#Australia #Heart Health #Chesterfield #Soy Nutrition Institute #U.S. Soybean Export Council

New Health Statement for Soy in Australia and New Zealand

In a significant step toward promoting heart health, the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) and the Soy Nutrition Institute Global (SNI Global) have announced a new general health statement in Australia and New Zealand regarding the benefits of soy protein. This new statement aligns with similar claims already established in the United States, Canada, and Japan, reinforcing the global recognition of soy as an essential component of a healthy diet.

The official statement claims that "consuming 20-25 grams of isolated soy protein from food or beverages daily, as part of a healthy and balanced diet, contributes to heart health by supporting healthy cholesterol levels." Isolated soy protein, extracted from soybeans, consists of 90% protein and is a complete protein source, providing all nine essential amino acids necessary for both children and adults.

Soy protein can enhance the nutritional value of various food products, such as nutrition bars, cereals, baked goods, meat substitutes, and fortified plant milks. Just one or two servings of soy products each day—like a soy protein bar (approximately 17 grams of protein) or a beverage (15-20 grams of protein)—can deliver the recommended 20-25 grams of soy protein needed for health benefits.

Cardiovascular diseases continue to pose a significant global health challenge, with improper cholesterol levels being a key risk factor. Research has consistently demonstrated that soy protein plays a role in lowering cholesterol levels. Soy products provide a high-quality protein source that helps reduce total and LDL cholesterol while being naturally low in saturated fats.

According to Dr. Alan Barclay, the primary author of the statement by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ), “Approximately 60% of Australian adults and a significant portion of New Zealand residents have abnormal blood lipids; thus, a diet incorporating soy presents a practical nutritional strategy for maintaining optimal cholesterol levels and heart health.”

Under FSANZ regulations, general health claims must be supported by scientific evidence, meet strict nutrient profiling criteria, and may appear on food labels and related marketing materials in Australia and New Zealand.

Recognition of soy protein's benefits for heart health affirms the value provided by U.S. Soy, from sustainable farming practices to the production of nutritious soy-based products and oils worldwide. Will McNair, director of soy products and oils at USSEC, remarked, “This acknowledgment of the benefits of soy protein underlines its significant role in promoting heart health, affirming the dedication of farmers and companies in the soy industry.”

The ingredient division of IFF supported the approval process for this health statement, demonstrating its commitment to enhancing the availability and importance of soy-based food in Australia and New Zealand. IFF will lead the implementation of this statement across the region.

This initiative is partly funded by the Foreign Agricultural Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA FAS) and the United Soybean Board.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Kerrey Kerr-Enskat, USSEC
Sarah Alsager, SNI Global

This emerging health statement highlights the promising potential of soy protein as a tool in dietary strategies aimed at supporting heart health, showcasing the increasing importance of legumes like soy in contemporary nutrition discussions.