PreventDisease.com - Trade Meat for Tofu to Lower Heart Disease Risk



		Trade Meat for Tofu to Lower Heart Disease Risk NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - What you eat for lunch just might save your life, results of a recent study suggest. According to researchers, individuals who replaced lean meat with tofu cut their risk of heart disease by reducing levels of cholesterol and other fatty substances in the blood called triglycerides, and slowing the rate at which LDL (''bad'') cholesterol is oxidized. When LDL is oxidized, or modified, it is more likely to deposit in arteries and form artery-clogging plaque that can lead to heart disease. Studies have shown that patients with heart disease have higher levels of oxidized LDL in their blood. Therefore, slowing the rate at which LDL cholesterol is oxidized ``would be expected to be associated with a decrease in coronary heart disease risk,'' Dr. Emma L. Ashton, of Deakin University in Prahran, Victoria, Australia, and colleagues report in the December issue of the Journal of the American College of Nutrition. ``This study indicates that the replacement of lean meat with the same amount of protein as tofu beneficially alters a number of coronary heart disease risk factors,'' the authors write. The researchers explain that estrogens, including plant-based forms of the hormone known as phytoestrogens found in soy products such as tofu, may lower a person's susceptibility to LDL oxidation. These compounds contain antioxidants that are thought to prevent cholesterol from oxidation. But more studies on the mechanisms involved are needed, Dr. Madeline Ball, a study author, told Reuters Health. ``The overall diet to reduce heart disease should be one with appropriate calories to achieve or maintain ideal body weight, low in saturated fat and with a good variety of foods, including plenty of fruits and vegetables,'' Ball said. ``Using soy products like tofu may also help to reduce fat intake. This could allow a greater improvement of the lipid profile.'' SOURCE: Journal of the American College of Nutrition 2000;19:761-767. Reference Source 89 For more information on how to prevent obesity or diabetes, use PreventDisease.com's "Quick Prevention Resources".