Don't Let a Chaotic Schedule Prevent Good Care of Your Heart
- Approximately One in Three Adults Has High Cholesterol -

By Greg Paul, Ph.D.
Nutritionist and Protein Expert

We're approaching the home stretch of 2006. The kids are back in school, cooler air fills the night, fall leaves will soon cover the ground and the winter holiday season is right around the corner. This September - national Cholesterol Awareness Month - don't let a chaotic schedule prevent you from taking good care of your heart.

Some 50 million Americans suffer from high cholesterol, putting them at increased risk of heart disease. The issue is a big concern in our country because federal health officials estimate nearly one-third of adults have too much cholesterol in their blood. Approximately one in five Americans says they haven't checked their cholesterol in the last five years.

To be sure, not all cholesterol is bad. The substance is produced naturally in the liver and serves important roles. Problems occur when a person has too much blood cholesterol. High amounts can clog blood vessels potentially leading to a heart attack or stroke. Your age, gender, diet, activity level, body weight and family history are all factors that can contribute to potentially unhealthy cholesterol levels.

But wait - there's good news. Research continues to suggest that certain foods eaten as part of an overall healthy diet may help a person lower or better manage their blood cholesterol levels.

Oats and Barley - turns out those bowls of oatmeal you ate as a kid might do more than simply holding you over until lunch. Oats and barley contain a certain fiber called beta glucan that's been found to lower cholesterol.

Soyfoods - Studies have shown that soy protein may moderately lower blood cholesterol beyond that realized from a low fat, low cholesterol diet - a finding that's been supported by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. For many people, soymilk is a convenient way to add more soy protein to their diets. Soymilk is naturally cholesterol-free. You'll find it in the chilled dairy section of most grocery stores.

Fruits and Veggies - foods such as apples, berries, sweet potatoes, and carrots are high in soluble fiber specifically, pectin shown to be helpful in lowering cholesterol. Most adults should be consuming four ½ cup servings of fruit and five ½ cup servings of vegetables every day.

Beans (legumes) - Kidney, black and lima beans are one of the best sources of soluble fiber in the diet. Soluble fiber is known to reduce blood cholesterol levels.

Incorporating these foods into your low saturated fat, low cholesterol diet could help keep your heart in good shape for years to come. Exercise and regular checkups by your doctor are important, too. This fall, don't lose sight of all the little things that together make a big impact on your health.

Editor's Note:

Beginning at age 20, people should get their blood cholesterol level tested at least once every five years. The test is simple, and its results can tell you and your doctor a lot about your risk of heart disease and stroke. Don't let the year end without knowing your numbers!

NEWSPAPER EDITORS:

An accompanying photograph (of a soymilk bottle) is available for download. Visit: http://www.solae.com/company/mediaroom/pressreleases.html