Archive for February 2010
Kidney Disease, Diabetes And Soy Foods
February 24, 2010 | 
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All Type-2 diabetics are in a very high risk group for kidney problems and kidney disease. Because diabetics release abnormal amounts of proteins in their urine called albumin, it is very important to eat healthy foods that reduce this protein.
Studies have been conducted over the last year that supports the theory that soy foods, rich in soy proteins, may help lower albumin released in the urine. Based upon the information known regarding soy proteins, it seems that the kidneys have a much harder time filtering waste from animal proteins. Because the kidneys do not need to work as hard to filter soy proteins, fewer albumins are produced.
Study Comparing Soy and Dairy Protein
One study involved a group of men from the ages of 63 to 73 who were Type-2 diabetics for at least 5 years. None of these men were on any medication that would interfere with the study and all of these men were checked for other conditions that could adversely change albumin levels. The men were then grouped and fed diets of soy protein and dairy protein.
Fasting blood and urine samples were collected throughout the seven-month study and results showed that the soy protein diet reduced albumin in the urine when compared with the dairy protein. The study also showed dramatic increases in HDL or good cholesterol and a decrease in cardiovascular risk factors and LDL cholesterol. Monitored patients also saw a reduced level of glucose levels.
Diabetics Often Avoid All Proteins
Some professionals in the medical field suggest that diabetics should avoid proteins all together due to the risk of kidney disease. However, more have started recommending a soy diet. It seems that links between soy proteins and the prevention of diabetic kidney disease are being brought to the forefront.
Many websites on diabetes and physicians feel that diets rich in soy proteins may prevent the on-set of diabetes. This is great news for the approximately one-third of diabetics who go on to find themselves dealing with this dreaded kidney disease.
How Much Soy for Diabetics is Safe and Beneficial
Many diabetics and those at risk for kidney disease wonder how much soy is needed to benefit them. Currently, the FDA recommends that all Americans consume approximately 25 grams of soy protein per day. Those who are on a diabetic diet or who follow stricter eating guidelines may want to base their soy diet on other means and not just the FDA.
There are not currently a lot of studies to answer the question of how much soy intake is suitable for diabetic diets. The non-profit organization, HCF Nutritional Research Foundation, recommends approximately one to two servings of high soy protein daily. They also recommend that individuals that choose to use soy protein in their diabetic diet choose soy foods low in fat or fat free. Good choices for low or fat free soy foods include tofu, soymilk, soy burgers, soy cheese, and tempeh.
Posted in vegetarian recipe | 
Tags: Abnormal Amounts, Albumin Levels, Good Cholesterol | 
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Two Delicious Vegetarian Chili Recipes
Do you love chili? Did you think you had to give up this old favorite because you would switch to a low calorie or vegetarian diet? Well, I will introduce you two vegetarian chili recipes. With them, you can enjoy healthier versions of one of your favorite dishes.
Of the two recipes, one is for the average palate, and the other is for those who like something spicier.
* Easy Vegetarian Chili
Here is a simple, easy to prepare chili recipe. For this recipe, you will need:
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 can of diced tomatoes
- 3 tablespoons vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 can of pinto or black beans, drained
- 1 can of kidney beans, drained
1. Add the olive oil to a large soup pot. Add the onion, garlic and bell pepper to the pot, and saute for about 4 or 5 minutes.
2. Add the tomatoes, vegetable broth and chili powder to the pot. Stir the mixture together.
3. With the heat set to medium-low, add the black beans and kidney beans to the mixture.
4. Cook the chili for at least 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. If you have the time, reduce the heat and let the chili simmer for a while. The longer the cooking time, the more enhanced the flavor will be.
* Hot and Spicy Vegetarian Chili
Do you like your chili hot and spicy? If so, this recipe is for you.
For this recipe, you will need:
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 28 ounce can of diced tomatoes
- 4 tablespoons of chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon each of cumin, red pepper flakes, and salt
- 1 1/2 cups of hot salsa
- 1 cup of water
- 3 cans of kidney beans
1. In a large soup pot, saute the onions and garlic in olive oil for about 4 or 5 minutes.
2. To the pot, add your tomatoes, cayenne, chili powder, cumin, red pepper, salt, hot salsa and water. Give the mixture a stir, and then let it simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Add the bean to the pot, then let the chili simmer for another 30 minutes. After that, it’s ready to serve.
If you are a chili fan and a vegetarian the same time, you can give these two vegetarian chili recipes a try. You may find that you do not have to give up your favorite dish to stick to your healthy diet.
Posted in vegetarian chili recipe | Tags: Chili Powder, Olive Oil, Vegetarian Chili Recipes | No Comments »
The Vegetarian Diet Meal Plan That Will Help You Lose Weight
A meat eater might view a vegetarian diet as being boring, but a vegetarian diet can be the complete opposite. In order to accomplish an appealing vegetarian diet, it is important to have a good vegetarian diet meal plan.
Since animal protein is non existent in a vegetarian’s diet, some important ingredients get more attention than they usually do in other diets. Plant foods, and grains take on the role of main courses.
The Vegetarian Diet Meal Plan
1. Use A wide variety of plant protein sources at each meal, such as legumes, grain products, nuts and seeds, and vegetables. Use small portions of nuts and seeds in dishes.
2. Use a wide variety of vegetables. Steaming, stir frying, or microwaving vegetables retains flavor, nutrients, and color.
3. Choose low fat and fat free varieties of milk and milk products, and limit the use of eggs. This is crucial to prevent a high intake of saturated fat, which is found in whole milk, low fat milk, regular cheeses, eggs, and other foods.
4. Consume more dishes made with soybean-based products like tofu and tempeh. Soybeans are unique because they contain the only plant protein that is nutritionally equal to animal protein.
5. Consume foods that contain nutrients of special importance to vegetarians. Foods with good sources of vitamin B12, Vitamin D, Calcium, Iron, Zinc, and Linolenic Acid.?
This is a low fat diet plan that will help you lose weight while still getting enough protein each day. Like any other diet plan you have to stay committed to it and you will begin to lose the weight you desire.