Incorporate Soy into Your Daily Diet to Lower Risk of Coronary Heart Disease

In October, 1999, the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that incorporating soy protein into the daily diet helps fight coronary heart disease - the number one cause of death in the United States. In a statement released on October 20, 1999, the agency stated that it would authorize use of a soy health claim on labeling of foods containing soy protein beginning on October 26, 1999.

The Healthy Effects of Soy

Soy has been a dietary staple of many cultures for centuries. Now mainstream America is embracing soy products and finding many tasty and healthful ways to incorporate this nutritious food into their daily diets.

FDA began considering a health claim for soy protein in November 1998. Research reviewed by FDA shows that soy protein, when included in a low-fat and low-cholesterol diet, could lower blood total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL or "bad") cholesterol levels, without adversely effecting high-density lipoprotein or "good" cholesterol levels. High total blood cholesterol levels and LDL are proven risk factors for coronary heart disease.

Soy protein offers Americans who are concerned about heart disease a natural and convenient option for lowering their cholesterol levels. Research shows that even those with normal levels can lower their cholesterol by consuming soy protein.

Recommendations For Soy Consumption

FDA recommends that consumers incorporate four servings of at least 6.25 grams of soy protein into their daily diet - a total of at least 25 grams of soy protein each day. In order to claim the healthy effects of soy, a product must meet the following criteria:

• 6.25 grams soy protein or more
• Low fat (less than 3 grams)
• Low saturated fat (less than 1 gram)
• Low cholesterol (less than 20 mg.)
• Foods made with the whole soybean may also qualify for the health claim if they contain no fat in addition to that present in the whole soybean

Soy products that qualify for the health claim will likely include a special message on the packaging. The message may read:

"25 grams of soy protein a day, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease. A serving of (name of food) provides ____ grams of soy protein."

How to Meet the 25 Grams-A-Day Recommendation

From soymilk to smoothies, tofu, veggie patties and soy-based "hot dogs," food companies have developed a variety of convenient and delicious soyfood products. Here are some examples of soyfoods and their protein content:

Soy is also an excellent complement to many recipe ingredients. Consumers can create lower fat desserts by substituting soymilk for evaporated milk, blend soft tofu in dressings and sauces, thicken gravies with soy flour and bake goods with soybean oil to retain moisture and freshness longer. More soy recipes can be found at www.talksoy.com.

Soy Products are Available at Your Local Grocery Store

Shoppers can find many soy products in mainstream grocery stores, including:

• Soy-based burgers, "hot dogs," "chicken"products, and breakfast patties and links
• Tofu
• Soymilk
• Soy flour
• Soy protein bars
• Soy cheese
• Texturized Soy Protein (Soy crumbles)
• Soy powder

In addition, health food stores have an even larger selection of soy products. An extensive list of soyfood products is available at www.soyfoods.com.

Other Health Benefits of Soy

Studies on soy protein have also shown promising results in the prevention of osteoporosis, cancer and reduction of menopause symptoms.

Contact the United Soybean Board for More Information

The United Soybean Board (USB) represents more than 600,000 soy farmers in the United States and has a wealth of information to share about the health benefits of soy. Consumers can visit our Web site at www.talksoy.com for delicious soy recipes and additional health and nutrition information.