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Kentucky Soybean News
America Adopts Soy
In 1999 the U.S. Food & Drug Administration approved a soy health claim that sates consuming 25 grams of soy protein a day may help reduce the risk of heart disease. Since that claim was made, the United Soybean Board's (USB) annual report the Consumer Health Tracking Study, funded by the soybean checkoff, has shown a 39 percent increase in the awareness of the health benefits of soy. The study also states that overall 69 percent of consumers consider soy products to be healthy, a great source of energy, natural relief to menopause symptoms and high in fiber. The American Heart Association recommends eating soy along with a diet low in saturated fat, can reduce the risk of developing heart disease. It is also known that soy foods reduce the risk of prostate, colon, breast and lung cancer. Soy also builds stronger bones, helping in the fight against osteoporosis.
Being aware of this, Americans are becoming more health conscience. The Consumer Health Tracking Study found that over 90 percent of consumers are concerned about the nutritional quality of the food that they buy, and over 70 percent are willing to pay more money for healthier foods. The study also found that 97 percent of Americans are aware of the different soyfood products, and one-quarter of U.S. citizens actually use soy products on a weekly basis.
"The most popular soyfood products are soy burgers, tofu, and soy beverages such as soymilk," says USB Communications Vice Chair Greg Anderson. "The edible soy sector is one of the fastest-growing markets for our soybeans."
Soyfoods are a win for everyone. The soybean markets improve and the health and life longevity of Americans also improve. With this in mind, more education on health benefits and preparation of the foods should be conducted in order to continue these health wise trends.
The complete results of the Consumer Health Tracking Study can be found on the checkoff-funded Web site,
www.talksoy.com.
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