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Update Exclusive Meta-analysis finds soy isoflavones
lower LDL cholesterol
An analysis of eight randomized controlled clinical trials published
in the September 1 2004 issue of the Journal of Nutrition
(http://www.nutrition.org/)
found that soy isoflavones were successful in lowering serum low-density
lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, the type of cholesterol that when
elevated is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular
disease.
Researchers from Tokyo University of Agriculture sought to determine
the effects of soy isoflavones on LDL cholesterol independently
of the effects of soy protein. Eight trials involving a total of
639 men and women with and without high cholesterol met the researchers’
inclusion criteria. Participants in each study were administered
a soy protein isolate which contained either a low or high level
of isoflavones (ranging from 3 to 132 milligrams genistein, daidzein
and glycitein per day) provided by the same amount of soy protein
for each group. Dietary fat, cholesterol and fiber content were
similar for all subjects. Serum levels of LDL cholesterol were measured
before and after isoflavone supplementation.
Analysis of the studies findings showed that a high intake of isoflavones
led to significantly greater reductions in serum LDL cholesterol
compared to a low intake of isoflavones, with identical consumption
of soy protein. The authors suggest that consuming 90 milligrams
per day soy isoflavones for one to three months could lower the
LDL concentrations of individuals with elevated cholesterol by an
average of 7 milligrams per deciliter.
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| Protocol
Cholesterol
reduction
Elevated cholesterol is associated with a greater than normal risk
of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. While antioxidants
can inhibit cholesterol from oxidizing onto the linings of the arteries,
knowing and controlling your cholesterol levels is still an important
step in preventing cardiovascular disease.
Low density lipoprotein (LDL) is called the "bad" form
of cholesterol. LDL carries most of the cholesterol in the blood,
and the cholesterol from LDL is the main source of damaging accumulation
and blockage in the arteries. Thus, the more LDLcholesterol you
have in your blood, the greater your risk of disease. If you have
coronary heart disease and your LDL is higher than 100 mg/dL, your
cholesterol may well be too high.
The FDA has approved soy as a method of lowering the risk of coronary
heart disease. For this dietary supplement, one research abstract
says it all:
Soy has been a staple part of the Southeastern diet for nearly
5,000 years and is associated with a reduction in the rates of cardiovascular
disease, and certain types of cancer. The research is now showing
that phytochemicals in soy are the mechanism of action responsible
(Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine [United States],
1998, 217[3]:386-92).
Diets rich in soy protein can protect against the development of
atherosclerosis. The mechanisms of action of soy include cholesterol
lowering, inhibition of LDL oxidation, protection against the development
of atherosclerosis, and reduction in risk of thrombosis. The active
constituents in soy responsible for these benefits are the isoflavones
genistein, daidzein, and glycitein. In a study to determine whether
soy isoflavones would protect against atherosclerosis in mice, it
was reported that mice fed a soy diet averaged 30% lower cholesterol
(J. Nutr. [United States], June 1998, 128[6]:954-59).
The following nutritional supplements offer benefits to assist
dietary modification to reduce total serum cholesterol and elevate
HDL cholesterol:
- Policosanol, take one tablet twice per day with meals: one in
the afternoon and one in the evening.
- Soluble fiber (psyllium, guar gum, and/or pectin), 4 to 6 grams
before any high-fat meal.
- Chitosan, three to six 500 mg chitosan capsules and one 1000
mg ascorbic acid capsule right before a high-fat meal.
- Niacin, 1500 to 3000 mg a day (if tolerable).
- Artichoke extract, 300 mg, 3 times a day.
- Garlic, 900 to 8000 mg a day.
- Curcumin, 900 to 1800 mg a day.
- Gugulipid, 140 mg 1 to 2 times a day.
- Green tea, 350 mg a day of green tea, 95% polyphenol extract.
- Perilla oil, 6000 mg a day. We suggest taking six 1000 mg gel
caps daily. If triglycerides are high, take 6000 mg of fish oil
instead.
- Vitamin E, 400 to 800 IU daily.
- Soy protein extract, 2 heaping teaspoons (5 to 6 grams) of soy
powder daily. Soy powder can be easily dispersed and has a light
peanut butter taste. For those who want to avoid powders, one
capsule of Mega Soy Extract twice a day may work as well.
- Selenium, 200 to 600 mcg daily.
http://www.lef.org/protocols/prtcl-032.shtml
|
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Mega Soy
Two 135 mg capsules of Mega Soy Extract provide more than twice
the amount of active soy isoflavones consumed daily in Japan, where
the risk of certain disorders is significantly less than in the
West.
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Herbal
Cardiovascular Formula
Herbal Cardiovascular Formula provides a variety of herbs, herbal
extracts, and plant enzymes that may enhance cardiovascular health.
Bromelain is a mixture of sulfur-containing proteolytic enzymes
obtained from the stem of the pineapple plant. Bromelain can help
break down fibrous substances within the body so that they can be
metabolized normally.
Curcumin can help maintain normal healthy platetlet function and
the normal process of bile excretions.
Gugulipid can act as an antioxidant, while helping to maintain
normal lipid levels and platelet function. Its primary action is
in maintaining the liver’s metabolism of low-density lipoproteins.
Ginger, similar to curcumin, also maintains normal healthy platetlet
function. Ginger also has the ability to optimize overall a healthy
functioning heart.
http://www.lef.org/newshop/items/item00301.html |
If you have questions or comments concerning this issue or past
issues of Life Extension Update, send them to ddye@lifeextension.com
or call 954 766 8433 extension 7716.
For longer life,
Dayna Dye
Editor, Life Extension Update
ddye@lifeextension.com
LifeExtension.com
1100 West Commercial Boulevard
Fort Lauderdale FL 33309
954 766 8433 extension 7716
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