Benefits of soy as part of a low cholesterol diet.

One large benefit of soy (also known as soya) is that it has been proven, if eaten as a part of a low cholesterol diet, to lower cholesterol (both LDL cholesterol levels - otherwise known as the bad cholesterol - and total cholesterol levels). This information is most useful for people with high cholesterol levels, because they can simply add soy to their diet and reduce their levels, thereby preventing heart disease.

Soy foods, in all of it's many forms, are high fiber foods. This is an advantage because it is commonly known that dietary fiber lowers the risk of colon cancer and heart disease.

In addition to fiber, soy contains a lot of protein. As you might know, protein is made up of amino acids, and soy is an example of a very complete protein, meaning it contains a very complete combination of amino acids. Soybeans are an excellent source of protein because they contain no cholesterol (unlike meat) and low amounts of fat (also unlike meat). Therefore they are an important part of a diet for lowering cholesterol, and they will lower cholesterol naturally, without a medication.

Other advantages of soy : it contain isoflavones, an antioxidant, and phytoestrogens.

The soy isoflavones are antioxidants, and antioxidants are beneficial because they slow the aging process. They also have been shown in some studies to play a role in cancer prevention, as the risk for both breast cancer and prostate cancer may be diminished with a diet including soy. Soy isoflavones have been shown to slow bone loss and therefore play a role in osteoporosis prevention.

Soy phytoestrogens are chemicals in soy foods which naturally mimic the qualities of estrogen. In many studies and from the personal reports of many menopausal women, eating soy foods decreases the unpleasant effects of menopause, such as hot flashes and irritability.

In summary, soy foods are a cholesterol lowering food if eaten as a part of a healthy diet. They have qualities which lead to cancer prevention, heart disease prevention, and osteoporosis prevention. Soy isoflavones and soy phytoestrogens are contributing to the good health of people around the world. Diet and nutrition are an important part of a healthy lifestyle. By including soya, in many of its various and delicious forms, in your diet, you will be getting the benefits of soy and achieve the good health you deserve.