Savor the Simplicity of Soy for Heart Health
(ARA) - As more Americans struggle to lower cholesterol and improve heart health, we're also faced with the challenge of discovering healthy, flavorful foods that are easy to prepare. Fortunately, a natural and convenient solution lies close at hand for lowering cholesterol and reducing the risk of coronary heart disease. Best of all, it's readily available in your local grocery stores. The easy and delicious solution for better heart health? Soy.
In October 1999, after reviewing extensive research, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized a health claim for soy protein stating that incorporating 25 grams of soy protein per day into a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease. Grocery shoppers can look for a heart-healthy message right on the packaging of soy products that meet the FDA's required 6.25 grams of soy protein per serving.
Since the health claim took effect, two other important guidelines have brought the humble soybean back into the spotlight as a natural defense against heart disease, which is America's number one killer. In May 2000, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) released the fifth edition of Nutrition and Your Health: Dietary Guidelines for Americans, listing soyfoods as a means to meet some of the dietary recommendations featured in the Food Guide Pyramid. The USDA guidelines recognize soyburgers and tofu as great sources for high-quality protein. Just cup of tofu or a 2- ounce soyburger are listed as serving suggestions in the Meat and Beans Group.
If that isn't enough to send you straight to the soy aisle of your supermarket, the American Heart Association (AHA) released its own revised dietary guidelines in October 2000. One year after the FDA-approved health claim, AHA credits soy protein as a viable means to lowering LDL ("bad") cholesterol. Doctors recommend sustained cholesterol levels below 200 mg/dL for heart and cardiovascular health. Consuming 25 grams of soy protein a day can help get you there.
The AHA guidelines also point out that soybean oil, frequently labeled as "vegetable oil," is a good source of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids that possess cardioprotective properties. Soybean oil maintains a profile of 61 percent polyunsaturated fat, considerably higher than the amount found in olive, canola and peanut oil.
Why not take all of this information to heart and prepare a healthy, quick and easy soy recipe tonight? Your whole family will love the savory, hearty pasta sauce and you'll appreciate the ease of preparation that will make this a mainstay of your weeknight cooking repertoire. Plus, it meets the requirements of the soy protein health claim, so you know you're doing something good for your heart.
For more delicious soyfood recipes or for more information on the many health benefits of soy, visit the United Soybean Board's Web site at www.soybean.org.
HEART-HEALTHY PASTA SAUCE
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
12 ounces frozen soy crumbles*
2 cans (14.5 oz. each) cut tomatoes
2 cups zucchini, cut into 1/2x1/2x2-inch strips
1/4 cup dry red wine
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt to taste
1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
12 ounces soy or regular pasta
2 tablespoons minced parsley
In large saucepan, sauté onion, mushrooms and garlic in vegetable oil until onion is tender. Add soy crumbles, tomatoes, zucchini, wine and seasonings; bring mixture to a boil, reduce heat and simmer 20 to 30 minutes or until sauce thickens. Cook pasta according to package directions. Serve sauce over pasta. Garnish with parsley. Makes 6 servings.
Serving tip: Serve with Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Nutritional Analysis Per Serving: 200 Cal., 15.5 g pro., 5.8 g fat (22% Cal. from fat), 27.8 g carb., 19 mg chol., 5.5 g fiber, 426 mg sodium.
*Look for soy crumbles in the frozen food section.
Courtesy of ARA Content, www.aracontent.com
If you like this article, we'd be honored if you shared it using the button below.
