Worried about all the high cholesterol in your holiday barbeque? Researchers in Taiwan have found a simple solution-- marinate your meat before cooking to lower unhealthy cholesterol compounds and protect your heart. As high cholesterol meat cooks, cholesterol oxidation products (COPs) form, which damage body cells. The study found that soaking meat and eggs in marinades containing 10 percent sugar, 1 percent soy sauce and 89 percent water prevented the development of COPs. These marinade ingredients act as antioxidants that prevent body cell damage by neutralizing COPs. Soy sauce also contains isoflavones, a COP blocking nutrient. Though the sugar may add a few extra calories, the researchers note, only a small amount of salt is added-- and overall the marinades benefits are both healthful and tasty.
