Soy and Heart Disease - Part 2

Soy, Insulin, and Glucagon  

Coronary heart disease has been linked to a buildup of fat in the blood stream. Insulin and glucagon are pancreatic hormones that regulate muscle growth and fat buildup. As carbohydrates are digested, they enter the blood stream as glucose. Insulin moves glucose levels become too low, the pancreas releases another hormone, glucagon, which prepares fat to be used as energy or stored as muscle. The body maintains a delicate balance between the two hormones. However, when blood sugar levels rise sharply, the pancreas releases a large amount of insulin. As a result, the body produces more insulin that glucagon, causing the glucose in the blood stream to be converted to fat, a condition that contributes to heart disease.

The appears to be an important relationship between soy, which contains plant protein, and fat buildup in the bloodstream. In one experiment, people who ate plant protein instead of animal protein experienced higher blood levels of glucagon and lower levels of insulin, thereby lowering their risk for coronary heart disease. These findings suggest that regular consumption of soy protein may reduce the risk of heart disease.

Soy and Folic Asid

Soy protect against coronary heart disease due to its low in fat and cholesterol free, helps in fight high cholesterol and atherosclerotic build up.

In addition to plant protein, soy contains significant amounts of folic acid, a substance known to reduce the risk of heart disease. In fact, one cup of raw soybeans contains 698 mg of folic acid, 100% of the US Recommended Daily Allowance. Research confirms the connection between folic acid and reduced risk of heart disease. In one study, researchers examined the effects of folic acid on 5000 people and found that those with the highest levels of folic acid in their blood were 41% less likely to die of heart disease than those with the lowest levels.

Research indicates that soy may protect against coronary heart disease. In addition to being low in fat and cholesterol free, soy contains fortifying isoflavones and nutrients that fight high cholesterol and atherosclerotic buildup. Simply stated, soy---a superior choice of protein and norishment ---means better heart health.