With increasing cases and risks of heart diseases associated with aging, a recent research has shown that having a healthy heart should be a priority for people of all ages.
According to the research result, the journey to a healthy heart is expected to begin from childhood, and commences with the choice of right edible oil, considered critical for normal growth, development and long-term heart -health.
The research conducted by Soyconnection.com, dietary recommendations support incorporating soybean oil into healthy dietary patterns for general health and chronic disease prevention. It noted that soybean oil, an edible cooking oil that has been associated with several health benefits due to its high PUFA (polyunsaturated fatty acid) content, is essential for everyone regardless of their age.
In particular, it helps promote skin health, reduce cholesterol levels, prevent bone loss and provide essential Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. The benefits of soybean oil are enormous as it is a powerhouse of PUFA content, which is generally regarded as “good” fat.
When consumed in the earlier stages of life, PUFA intake plays a preventive role against coronary heart disease, cognitive decline and some cancers in adults.
For children, PUFAs are required for normal cognitive and psychomotor development. The body cannot create PUFA, hence, it must be deliberately included in one’s diet as part of a healthy lifestyle throughout one’s life.
The research result stated that, “soybean oil, when used as a replacement for other types of edible oil, which are laden with saturated fat, improves good blood cholesterol levels and may lower the risk of heart disease, thereby making it a heart-healthy dietary choice for people of all ages.”
Standing in the kitchen, Funlola Rhodes, a Lagos-based housewife, was shocked at her mother-in-law’s reaction. In her eight years of marriage, she had never heard the typically playful Mama Gbolahan raise her voice. Not even to scold any of her grandchildren.
Funlola had just poured a few drops of soybean oil into the pot of sizzling vegetable soup when her husband’s mother reprimanded her. “What are you doing?” Mama Gbolahan exclaimed. “Soybean oil? In everyone’s food?”
She wondered if this was one of the septuagenarian’s pranks as she was one to take the pressure off big family events with practical jokes.
But any doubts Funlola may have had about Mama Gbolahan’s seriousness quickly disappeared with her next words, “Don’t you know soybean oil is only for the aged?”