving the circulation. They also reduce the blood fats related to cholesterol to lower the blood pressure.

This is also called hypertension and known as the silent killer as we don’t know anything is wrong until it’s too late, and it is thought that the taking of a daily preventative quality DHA omega 3 supplement has saved hundreds of thousands of lives.

In addition, they help to strengthen the heart’s electrical system and thereby prevent any heart-rhythm abnormalities.

With the vast array of other benefits too like improved brain health and mental-well being, prevention of ****** and colon cancer and an improved immune system, fish oil for heart health is just one of many.

In order to select one that will deliver these benefits, here are some quick tips.

Ensure the supplement has as higher level of DHA compared to EPA as DHA is responsible for most of the benefits and most do not have much at all. I would recommend at least 250mg of DHA per tablet.

Next it is vital that it is pharmaceutical grade and has undergone molecular distillation to remove any harmful toxins like mercury, leaving only safe pure oil.

If you follow these tips you will be able to select a quality oil and start enjoying the many life saving benefits, including fish oil for heart health.

If you would like to learn more about the high quality DHA fish oil supplements I personally take daily, visit my website today.

 

 



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Eric Glenn asked:


With all of the claims out there that dietary supplements can cure everything from cancer to toe fungus, it is hard to know what to believe. Some dietary supplement products have undergone rigorous testing. Others have not. Some supplements contain ingredients of the highest possible quality. Others do not. There is no wonder that people haven’t been taking full advantage of the supplements that are worthwhile; no one knows what to believe. One thing that is for sure is that there have been a number of studies that have validated the usefulness of a collection of supplements that focus on heart health and aid the body in doing more easily what it does best.

Heart health is arguably the most important aspect of personal health that we should be concerned with. This is the case for a number of reasons. First of all, cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of Americans. Millions of people die every year from heart health related issues. Another reason why so many people are becoming concerned about their heart health is because more and more people are beginning to realize what role the heart plays in their overall sense of well-being. You may or may not know that a healthy heart allows you to benefit from a variety of healthy lifestyle advantages. When your heart does not have to work as hard to pump blood throughout the body, you feel more energetic and have more stamina to do the things that you love. The heart is arguably the most vital of all organs so finding ways to keep it healthy and at an optimum working level is definitely advantageous.

So what types of supplements are available that can help strengthen your heart health? Research has shown that the supplement L-Arginine can have dramatic benefits in the prevention of symptoms of cardiovascular disease. L-Arginine has a dual benefit. First, L-Arginine will provide immune system benefits that range from simply feeling better from day to say, to keeping the blood flow to the heart at a healthy level. L-Arginine is so efficient in the fight against illnesses because it is an amino acid. More specifically, L-Arginine restores production of nitric oxide to the body, a key element in improving blood flow. As was previously mentioned, improved blood flow means that the heart does not have to work as hard to do its job. You benefit not only from a higher energy level but you also gain the long term advantages of lowering bad levels of cholesterol and avoiding putting unnecessary strain on your heart (very possibly prolonging life and the quality thereof).

Of course the benefits of using supplements that can enhance the health of your heart are obvious, but you must also consider that having a dietary supplement that provides benefits to other aspects of your health is also going to be an important addition to your diet. It stands to reason that the best supplement combinations are the ones that address the most pressing health concerns and are specifically formulated to work with each other to enhance overall health. Proven products such as this are hard to find. Use products that include vitamins, minerals, amino acids and herbal extracts to create a wellness system that can benefit you. Talk with your doctor to see if the product is right for you. You will want to make sure that you discuss any current medications that you are taking as well as information regarding whether or not you have been diagnosed or are being treated for any cardiovascular disease.



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Dee Overly asked:


Soy and soybeans appear to have taken the modern world by storm. Every day new products emerge from the grocery store promoting soy-based products for their healthful benefits. The advantages of soy products can’t be emphasized enough because they are much more than just another supplement. Soy has been proven by the FDA to assist in combating heart disease, the number one killer in America.

As a matter of fact, the Food and Drug Administration accepted and acknowledged soy for lowering cholesterol prior to the turn of the twenty-first century. Their claim, in particular, was that a small addition of the soy protein to the consumer diet, at least 25 grams, could reduce the risk of heart disease.

Soybeans are legumes that are being grown more widely each year in our country. This mass production means that anyone can find soy or soy-based products that are affordable and flavorful.

Protein is not the only reason for adding soy to your diet. Soybeans also supply a number of vital vitamins and nutrients such as calcium, iron, fiber, and even a few B-vitamins. There are also soy foods containing potassium and foliate. Studies have found that people who regularly consume soy have a lower risk for several forms of cancer.

The cancer combatants are attributed to several components of soy, for example, isoflavones, that prevents the hormone estrogen from entering cells. This can help prevent ovarian and ****** cancers. Protease inhibitors suppress cell growth. Phytoesterol prevents cell growth in the colon, which may prevent colon cancer.

Not only can soy be used as a preventative measure, it can be used as a supplement in specialized diets. Patients with diabetes and kidney disease have found soy to be a healthful addition to their diets that does not impact their health issues.

Most of the soy-based products are naturally low in trans- and saturated fats. To boost this assurance, the American Heart Association has also promoted soy as a food that can naturally help your heart.

Heart disease is not the only disease or illness that soy can combat. Researchers are currently stating soy can also lower cancer risks associated with the prostate, colon, and ******. There is even evidence that soy can help reduce risks for osteoporosis and relieve the “hot flashes” associated with menopause.

Consumers interested in enriching their diets with soy products have never had a better time to do so. Soy is used in more products today than ever before. Those with heart disease will find it easy to locate a product to suit their tastes and needs.

Soy flour, milk, soy grits, and even soy meats can be found throughout grocery stores. It’s easier than ever to substitute healthful soy products for the more fatty foods. Many experts recommend simply replacing snack foods with those containing soy. Yogurt fans are encouraged to substitute soy yogurt to get the extra protein in their diet.

Ice cream lovers will be delighted to see that soy can even be found in frozen desserts that contain nearly no fat at all. Edamame are sweet green soybeans that can be found in your grocer’s freezer section. Tofu, or bean curd, is made of soy and resembles “cottage cheese” consistency. By itself, tofu has no flavor, but will assume the flavor with which it is cooked or mixed.

Incorporating soy into your diet is not difficult. It is something that your heart will thank you for.



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