Written By: Shraddha Rupavate | Updated : February 24, 2015 2:45 PM IST
If you want to keep a check on your cholesterol level, you need to change your diet and include foods that can help you keep it balanced. One such natural food that is easily available and is good for the heart is soya bean.
Although the role of soy protein in reducing cholesterol is controversial, including it in the diet will not do you any harm. Besides, there are various studies providing strong evidence that soy protein prevents a rise in bad (LDL) cholesterol. A study by Rosell MS and colleagues found that the daily intake of 6g of soy protein reduced the level of bad cholesterol by 12.4 per cent. Another study by Sirtori CR and colleagues suggested that soy protein in some way up-regulates the level of LDL receptor on cell surfaces. This allows bad cholesterol to get absorbed from the blood stream for processing. Soy is an extremely rich source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids that are beneficial for heart health. In fact, soy has been found to dilate the arteries, allowing free flow of blood and other nutrients through them.
Image source: Getty images
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