Health Benefits of Soy Milk

Soy milk is a popular dairy alternative in the West, and it has long been a traditional beverage in China, Japan and other parts of Asia. Some people opt to drink soy milk because they are lactose intolerant or lactose sensitive, while others drink it for ethical reasons (such as an interest in animal welfare or in reducing your environmental footprint by eating lower on the food chain) or health reasons (such as wanting to reduce cholesterol intake or eat lower on the food chain).

The health benefits of soy milk are controversial, in part because (like milk) soy is a common food allergen. However, it is generally accepted that soy milk is a healthy alternative to cow's milk and many believe that soy milk is healthier than dairy milk.

Fat, Cholesterol and Protein in Soy Milk vs. Cow's Milk

In large part due to the milk industry's ad campaigns about how healthy milk is, many people wrongly assume that all milk is healthy. However, only low-fat and fat-free milk are accepted as 'healthy' by the medical community.

Unlike cow's milk, soy milk is naturally low in fat. Regular-fat soy milk contains slightly more fat per cup than 2% milk, but it is naturally free from saturated fat (which is considered to be more unhealthy than unsaturated fat). (More on fat contents in milk)

Because it is made from plant material instead of an animal byproduct, soy milk contains no cholesterol. Dairy milk contains about 20 milligrams of cholesterol per cup. An adult's recommended daily allowance of cholesterol is 300 milligrams, though many Americans consume far more, and many people with high cholesterol or some types of heart problems are better off consuming well below the usual RDA of cholesterol.

Soy milk is also high in protein. One cup of soy milk contains about seven to ten grams of protein. This is similar to cow's milk, which contains eight grams of protein per cup. Although some sources say that soy protein in soy milk is undigestible or an incomplete protein, this is not true. Soy milk protein is a complete protein and is highly digestible.

Health Benefits of Fortified vs. Unfortified Soy Milk

When used as a cow's milk replacement, unfortified soy milk is lacking in calcium and B vitamins (especially vitamin B12). For this reason, many soy milk brands on the market are fortified with calcium and B vitamins, as well as vitamins E and D.

Soy Milk and Calcium

One of the main drawbacks of soy milk as a milk replacement is its lower level of calcium. Unfortified soy milk contains about one-fourth the amount of calcium in milk. Fortified soy milk is often comparable to cow's milk in its calcium levels, but some studies show that fortified calcium may not be as healthful as naturally occurring calcium.

For vegans and people who are lactose intolerant, the issue of calcium should be addressed through a more comprehensive dietary plan involving alternate sources of calcium (such as almonds, beans, leafy greens and, for people who are not vegan, sardines). For people who use soy milk as a healthy source of isoflavones but who do not object to dairy in their diets, calcium is also available from cheese, yogurt and other dairy products.

Hormones in Soy Milk vs. Cow's Milk

As with dairy milk, there is some controversy over the hormones in soy milk. Cow milk naturally contains estrogen and progesterone. Cows are milked throughout pregnancy in the United States, and their hormone levels peak near the end of their term. Some studies have linked the consumption of cow's milk with various types of cancer and early sexual puberty. Additionally, cows in the U.S. are sometimes treated with rBST or rBGH, types of controversial growth hormones that studies have linked to various cancers.

Soy milk naturally contains isoflavones. Isoflavones act in a manner similar to the hormone estrogen (but are not actually estrogen). They are phytoestrogens or plant-derived compounds with 'estrogenic activity.' Some studies have linked high consumption of these compounds with reduced or increased chances of breast cancer, but there is no conclusive evidence either way. The consumption of abnormally high levels of isoflavones is questionable, but regular consumption of soy milk and other sources of isoflavones is considered to be healthy.

Diet for Healthy Hairs

Protein

As hair is made of protein, ensuring you have enough protein in your diet is crucial for making hair strong and healthy. If you are not consuming enough protein in your diet, your hair is likely to become dry, brittle and weak. Extremely low protein diets may result in hair loss. Choose chicken, turkey, fish, dairy products and eggs as excellent sources of protein along with vegetarian sources such as legumes and nuts.

Spinach 

Why it’s good for you: Eating spinach is a great way of getting nutrients into your diet. It contains vitamons B, C and E as well as potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium and Omega 3 – all of these are required for good healthy hair. The iron content in particular helps the red blood cells carry oxygen to hair follicles which is essential for healthy hair growth

Vitamin C

Vitamin C aids the absorption of iron so foods high in vitamin C are good to eat in conjunction with iron-rich foods. Vitamin C is also an antioxidant so is used readily by the body. The best sources are blackcurrants, blueberries, broccoli, guava, kiwi fruits, oranges, papaya, strawberries and sweet potatoes. Vitamin C helps in the production of collagen that strengthens the capillaries that supply the hair shafts.

Sweet Potatoes 

Why it’s good for you: Sweet potatoes are packed full of a nutrient called beta-carotene. Beta carotene is converted by the body into Vitamon A. Vitamin A deficiency often results in dry skin which can affect your scalp and can fall off your scalp as dandruff. For a healthy scalp try incorporating more beta carotene into your diet

Carrots

Why it’s good for you: Carrots are usually thought of as being good for your eyes but they help your hair as well. Containing vitamin A, these vegetables help you get that shiny well-conditioned look by maintaining the natural oils in the hair and keeping your scalp in tip top condition.

Omega 3

Omega-3 fatty acids are important fats our body cannot make itself, and therefore must be obtained through our diet. Omega-3s are found in the cells that line the scalp and also provide the oils that keep your scalp and hair hydrated. Look out for oily fish such as salmon, herring, sardines, trout and mackerel and plant sources including avocado, pumpkin seeds and walnuts.

Health Benefits of Lemon Grass

Cymbopogon citratus also known as Lemongrass is an herb which belongs to the grass family of Poaceae. It is well known and utilized for its distinct lemon flavor and citrusy aroma. Lemongrass is a tall, perennial grass which is native to India and tropical regions of Asia. It is a coarse and tufted plant with linear leaves that grows in thick bunches, emerging from a strong base and standing for about 3 meters in height with a meter-wide stretch. The genus Cymbopogon comprises of 55 species of grass, two of which are referred to as Lemongrass. These are West Indian lemongrass or Cymbopogon citratus which is famously preferred for culinary use and East Indian lemongrass or Cymobopogon flexuosus which is used in the manufacturing of various products such as fragrances because of its extended shelf life, owing to the low amount of myrcene in that variety.       

In addition to its culinary usage, lemongrass offers a wide array of medicinal benefits and is in extensive demand due to its antibacterial, anti-fungal and antimicrobial properties across Southeast Asia, as well as the African and American continents.

Nutritional Value of Lemongrass   

Lemongrass is an aromatic storehouse of essential nutrients providing a wide array of health benefits. It is a source of essential vitamins such as vitamin A, B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin) B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine), folate and vitamin C. It also provides essentil minerals such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, manganese, copper, zinc and iron, which are required for the healthy functioning of the human body. It offers no harmful cholesterol or fats.

Health Benefits of Lemongrass       

Lemongrass contains antioxidants, flavonoids and phenolic compounds such as luteolin, glycosides, quercetin, kaempferol, elimicin, catecol, chlorogenic acid, and caffeic acid, all of which help in providing an impressive range of medicinal aids. The main component of lemongrass is lemonal or citral, which has anti-fungal and antimicrobial qualities, while also providing a distinct lemony smell. Some of the most well known health benefits of lemongrass include

Cholesterol Lowering: Lemongrass possesses anti-hyperlipidemic and anti-hypercholesterolemic properties that support healthy cholesterol levels. Studies have shown that the regular consumption of lemongrass has shown significant results in sustaining healthy levels of triglycerides and reducing the LDL cholesterol in the body. This helps in preventing the accumulation of lipids in the blood vessels and promotes the unobstructed flow of blood in the arteries and prevents various cardiac disorders such as atherosclerosis.

     

Detoxification: Lemongrass helps in cleansing and flushing harmful toxic wastes out of the body, as a result of its diuretic properties. Detoxification helps in better regulation of various organs of the body, including the liver and kidney, while also helping to lower the levels of uric acid. The diuretic effect of lemongrass helps in increasing the quantity and frequency of urination, which helps in maintaining digestive health, eliminating accrued fats, and assisting in maintaining a clean system.

Stomach Disorders: Studies have shown that lemongrass essential oil has anti-microbial and anti-bacterial properties which help in fighting the infections caused by various pathogens such as Helicobacter pylori and Escherichia coli. Lemongrass is beneficial in the prevention of gastrointestinal disorders such as gastric ulcers, helps in stimulating the bowel function, and improves digestion. The anti-inflammatory properties of lemongrass are beneficial for treating constipation, ulcerative colitis, diarrhea, nausea and stomach aches. 

      

Respiratory Disorders: Lemongrass is widely used in Ayurvedic medicine for its healing effects in treating coughs and colds. Along with other beneficial components, the vitamin C content present in lemongrass helps in providing relief from nasal blockages, flu and other respiratory disorders such as bronchial asthma.

Fever: Lemongrass is a febrifuge and is also known as the ‘fever grass’, owing to its beneficial effects in lowering fevers. The anti-pyretic and diaphoretic effect of lemongrass is extensively used in Ayurvedic medicine for curing fevers by inducing sweating.

Immune System: Lemongrass helps in restoring the vital systems which are operational in the body, including digestion, respiration, excretion and nervous system. This assists in better absorption of nutrients and strengthens the immune defense mechanism of the body. Lemongrass extracts have a beneficial effect on the inflammatory actions of cytokines, which are the signaling molecules through which the cells communicate and respond in the body. Studies have shown that lemongrass exerts anti-inflammatory action and its constituents such as citral may be the cause behind its inhibitory effects on cytokine production.

Author:

Faisal Mahmood

Post Graduate Research Scholar at Functional & Nutraceutical Food Research Section

National institute of Food Science & Technology

University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (UAF)

Pakistan

10 Best Foods for Weight Loss

Diet is strongly linked with almost every disease on this planet. When you come to weight loss... its almost impossible to go ahead without certain modifications in your eating habits. Right kind of foods have positive impact on your health and they cut down your body fat faster than medicine alone. Though a planed weight loss program needs not only change in diet but also proper exercise, medication and lifestyle changes however, diet is still the

main factor to be considered. The purpose of this article is to introduce some of the miracle foods you should include in your diet if you are going to cut down your weight.

1. Oats

oats are rich in fiber, so a serving can help you feel full throughout the day. Just a half cup packs 4.6 grams of Resistant Starch, a healthy carb that boosts metabolism and burns fat.

2. Apple

Apples are one of the fruits that are highest in pectin, a soluble fiber that helps you feel full and satisfied. Eat an apple as a snack, and you may just feel like eating a little less when it comes time for your meal.

3. Yogurt

Yoghurt contains probiotic bacteria that can improve the function of your gut. Having a healthy gut may potentially help protect against inflammation and leptin resistance, which is the main hormonal driver of obesity.

4. Green Tea

Sipping green tea throughout the day is a great way to boost your metabolism and suppress your appetite while also hydrating you to keep your body in tip-top shape.

5. Avocados

There's no reason to be afraid of eating fats—as long as they're the right fats. 

Oleic acid, a compound in avocados' healthy monounsaturated fats (MUFAs), may trigger your body to actually quiet hunger. Stick to a quarter or a half of an avocado and watch that belly fat melt away. The creamy fruit is also packed with fiber and protein.

6. Grapefruit

One fruit that deserves to be highlighted is grapefruit, because its effects on weight control have been studied directly. In a study of 91 obese individuals, eating half a fresh grapefruit before meals caused weight loss of 3.5 pounds (1.6 kg) over a period of 12 weeks. The grapefruit group also had reductions in insulin resistance, a metabolic abnormality that is implicated in various chronic diseases.

So… eating half a grapefruit about a half hour before some of your daily meals may help you feel more satiated and eat fewer overall calories.

7. Soup

Broth-based soups are a healthy eater's best friend; they fill you up, are relatively convenient, and are low in calories. Look for a low-sodium, BPA-free can, or make a big pot of these healthy soups to eat throughout the week.

8. Berries

Studies have shown that the antioxidant anthocyanin, found in berries, can alter gene activity in fat cells, making it harder to gain weight. Blueberries are especially high in this antioxidant (it's what makes them so blue!), so sprinkle them on everything this Summer.

9. Brown Rice

Brown rice is a heartier, fiber-packed alternative to less-than-super white rice. A half-cup serving contains 1.7 grams of Resistant Starch, a healthy carb that boosts metabolism and burns fat.  Plus, brown rice is a low-energy-density food, meaning it's heavy and filling but low in calories. One study found that women who ate a higher-energy-density diet gained three times as much weight over six years than women eating a low-energy-density diet.

10. Lean Meat

Meat is an excellent source of protein for building muscle and keeping you full, but going for fatty cuts and processed meats isn't so good for your waistline or your health. Instead, opt for the leanest cuts of meat in order to keep your meals at a normal calorie count.