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The FDA has now approved the following health claim for soy protein: "Diets low in saturated fat and cholesterol that include 25 grams of soy protein per day may reduce the risk of heart disease. One serving of [name of food] provides ____ grams of soy protein" (37).  Soy protein bars, soy flour, or black or green soybeans offer a healthy source of soy protein. The Mediterranean diet has become increasingly popular as a heart healthy style of eating.  Olive oil and whole- grain bread alone can account for up to 50-60% of total calories, however this diet is also rich in beans, fresh fruits, and vegetables (38).  Much of the fat from this diet plan is monounsatu- rated fat from olive oil which appears to raise the level of HDL. Perhaps the benefits of this diet plan are best illustrated by a study con- ducted by Dr. Ancel Keys and his wife nearly 50 years ago and known as the Seven Countries Study (39). This study included partici- pants from the United States, the Netherlands, Japan, Italy, Finland, Greece and Yugoslavia.  It was based upon the simple observation of the develop- ment of CHD.  At 10 years, 28% of participants from disorders, and even pre- vent tooth decay. Black, green, and oolong tea all contain antioxidants such as polyphenols.  However, only green tea contains a specific antioxidant known as catechin which is felt to play a role in the preven- tion of plaque formation within the heart arteries (41,42).  Milk inhibits the effect of catechins and therefore its addition to green tea should be avoid- ed.  Black tea has also been found to be beneficial in preventing heart dis- ease.  At a presentation of Finland had developed heart disease while only 5% of the Japanese had developed heart disease.  Most impres- sive were the Greeks from the island of Crete.  Only 2% had developed heart disease after 10 years and none of them had died.  What makes this even more notable was that the Greeks were eating almost as much fat as the Finns, but far less saturated fat.  Therefore, this diet plan is worth a look, but careful attention to total fat intake is especially important.  If prone to weight gain, be especially cautious.   A Harvard study examined the potential association between egg consumption and heart disease (40). They found that eating one egg per day-that's seven eggs per week-did not increase the risk of heart disease or stroke for healthy adults who did not have dia- betes. Next to water, tea is the most commonly drank bever- age in the world.  Tea is high in specific anti-oxidants called polyphenols which make up 30% of its dry weight.  Tea has been touted for its potential ability to reduce the risk of heart dis- ease and cancer, decrease blood pressure, sooth headaches, treat stomach While the available research still remains inconclusive, for those who enjoy tea, drink green or black tea as part of a heart healthly diet. It can't hurt and it may just be good for you!

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