Nutrition Stop - General Health

Soy Protein Can Reduce Cholesterol

Research shows that soy protein can significantly reduce total blood cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides without changing HDL (good) cholesterol. In response to those findings, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration now allows food packages to state that 25 grams of soy protein a day, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease. Research is also showing potential benefits for reducing menopausal symptoms, helping to lower the risk of osteoporosis, aiding blood-sugar control for those with diabetes, and lowering cancer risk.

How do you get 25 grams of soy protein daily? Nutrition Stop carries more soy products than ever. Here is a quick reference.

1/2 cup edamame (fresh green soybeans, shelled or in pods) - 7 grams of soy protein
1 cup soy milk - 10 grams of soy protein
4 ounces firm tofu - 10-13 grams of soy protein
1/4 cup soy nuts - 10 grams soy protein
1/2 cup tempeh (made of whole, cooked soybeans, often used as a meat alternate) - 19.5 grams soy protein

Try these easy ways to blend soy into foods you enjoy already:

Make a refreshing fruit smoothie. Blend fruit with soft tofu or soy milk
Sprinkle crunchy soy nuts on your breakfast cereal, yogurt, salads, grilled fish or chicken, sundaes or pudding
Try soy pasta in your favorite spaghetti, macaroni and cheese or lasagna recipe
Toss an easy trail mix with dried fruit, almonds and other nuts with salted or seasoned soy nuts
Use 2-4 tablespoons of soy flour in 1 cup of flour in your recipe for bread or muffins. Be aware that baked goods will brown somewhat faster