Soybeans and its products, such as soy milk, tofu, and temphe etc, contain high amount of proteins, and are rich in minerals, B-vitamins, omega 3 fatty acids and fiber.

The profound benefits of soy on human health have captured the attention of scientists.  One hot spot of study is whether soy has a protective effect against breast cancer.

Soy contains plant chemicals called isoflavones genistein, which has been found to have cancer-fighting activities.

Isoflavones are estrogen-like chemicals. They bind to estrogen receptors and have both “estrogen-like” and “antiestrogen” effects.

While greater lifelong exposure to estrogen increses the risk of breast cancer, the effect of soy isoflavones on breast is not clear.

Various studies seem to suggest that soy isoflavones potentially protect pre-menopausal women whose natural estrogen levels are high from developing breast cancer.

However, isoflavones may become “pro-estrogen” in post-menopausal women and increase breast cancer risk, although there are studies that suggest otherwise.

So far, there is no strong evidence on either side that would sugget the consumption or avoidance of soy food to prevent breast cancer.

Soy has many other health benefits. There is nothing wrong to eat soy as part of daily diet. Post-menopausal women, however, should avoid concentrated soy supplements until more is known.

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Besides lifestyle changes, people with borderline high cholesterol may want to use some herbs and vitamins to help lower cholesterol level. There are also prescription medications to help those who have elevated cholesterol levels.

1. B vitamins

Niacin, or vitamin B3, raises HDL, lowers LDL and triclycerides and reduces risk of dying from heart disease.

Other B vitamins lowers blood homocysteine, which is another risk factor for heart disease. Some B vitamins, such as folic acid, B6, B12, can induce regression of atherosclerosis.

2. Garlic

Garlic contains antioxidants that prevent LDL from oxidization. It mildly lower blood pressure and inhibits blood clog formation.

Garlic also lowers LDL and triglycerides and raises HDL. It inhibits the manufacture of cholesterol in liver too.

3. Soy

Soy products reduce cholesterol, lower blood pressure, reduce atherosclerosis and increase elasticity of arteries. Soy also facilitates LDL metabolism in liver.

To read the original article, click here. Also see Control Your Cholesterol (1) — Basics, (2) — Diet, and (3) — Other Lifestyle Changes.