SIX WAYS SOY BENEFITS YOUR HEALTH
By Monique N. Gilbert
Soy, and most soy-based products, are nutritional powerhouses. Soybeans are the only plant food that has all of the essential amino acids our bodyrequires, making it a complete protein. Soy foods do not have any cholesterol, and most are high in fiber. Soy also has many vitamins, minerals, and phytochemical compounds (like isoflavones) that work together to create numerous health benefits. Research shows that a daily intake of at least 25 grams of soy protein and 30-50 milligrams of isoflavones can improve and safeguard your health. This is the equivalent of 1-2 servings of soy foods a day. Here is a list of soy's properties and how they can positively affect you. 1. Soy's protein and isoflavones lower LDL (the bad) cholesterol and decrease blood clotting (thrombosis), which reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke.
2. Soy's protein and isoflavones provide antioxidants, reduce artery clogging plaque, improve blood pressure and promote healthy blood vessels, which protects the body from free radical damage, boosts the immune system, and lowers the risk of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), heart disease, and hypertension (high blood pressure).
3. Soy's soluble fiber protects the body from many digestive related cancers, such as colon and rectal cancer. While its isoflavones may protect the body from many hormone-related cancers, like breast, endometrial (uterine) and prostate cancer.
4. Soy's protein enhances the body's ability to retain and better absorb calcium in the bones. While its isoflavones slow bone loss and inhibit bone breakdown, which helps prevent osteoporosis.
5. Soy's isoflavones help the body regulate estrogen when this hormone is declining or fluctuating, which helps alleviate many menopausal and PMS symptoms.
6. Soy's protein and soluble fiber help regulate glucose levels and kidney filtration, which helps control diabetic conditions and kidney disease.
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THE WONDERS OF CARROT JUICE
Carrot juice, because of its many healthful benefits, is frequently called the "miracle juice." Carrot Juice is a Rich Source for Many Vitamins
Carrot juice is one of the richest sources of vitamin A (in the form of beta-carotene), as well as an excellent source of other vitamins, such as B complex. Carrot juice is rich in mineral content with high levels of calcium, copper, magnesium, potassium, sodium, phosphorus, chlorine, sulfur, and iron. Here are just some of the reasons you should gulp down at least one glass of carrot juice a day. - Carrots are excellent for the eyes.
- Carrots contains large quantities of vitamin A, in the form of beta carotene. Vitamin A promotes growth of bones and teeth, the maintenance of healthy body tissues, and the maintenance of normal glandular functions. It aids in the resistance to infections. Vitamin A is especially necessary in the diet of expectant mothers to build up and maintain the health of both mother and the developing child. Fresh carrot juice should be included in the diet not only during pregnancy, but also during the period of nursing the baby.
- Do you drink more Pepsi or Coke than water? While you may feel that these are just sweetened substitutes, you are wrong. In fact, these beverages have substances that require more water to eliminate them from the system. So, whenever you feel like having a soft drink, have juice instead. Juice increases water intake.
- Carrot juice has anti-carcinogen properties. Thus, it helps prevent cancer. It is also believed to have cancer-curing properties.
- Beta carotene is ananti-oxidant, and thus it prevents cell degeneration. Anti-oxidants also slow down the ageing process.
- Carrots are also good for the skin.
- Carrot juice is like a tonic. It will improve your overall health and increase immunity. In fact, two glasses of carrot juice a day can increase your immunity by as much as 70%!
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