Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Farmers Raising Awareness Of Healthy Soybean

U. S. soybean farmers are trying to raise awareness about the health benefits of soy and increase soyfoods consumption. The health benefits from eating soy foods have attracted much attention.

A recent survey shows that America's consumption of soy continues to rise, as does the perception that soy is a healthy food selection. Seventy-six percent of American consumers consider soy products to be healthy. Thirty-nine percent of consumers are aware of the relationship between soy and health benefits such as lower cholesterol, high-fiber and digestive benefits, increased energy, menopausal symptom relief and reduced risk of coronary heart disease.

In October 1999 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced a soy health claim so foods containing at least 6.25 grams of soy protein per serving can have labels stating they are low in fat and cholesterol and can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. As consumers have incorporated soy into their diets the marketplace has witnessed a surge in soy-based products. Grocery store shelves are stocked with numerous soy options, and it now is easier than ever to find a new soy recipe.

Soy food usage rose to $2 billion in annual sales in 1999. Food manufacturers use about 37 million bushels of U.S. soybeans a year to make soy foods. Consumption is expected to grow and could increase to 66 million bushels by 2005.

Will soy foods prevent heart disease, cancer, osteoporosis and hot flashes? We don't know for sure, says Rosemary Rodibaugh, nutrition specialist, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Arkansas, but research is focusing on these very issues and early results are promising.

Soybeans and soy food products are healthy additions to the diet. Soy's protein is complete, its oil does not promote atherosclerosis and it is cholesterol-free. Soy is a good source of several vitamins, mineral and fiber. It also contains natural substances called phytochemicals which may be responsible for many of the health benefits.

Until we know more, soy foods can be a big step toward a healthy diet. Some ideas to put more soy into your diet are:

Use whole soybeans like other beans in favorite recipes.

Try tofu in dressings, dips, desserts, stir-fries and salads.

Substitute soy milk for cow's milk in soups, sauces, puddings and beverages.

Replace one-fourth of a recipe's flour with soy flour.

Choose soy-based vegetable burgers, soy sausage, hot dogs, breakfast strips and pepperoni some of the time.

The Cooperative Extension Service, University of Arkansas has five fact sheets on health benefits of soy foods. Go by the office at 501 Clay Street in Arkadelphia, or check the website: http://www.arfamilies .org/nutiriton/Nutrition_And_Your_Health/soy.asp.