The review, including results from eight human studies, finds that individuals lost equivalent amounts of weight and, in some cases, equal inches of fat around the waist, using soy protein, dairy milk meal replacements, beef or pork at equal calorie levels. This illustrates the value of soy protein in a varied diet for weight control. Findings also support the possibility that soy protein decreases short-term appetite and calorie intake. Extensive follow-up trials are needed to prove the satiety, or feeling of fullness, factor of soy protein. Here’s an excerpt from the article, where I’ve highlighted the health various health benefits of soy foods.

Researchers also examined whether soy isoflavones reduce diabetes by stopping fat tissue build up and enhancing fat breakdown. Limited animal trials and human studies suggest soy-based diets and isoflavones may lower blood glucose and insulin levels. If proven effective, a soy-based meal replacement could provide additional benefits to diabetics during weight reduction. Researchers confirmed soy-based diets, compared to other low calorie diets, reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides and raise HDL (good) cholesterol. Findings indicate soy may reduce bone loss in women, but additional clinical trials on soy and bone loss are needed.

More info on the health benefits of soy, from the Soyfoods Association of America website. Be sure to check their list of 25 Ways to Enjoy Soy Foods.

Post from: Blisstree

Soy Foods May Help in Weight Loss, Diabetes, Heart Disease and Bone Loss

Although the results cannot be directly extrapolated beyond the laboratory, researchers report that “they strongly suggest that lipoic acid supplementation may be useful as an inexpensive but effective intervention strategy . . . reducing known risk factors for the development of atherosclerosis and other inflammatory vascular diseases in humans.”

Although lipoic acid is naturally occurring in foods such as green leafy vegetables, potatoes and meats, particularly organ meats such as kidney, heart or liver, they are not present in concentrations high enough to elicit the effect seen in the study. The supplements used in the study is equivalent to about 2,000 mg a day, an amount that can only be met by taking lipoic acid supplements (and several pills a day at that).

Read more here.

Post from: Blisstree

Lipoic Acid Supplements May Reduce Atherosclerosis and Weight Gain

Here’s part of her list, and the medicinal benefits that can be derived from them:

BASIL
relieve gas and soothe stomach upsets
active ingredient: eugenol

CAYENNE
relieves pain, improves digestion and relieves gas, nausea, and indigestion, thins mucus (and may ease cough, colds, bronchitis)
active ingredient: capsaicin

CINNAMON
antimicrobial, helps regulate the menstrual cycle and checks flooding during menopause, helps reduce anxiety and stress
active ingredient: cinnamaldehyde

CLOVE
antimicrobial, temporarily eases tooth pain, helps heal cold sores, may lower blood sugar
active ingredient: eugenol. A potent pain

DILL
soothe the digestive tract, treat heartburn, colic and gas, may treat bad breath

FENNEL ease bloating, gas pains, and digestive spasms, reduce bad breath and body odour, increases milk flow in lactating women

GARLIC help lower cholesterol and blood pressure and therefore reduce risk of atherosclerosis and heart disease (see my previous entry on garlic). may also be antimicrobial, and effective against digestive ailments and diarrhoea. may also have anti-cancer properties.
active ingredient: allicin.

MINT counteract nausea and vomiting, promote digestion, calm
stomach muscle spasms, relieve flatulence, and ease hiccups. acts as an antimicrobial, and may boost mental alertness. mint can also relieve pain.
active ingredient: menthol

See the rest of her entry here. I’ve also written previous entries on some of the herbs she mentioned such as turmeric, which has been found to reduce risks of colon cancer.

Post from: Blisstree

Healing Herbs From Your Kitchen