#United States #Nutrition #Dietary Guidelines #Chesterfield #Soybean Board

New Insights into Soy Nutrition

The United Soybean Board (USB), representing a community of nearly half a million soybean farmers in the U.S., has expressed enthusiasm about the recently unveiled 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. These guidelines substantiate the health benefits of incorporating soy foods into a nutritious diet, affirming what soybean farmers have championed for years.

Soy foods are not only a staple in many diets but are now recognized as an integral component of a healthy eating pattern. Research indicates that soy may contribute positively to various health aspects, including lowering blood pressure, reducing inflammation, enhancing cognitive abilities, and possibly lowering the risk of certain cancers such as breast and prostate cancer.

Brent Gatton, the Chair of the USB and a soybean farmer from Kentucky, highlighted, "The Dietary Guidelines affirm what soybean farmers have long delivered – a safe, sustainable, and nutrient-rich food that nourishes American families." He emphasized the importance of the agricultural community in fostering a healthier population, declaring that access to nutritious food starts at the farm level.

Soy foods, including options like tofu, tempeh, and fermented products such as miso, align well with the guidelines that advocate for nutrient-dense, plant-based protein sources. As a complete plant protein, soy delivers all nine essential amino acids vital for various dietary preferences. Furthermore, soy oil is primarily composed of beneficial unsaturated fatty acids, which can help lower harmful cholesterol levels, thus potentially mitigating risks associated with heart diseases.

It's noteworthy that the guidelines also acknowledge the importance of animal proteins, such as eggs, poultry, seafood, and dairy products, suggesting a balanced approach that combines both animal and plant-based proteins. This comprehensive view fosters collaboration among protein sources to ensure nutritious diets for Americans and beyond.

The guidelines' approach to processed foods recommends caution; however, they imply that the healthfulness of food should be evaluated based on its nutrient content and effects on health rather than just the level of processing. For soy foods, processes like fermentation can enhance nutritional value and safety, making nutrient-dense options more accessible.

Soy has been consumed for centuries, and experts like Julie Ohmen, CEO of the Soy Nutrition Institute Global, note the broad agreement on the capacity of soy foods to meet the dietary needs of Americans. She points out that concentrated sources of soy protein have a beneficial effect on lowering cholesterol levels, substantiating the health claim recognized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for foods containing adequate amounts of soy protein.

The Advisory Committee on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans emphasizes that the consumption of polyunsaturated fats, like those derived from soy oil, should be prioritized for a heart-healthy diet, reinforcing the notion that new guidelines are built upon established scientific consensus.

Every five years, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services release the Dietary Guidelines, which serve as the foundation for federal nutrition programs, including those for schools and vulnerable populations. This latest version reflects well-established research and investment funded by the Soy Checkoff, a program initiated by U.S. soybean farmers aimed at fostering research and promoting soya as a vital element in healthy nutrition.

Through ongoing scientific inquiry, farmers continue to invest in understanding soy's essential role in human health and sustainable food systems, ensuring that soy foods adapt to the ever-evolving needs of consumers worldwide.

About U.S. Soy and USB

U.S. Soy is dedicated to showcasing the positive global impact of soy cultivated in the United States. The U.S. Soy brand promotes its full potential as a sustainable solution to diverse global challenges, supported by the Soy Checkoff’s commitment to education and market development in the life cycle of soy products. The United Soybean Board plays a crucial role in enhancing the value of American soybean farmers through advocacy, education, and research initiatives.

For further details, visit the official website of U.S. Soy and learn how it impacts food, health, and sustainability worldwide.