Editorial

Security

Politics

World

Letters

Sports

Obituaries

Archives

Health

Compiled by Carol Aloysius

Healing powers of THE MIRACLE BEAN

The content of 40 per cent protein in Soy Bean is very much more than in fish, meat, poultry or dhal. In fact, it is twice as much as in any one of them. Unlike many other plant proteins which are short of essential Amino Acids, the EAA pattern of Soy Protein match the needs of the human body to a great extent. Soy bean is non-cholesterolgenic. The Lenolenic and Linoleic acids in Soy Bean do not contribute to the formation of cholesterol.

Soy Beans are much more than Protein. They are rich in other nutrients such as calcium, iron, zinc and many of the B Vitamins, and B6 in particular. They are also rich in fibre.

Phytochemicals, found only in plant food and particularly in Soy Bean, although not classified as nutrients are known to lower cancer risk. One Phytochemical in Soy Bean has been suggested as a potential anti-cancer drug.

Protease Inhibitors in Soy Bean are found to prevent the activation of the specific genes that cause cancer. They also protect against the damaging effects of radiation and free radicals which can attack DNA. In Soy flour the percentage of Protease inhibitors is around 4.3 per cent.

Phytate in Soy Beans, binds iron and prevents the generation of free radicals which are reactive and destructive substances that can attack cells and DNA. It also enhances the immune system increasing the activity of natural killer cells. which can destroy cancer cells and tumours and control cell growth which will protect against a wide range of cancers. Soy flour contains around 1.8 per cent of Phytate.

Phytosterols in Soy Beans which are not absorbed very well, move into the colon through the intestines and protect the colon against the harmful effects of bile acids which are the main breakdown products of cholesterol. Laboratory experiments also show that the development of colon tumours is reduced by 50 per cent. Phytosterols are also known to be effective against Skin Cancer.

Saponins in Soy Beans, like Phytate, and antioxidant protect against the damaging effects of free radicals and prevent mutations that can lead to Cancer. Whole Soy Beans have 5.6 percent of Saponins.

Phenolic Acids are also antioxidants prevent the DNA from being attacked by harmful Carcinogens.

Soy Beans also contain Lecithin, a fat better known for its role in the prevention of heart disease, has been found to reduce lung tumours and Omega - 3 fatty acids which are known to reduce Cancer and heart disease.

Reduces risk of Heart Disease: Researchers have ascertained that Soy protein was most effective in people who had high levels of blood cholesterol and above all that it was the LDL that was lowered. Further, it was found that Soy Protein can also lower blood cholesterol levels in people who have normal cholesterol levels but consume large amounts of dietary cholesterol. Simultaneously it was observed that it also raises HDL Levels.

Five other components in Soy Beans also help to lower blood cholesterol levels. They are soy fibre, lecithin, spongins, phytosterols and isoflavones.

Controls diabetes: Researchers have also ascertained that diabetics who consumed Soy fibre had lower levels of Glucose in their blood than those who did not.

Osteoporosis: Researchers have also found that Soy protein helps bone health. Lower levels of Sulphur Amino Acids in Soy Food prevent Calcium loss. Isoflavones in Soy Bean are also seen to be important for bone health.

Kidney problems: A British study has revealed that kidneys filtering about 45 gallons of blood a day have been activated by 16 per cent after a meal of Soy protein, as against animal protein.

Blood pressure

The lower levels of sulphur amino acids in Soy facilitate the excretion of sodium without interruption and this helps to prevent high blood pressure. Peptides in some Soy foods have been seen to inhibit the activity of Angiotensin converting enzymes instrumental in the production of hormones that increases blood pressure.

Gallstones: One of the major components of bile is cholesterol which is a major component of gallstones.

Since soy has a potent effect on Cholesterol it is natural that it would affect formation of gallstones.

Courtesy: Prosoya

####

Women face greater risk of heart disease

Carol Aloysius talks to Dr. Murtaza Chishti, Resident Cardiac Surgeon of the Escort Heart Surgical Centre at the Durdans Hospital.

Q: What is the most common disease among (men) and women in the world today?

A: Cardiovascular disease. This is the leading cause of deaths for both males and females in the US and UK according to recent statistics , and from what I have seen, it is a serious health problem for men and women living in Asian countries( including Sri Lanka), as well.

Q: Is it true that compared with our Western counterparts, Asians run a higher risk of getting cardiovascular diseases ( CDV)? If so why?

A: That is probably correct. Asian men and women tend to develop CDV about a decade before their western counterparts for various reasons. The main reasons are their sedentary life tyles, lack of exercise, and poor eating habits. In the few months I've been living in Sri Lanka I've seen more big bellied persons than I would like to, since obesity is an important contributory cause for heart disease. High blood pressure, hypertension, stress, high cholesterol, diabetes, excessive alcohol and smoking are the other risk factors leading to CDV.

Q: If you were to compare the two sexes, who runs a greater risk in getting heart disease men or women?

A: I would say women. First because I've seen more women with high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes having heart disease, than men . This is probably because of their sedentary lifestyle, and lack of exercise.I also believe that their diet is at fault, since many of them are obese. Age is also another factor to take into account.

Before menopause a woman is protected by her hormones. After menopause she faces the same risk as men in getting a heart attack. Use of birth control pills over a long period can also increase the risk of heart disease in women.

Q: Are there any other risk factors to which women are particularly vulnerable?

A: Tobacco smoke definitely. Most women may not be active smokers but the majority of them are passive smokers (ie they inhale the smoke from active smokers).

Thus they are exposed to the same health problems that an active smoker faces - lung cancer, heart disease through no fault of their own. Smoking causes plaque to build up and triggers the formation of blood clots. It reduces the HDL (good) cholesterol and can disturb the heart rhythm leading to sudden cardiac arrest.

Q: What about pregnancy?

A: Pregnancy can put an added risk to heart disease only if a woman has predisposed heart disease.

Then pregnancy can put an extra strain on the heart. Further, if a young pregnant woman has predisposed conditions for cholesterol or diabetes, she is likely to get these diseases at an earlier age following pregnancy.

Q: What is the commonest age of female patients suffering from CDV?

A: The average age of most of my female patients with heart diseases have ranged from 42 to 72. The majority are in their sixties ie post menopausal age.Diabetes is also a very common reason for heart diseases among women in Sri Lanka.

Q: What is your advice to women (and men) to avoid getting a heart disease?.

A: Change your present lifestyle. Exercise daily. Avoid friend food and food with a lot of coconut. Cut down your weight. If your waist line exceeds 35 inches you are a potential candidate for heart disease.

If you are diabetic watch out. Women with diabetes run three to four times the risk of heart disease and heart attacks. Finally, if you are smoker, quit smoking totally. There are no compromises with smoking. You either give it up for good or else. If you drink alcohol in excess, stop.

If you have blood pressure, it is advisable to monitor your pressure so that it does not exceed the accepted target.

For non diabetic persons the accepted target is less than 130/90 and for diabetic patients the accepted target is 130/85.

Q: Can we prevent or minimise the risk of heart diseases in future?

A: Certainly. Parents can lay down the foundation for a healthy lifestyle in their children from the beginning of their lives, by inculcating good eating and living habits. Mothers should pay particular attention to the young girl child and give careful attention to her diet especially when she reaches the age of puberty.

Oily foods, too much of animal fats, excess of starch can form the basis of future heart disease. On the other hand, fresh vegetables, fruits and a well balanced meal can go a long way in minimising hart diseases in the future generation provided they combine it with plenty of daily exercise and cultivate a tranquil state of mind, free from stress.

####

Good news for kidney transplant patients!

A new test to assess the levels of the Cyclosporine drug administered to patients after a kidney transplant is now available at the Asha Central Hospital in Colombo.

"This test is to help adjust the level of the drug after it has been administered to a patient, and ensure that the right dosage has been given. The advantages of such a test are wide ranging. First, it will prevent the body from rejecting the donor kidney. It will also prevent the adverse side effects that usually follow when taking Cyclosporine," a hospital spokesman told The Sunday Observer. These side effects include; nausea, comatose, loss of memory, excessive hair growth, depression.

All such side effects can be avoided by a blood test known as the Cyclosporine level test done on a kidney transplant patient every month.

To conduct the test, the hospital has brought down a machine called the TDX from Abbott Laboratories USA (the local agent for the TDX system is Hemas Drugs Ltd). "This was done to help patients who until this machine was installed, were compelled to have these tests done in Singapore and the US at a very high cost.

Having the test done locally will also ensure that the results are hundred percent accurate", the hospital spokesman said.

How does the test work?

"Time is an important factor in this test. Ideally a Cyclosporine test is taken two hours after ingesting the Cyclosporine tablets.

The blood is then tested and the results are given two hours later.

If the test shows that the Cyclosporine levels are high, they can be adjusted with early intervention, thus avoiding the complications follow when intervention is late( as it usually happens when these tests are done abroad). Furthermore, since the test is being done locally, there will be no need to freeze the blood.

This will ensure hundred percent accuracy in the results, since when blood is frozen there is bound to be a minute amount of water which can make a difference in the readings", the hospital spokesman explained.

Although the Asha Central Hospital had installed this machine for sometime, hospital sources said that many patients who needed to take this test seemed unaware of this . " We believe we can help around 400 patients who require this test. They can come here and have it done for a fraction of the cost they would incur if they have to send their blood for testing abroad."

The hospital has recruited the services of Ms Asoka De Silva, a qualified Biochemist who has specialised in Molecular Biology Gene Technology at the Colombo Medical Faculty to conduct these tests.

- by C.A.

####

Terms/definitions commonly used for heart related diseases

Angina Pectoris - Medical term for chest pain or discomfort due to coronary heart disease. The heart muscle doesn't get enough blood, resulting in chest pain.

Atherosclerosis - A form of arteriosclerosis, or "hardening of the arteries." Deposits of fat, cholesterol and other substances build up in artery walls. This build-up is called "plaque". As the interior walls of arteries become lined with these deposits, the arteries may become narrowed, reducing the blood flow through them.

Atrial Fibrillation - In this heart rhythm disorder, the heart's upper chambers quiver instead of beating effectively. This lets the blood pool and clot. If a clot breaks off, enters the bloodstream and lodges in any artery leading to the brain, a stroke results. Automated External Defibrillator (AED) - Medical device that supplies an electrical current to the heart to treat ventricular fibrillation, the most common arrhythmia present during sudden cardiac arrest.

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) - A standardized series of actions including checking for breathing, checking for signs of circulation, mouth-to-mouth rescue breathing and chest compressions. Performing CPR helps keep oxygen-rich blood flowing to the heart and brain and helps keep a cardiac arrest victim alive until emergency help arrives.

Congenital Heart and Blood Vessel Defects - Malformation of the heart or its major blood vessels present at birth. Also called congenital cardiovascular defects.

Congestive Heart Failure or Chronic Heart Failure - The inability of the heart to pump out all the blood that returns to it. This results in blood backing-up in the veins that lead to the heart. Sometimes fluid builds up in various parts of the body.

Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) - Disease of the heart caused by atherosclerosis.

Narrowing of the coronary arteries reduces blood flow to the heart muscle. It's likely to produce angina pectoris or heart attack. Also called coronary artery disease (CAD) and ischemic heart disease.

Sudden Cardiac Arrest - Abrupt, unexpected stopping of the heartbeat. The most common underlying cause is a heart attack that results in the quivering of the heart's lower chambers (ventricular fibrillation). Death can occur within minutes if the victim receives no treatment.

Ventricular Fibrillation - A condition in which the ventricles contract in an extremely fast, chaotic fashion so no blood is pumped from the heart. It's the most common arrhythmia present during sudden cardiac arrest.

Ventricular Tachycardia - A condition in which an area of the ventricle muscle develops pacemaker activity. As a result, the heart beats extremely rapidly and does not pump blood effectively through the body.

Courtesy: American Heart Association.

####

Lose weight with coconut oil

by Dr. D.P. Atukorale

One of the remarkable things about coconut oil is that it can help you to lose weight. Coconut oil can be called the world's only low fat oil.

When you go on a diet to lose weight, the foods that are most restricted are those which contain the most fat, as when we eat fat, the fat is broken down to individual fatty acids and carried to the blood stream where it is deposited directly into our fat cells.

Other nutrients we consume such as carbohydrate and protein are broken down and used immediately for energy. When we eat too much of carbohydrate and protein the excess is converted into fat. As long as we eat enough to satisfy energy needs, fat in our food always ends up in fat cells. When we take exercises extra fat in stores are removed from storage and burned for fuel.

Medium chain fatty acids (MCFA) which you get in coconut oil are different. They do not circulate in the blood stream like other fats, but are sent directly to the liver where they are immediately converted to energy, like a carbohydrate. So when you consume coconut oil the body uses it immediately to make energy rather than fat. You can eat much more coconut oil than you can other oils before the excess is converted to body fat. The weight loss effect of coconut oil has been reported by many researchers.

Overeating any food including cashew and avocado will add additional pounds to our waist line. But different foods affect us differently. Fat is restricted in most low fat diets because one gram of fat contains more calories than either carbohydrate or protein.

When broken down in the body, one gram of carbohydrate and one gram of protein provide four calories each, but a gram of fat provides nine calories - more than twice as much. So fat is twice as fattening as carbohydrate or protein.

All fat, whether they are saturated fat from a pig or unsaturated fat from corn oil contain the same amount of calories.Coconut oil however contains a little less. As you may be aware all fats are made of triglycerides - three fatty acids attached to a glycerol molecule. Because medium-chain fatty acids (found in coconut oil) are smaller than other fatty acids, coconut oil contains more glycerol per gram than other oils. Glycerol is an alcohol and as such yields only 7 calories per gram. So coconut oil has less fat than other oils. Coconut oil has at least 2.56 per cent fewer calories per gram of fat compared with that of long-chain fatty acids.

The reduction in calorie content and the fact that MCFA are burnt as energy rather than deposited as body fat is not only the reason for coconut oil's status as a low fat oil. Perhaps the best reason is its effect on our metabolism.

Coconut oil contains the most concentrated source of MCFA available. Substituting coconut for other vegetable oils in your diet will help to promote weight loss. The use of refined vegetable oils actually promote weight gain, not just from its calorie content but because of its harmful effects on the thyroid, the gland that controls our metabolism.

Polyunsaturated oils depress thyroid activity thus lowering the metabolic rate, just the opposite of coconut oil. Eating polyunsaturated oils will contribute more to weight gain than any other fat known even more than beef tallow and lard. According to Ray Peat PhD, an endocrinologist (who specialises in the study of hormones) unsaturated oils block thyroid hormone secretion, its movement in the circulation and the response of the tissues to the hormone. When thyroid function is depressed, metabolism becomes depressed.

Polyunsaturated vegetable oils are in essence high fat oils and encourage weight gain more than any other type of fat.

Obesity (overweight) has become one of the biggest health problems in developed countries. The typical Western diet is loaded with sugary, polyunsaturated fat filled foods.

Substituting coconut oil for polyunsaturated oils would be a advisable if you are obese. Health problems associated with obesity are abdominal hernias, gout, hypertension, varicose veins, diabetes, cancer, arthritis, heart attacks respiratory problems, atherosclerosis gastrointestinal disorders and gynaecological irregularities.

####

Your child your family

Prof. Herbert Aponso, Prof. Harendra de Silva and Dr. Dennis Aloysius, together with several contributors, both medical and non-medical, all specialists in their fields, have brought out the third edition of "Your Child Your Family".

Part I - The Road to Good Health - starts with a brief explanation of the Structure and Functions of the Body together with presentations on understanding the Mind and Behaviour.

It next proceeds to explain the basic principles of Heredity. This is followed by guidance on the important events in the Journey of Life, from the womb to the tomb. This section provides valuable information on parenting - Bringing up of Children.

The next sections are devoted to Environment and Health. It then proceeds to give a clear picture of how the body guards itself against infections, including an update on Immunisations (Vaccines).

Hazards to health, in the form of accidents both in the home and outside, and how to prevent and manage them, come next.

The hazards of substance abuse - narcotic drugs, alcohol, smoking are included.

The use and abuse of medicines and the cost of medicines are given an important consideration.

This Part ends with the important sections on Safe Motherhood and Family Planning.

This section has been of great help to mothers as well as to their husbands. Part II is a comprehensive guide to Food and Nutrition: It starts with an explanation of the Basic Principles of Nutrition, and is followed with practical information and advice on Infant Feeding, Dietetics, Unhealthy Foods, the Cholesterol Problem, Atherosclerosis (the cause of Heart Attacks and Strokes), Obesity, and some of the major nutritional disorders. The section on Home Gardening is well worth reading.

The important chapter on Growth and Development in Children should be read and understood by all those who are concerned with the care of children.

This Part ends with a comprehensive Table on the Nutritive Value of Foods.

News | Business | Features | Editorial | Security
Politics | World | Letters | Sports | Obituaries

Produced by Lake House
Copyright 2001 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
Comments and suggestions to :Web Manager