Three ways soyfoods can help women take charge of their health today:

1. Soyfoods boost the heart health of women.
Research continues to support the 1999 health claim authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration that eating 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.¹ The effect of soy protein on blood cholesterol is enhanced when combined with other heart-healthy foods and ingredients, such as fiber, nuts, and plant sterols.²

2. Soyfoods help women achieve a healthy weight.
Soyfoods can aid in your weight loss program by saving calories and fat when eaten in place of food high in fat. Plant protein, like soy, may increase satiety—or make you feel full—more than carbohydrates. Soyfoods also contain fewer calories, less total fat and saturated fat, and more fiber than other sources of high-quality protein.

3. Soyfoods are safe for women at risk for breast cancer.
Research shows that women who are at risk of developing breast cancer, or who are breast cancer survivors, can safely consume moderate amounts of soyfoods.  No human trials exist to suggest a link between eating soyfoods and tumor growth.^3,4 A growing body of research suggests that eating a healthful diet that includes soyfoods, especially beginning in childhood and adolescence, may protect against breast cancer later in life.^5,6

Women can select and prepare soyfoods as part of any low saturated fat, low cholesterol diet today.  Today’s selection of soyfoods make it easy to add soy yogurt or soymilk over cereal at breakfast, enjoy edamame or a whole soybean fruit bar with lunch, or serve a tofu stir-fry or chicken-less chef salad for dinner.  Need more ideas how?  Discover a new soy-inspired recipe at: http://www.soyfoods.org/consumers/recipes.

National Women’s Health Week, May 13^th – May 19^th, is a weeklong health observance coordinated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health. It brings together communities, businesses, government, health organizations, and other groups in an effort to promote women’s health.  For more information please visit: http://www.womenshealth.gov/whw/

Soyfoods can help women take the steps towards a longer, healthier, happier life.  For more information on soyfoods and heart disease, please visit http://www.soyfoods.org/nutrition-health/soy-for-heart-disease; or for more information on maintaining a healthy weight with soy, please visit http://www.soyfoods.org/nutrition-health/soy-for-healthy-weight.

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The Soyfoods Association of North America (SANA) is a non-profit trade association that has been promoting consumption of soyfoods in the diet since 1978. SANA is committed to encouraging sustainability, integrity and growth in the soyfoods industry by promoting the benefits and consumption of soy-based foods and ingredients in diets. More information is available at www.soyfoods.org.

1. Anderson JA, Bush HM. Soy protein effects on serum lipoproteins: a quality assessment and meta-analysis of randomized, controlled studies J Am Col of Nutr. 2011;30:79–91.
2. Jenkins D, Jones P, Lamarche B, et al. Effect of a dietary portfolio of cholesterol-lowering foods given at 2 levels of intensity of dietary advice on serum lipids in hyperlipidemia. JAMA. 2011;306:831-839.
3. Hsieh CY, Santell RC, Haslam SZ, et al. Cancer Res. 1998;58:3833-3838.
4. Allred CD, Ju YH, Allred KF, et al. Carcinogenesis. 2001;22:1667-1673.
5. Wu AH, Yu MC, Tseng C-C, et al. Br J Cancer. 2008;98:9-14.
6. Shu, X, Zheng, Y, Cai H, et al. JAMA. 2009;302:2437-2443.

As Americans aim to make every meal a healthy one, soyfoods can play an integral role in any well-balanced diet.  Soyfoods nourish the body with high quality protein that is low in saturated fat, full of nutrients, and has low to no cholesterol.  SANA encourages individuals and families to take the steps to a healthier diet one at a time.

Take five

Soy-inspired dishes are easy to prepare and simple to incorporate into your daily meals.  Here are five recipes to try today:

1. No need to grab breakfast on the road, start the day off with these Soy Berry Pancakes, only 230 calories per serving!
2. This Tofu Hummus Wrap is light enough for lunch, but filling enough to help push you through the day!
3. For an afternoon pick-me-up, try this protein-packed combination of toasted almonds, cherries and a whole soy nutrition bar!
4. For dinner, skip the take-out lines (and calories) and whip up your own Veggie Pad Thai!
5. Before bed, satisfy your sweet tooth with this delicious Chocolate Mousse!

Money-smart soyfoods help consumers to gain health without spending a fortune.  Adopting a diet with plenty of plant-based protein from soyfoods makes good health and economic sense. For everyday tips on including soyfoods in your diet, download The Switch To Plant Protein Made Easy With Soy.

National Soyfoods Month is a campaign to increase awareness about the versatility and many health benefits of soyfoods.  Industry partners include: SOYJOY, United Soybean Board, Michigan Soybean Promotion Committee, MorningStar Farms, Illinois Soybean Association, House Foods America Corporation, Kentucky Soybean Board, Wildwood, Sunrich Naturals, TofuXpress, WESTSOY, and WholeSoy & Co.  For more information on April’s National #SoyfoodsMonth, please visit www.soyfoodsmonth.org or follow SANA on Twitter at @socialSANA.

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The Soyfoods Association of North America (SANA) is a non-profit trade association that has been promoting consumption of soyfoods in the diet since 1978. SANA is committed to encouraging sustainability, integrity and growth in the soyfoods industry by promoting the benefits and consumption of soy-based foods and ingredients in diets. More information is available at www.soyfoods.org.

As Americans aim to make every meal a healthy meal soyfoods can play a part in any healthy, well-balanced diet.  They nourish the body with high quality protein that is low in saturated fat, full of nutrients, and have low-to-no cholesterol.  Soyfoods are versatile and can be incorporated into your plate as a protein, vegetable and dairy.

Last fall SANA released a new education tool, Soyfoods on Any Plate, to aid individuals in diversifying their plates with healthy, tasty and easy meal ideas inspired by USDA’s MyPlate. Soyfoods on Any Plate, is a set of double-sided durable placemats that feature quick, easy and delicious soy-based recipes that will help families meet the USDA MyPlate guidelines.  These placemats are available to download here and available to order by contacting the SANA office.

The goal of “What’s on MyPlate?” Day is to create nationwide attention by using the outreach strength of social networks such as blogs, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook, to promote MyPlate and its related messages and resources like the new SuperTracker and the ChooseMyPlate.gov website.   As part of this effort, SANA urges consumers to put MyPlate into action by taking a photo of their healthful plates that include soyfoods and to share on Twitter with the hash-tags #Soy and #MyPlateYourPlate. SANA and the USDA believe people can be inspired by seeing where and when consumers think about healthy eating.  Snap a photograph of a MyPlate-style breakfast, lunch or dinner to share with the USDA Flickr Photo Group.

SANA encourages individuals and families to take the steps to a healthier diet one at a time.  For everyday tips on including soyfoods in your diet follow SANA on twitter @socialSANA, download The Switch To Plant Protein Made Easy With Soy, and visit www.soyfoods.org.

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The Soyfoods Association of North America (SANA) is a non-profit trade association that has been promoting consumption of soyfoods in the diet since 1978. SANA is committed to encouraging sustainability, integrity and growth in the soyfoods industry by promoting the benefits and consumption of soy-based foods and ingredients in diets. More information is available at www.soyfoods.org.

February is American Heart Month and the perfect time to take steps to protect our hearts for the ones we love.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States¹.  The good news is that great tasting and great-for-you soyfoods have a high quality soy protein known to lower cholesterol and protect our hearts². Research has shown that the effect of soy protein on blood cholesterol is enhanced when combined with other heart-healthy foods and ingredients, such as fiber, nuts, and plant sterols³.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized health claim recognizes that 25 grams of soy protein a day, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease⁴. Since 1999, numerous meta-analyses and significant examination of peer-reviewed data have continued to support the FDA health claim⁵.

Heart-healthy ideas that will impress that special someone:

• Surprise your sweetie by making them breakfast in bed; heart-shaped pancakes made with soymilk and topped with fresh fruit will start their day off right.

• Plan a picnic in the park; pack sandwiches made with veggie deli slices and soy cheese for a high protein, low saturated fat, cholesterol free meal.

• Coffee shops are the perfect place for an afternoon date; go for the soymilk option when ordering your favorite beverage.

• There’s nothing more romantic than a home-made meal; set the mood by serving spaghetti and meatless meatballs with a glass of wine by candle light.

Incorporating soyfoods into your daily diet is easy. For more meal and recipe ideas please visit www.soyfoods .org.  For more information on soyfoods and heart disease, please visit http://www.soyfoods.org/nutrition-health/soy-for-heart-disease.

The Soyfoods Association of North America (SANA) is a non-profit trade association that has been promoting consumption of soyfoods in the diet since 1978. SANA is committed to encouraging sustainability, integrity and growth in the soyfoods industry by promoting the benefits and consumption of soy-based foods and ingredients in diets. More information is available at www.soyfoods.org.

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[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Be One in a Million this American Heart Month.” http://www.cdc.gov/features/heartmonth. Accessed: Feb 6, 2012.
[2] McDonald, A. Radiant Development. Effects of soy protein on total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol: review of published studies 1998-2008. May 23, 2008. Submitted to FDA, June 18, 2008.
[3]  Jenkins D, Jones P, Lamarche B, Kendall C, Faulkner D, Cermakova L, Gigleux I, Ramprasath V, de Souza R, Ireland C, Patel D, Srichaikul K, Abdulnour S, Bashyam B, Collier C, Hoshizaki S, Josse R, Leiter L, Connelly P, Frohlich J. Effect of a dietary portfolio of cholesterol-lowering foods given at 2 levels of intensity of dietary advice on serum lipids in hyperlipidemia .JAMA;2011, 306(8):831-839.
[4] “Food Labeling: Health Claims; Soy Protein and Coronary Heart Disease (Final Rule).” Federal Register 64 FR 57699 (October 26, 1999) p. 57700. Available from: http://www.fda.gov/food/labelingnutrition/labelclaims/healthclaimsmeetingsignificantscientificagreementssa/ucm074740.htm; Accessed: Sept 12, 2011.
[5] Anderson JA, Bush HM. Soy protein effects on serum lipoproteins: a quality assessment and meta-analysis of randomized, controlled studies J Am Col of Nutr. 2011;30:79–91.

Soyfoods and soy ingredients can lower the saturated fat, cholesterol and calories of traditional menu offerings.  In school districts across the nation, food service directors are serving more soy-based meal options.  Tofu can now be included alongside already served veggie burgers, chicken-less slices on sandwiches, edamame and soynuts in salads, Sloppy Joes with soy crumbles, and soymilk.  The Soyfoods Association of North America (SANA) and its members want to continue to work with school food service personnel to find the best ways to add a variety of soyfoods and blended soy protein ingredients to school meals.

“Not only are kids willing to eat soyfoods, but they are asking for more,” said Nancy Chapman, Executive Director, SANA.  “Healthier school meals mean better participation and better school performance.”

With this rule, USDA is putting the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010 within reach for students, teachers, and school administrators. The rule will begin to impact school meals in School Year 2012-2013 and changes will continue to phase in over several years in order to minimize the burden on schools.

For more information on adding soyfoods to school meals, please visit http://www.soyfoods.org/soy-products/school-food-service/soyfoods-in-school-cafeterias.

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The Soyfoods Association of North America (SANA) is a non-profit trade association that has been promoting consumption of soyfoods in the diet since 1978. SANA is committed to encouraging sustainability, integrity and growth in the soyfoods industry by promoting the benefits and consumption of soy-based foods and ingredients in diets. More information is available at www.soyfoods.org.

SANA, a USDA Community Partner, will be using the event to debut its newest community educational tool, Soyfoods on Any Plate.  Those in attendance at the Archives’ event will receive the first copies of Soyfoods on Any Plate which features two quick, easy and delicious soy-based recipes on a creative and durable placemat.  The project goal is to aid Americans in diversifying their plates through healthy, tasty and easy meal ideas inspired by USDA’s MyPlate.

Soyfoods on Any Plate will also be promoted at the Food Day Chicago STOP Foodborne Illness event on October 24.  At that event, the public will be invited to spin the Food Safety Trivia Wheel in hopes of winning prizes which include the Soyfoods on Any Plate placemats.

Following the events, Soyfoods on Any Plate placemats and recipes will be available online at www.soyfoods.org.  A limited quantity of complimentary placemats will be available to individuals and community nutrition educators.  Those interested in placemats or looking for more information on this project should e-mail SANA Director of Communications, Erica Rose at *protected email*

For more information on Food Day please visit: http://foodday.org/; for more information on the National Archives Food Day event please visit: http://www.archives.gov/press/press-releases/2012/nr12-09.html; for more information on the Chicago STOP Food Day event please visit: http://www.stopfoodborneillness.org/content/food-safety-trivia-wheel-food-day.

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The Soyfoods Association of North America (SANA) is a non-profit trade association that has been promoting consumption of soyfoods in the diet since 1978. SANA is committed to encouraging sustainability, integrity and growth in the soyfoods industry by promoting the benefits and consumption of soy-based foods and ingredients in diets. More information is available at www.soyfoods.org.

Research has consistently found that individuals consuming about 25 grams of soy protein a day have reduced blood cholesterol by about three to five percent^{1, 2}.  When combined with a low saturated fat diet, eating soyfoods with foods high in fiber, healthy oils, and plant sterols throughout the day packs more cholesterol lowering power ².  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about one in every six adults, 16% of the U.S. adult population, have high total cholesterol levels above 240 mg/dL; and in the U.S. more women than men have these high levels.  Individuals with high total cholesterol have approximately twice the risk of heart disease as people with optimal levels at less than 200 mg/dL³.

So what can women do today to invest in their heart health and stay around longer and healthier for those they love?

1) Have their blood cholesterol checked. As we get older our cholesterol levels rise. After menopause, women especially are at risk of rising low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels.  At any age, Americans can set the stage for a healthy heart by eating a nutritious diet that includes soyfoods.

2) Lower the bad and increase the good indicators. Ever since the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a health claim for soy protein and heart disease^{1, 2}, research has continued to conclude that a diet low in saturated fat combined with about 25 grams of soy protein (four servings of soyfoods) helps reduce LDL “bad” cholesterol¹.   More recent data also suggest that incorporating soyfoods into the diet may slightly increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL) “good” cholesterol^2,5,6.  There are very few ways to increase HDL cholesterol levels but eating soyfoods is one of them.  So enjoy a veggie burger, sip on a soymilk smoothie, or toss edamame into a salad to boost heart health.

3) Eat a heart-healthy diet. Soyfoods have a high quality soy protein known to lower cholesterol, and soy is naturally cholesterol-free and very low in saturated fat.  Today’s selection of soyfoods makes it easy to add soy yogurt or soymilk over cereal at breakfast, a soybean/fruit bar for lunch, and a tofu stir-fry, grilled soy cheese, or chicken-less chef salad for dinner.  Select and prepare soyfoods as part of your low saturated fat, low cholesterol diet today.  Need ideas how?  Discover a new soy recipe at: http://www.soyfoods.org/consumers/recipes.

Getting educated on how to lower blood cholesterol can begin today in recognition of National Cholesterol Education Month.  Making soyfoods part of a healthy diet is a big step forward.

For more information on soyfoods and heart disease, please visit http://www.soyfoods.org/nutrition-health/soy-for-heart-disease or for more ideas on how to lower cholesterol, visit: http://www.soyfoods.org/nutrition-health/soy-for-heart-disease/10-ways-to-lower-cholesterol. For more information on blood cholesterol, please visit: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/chol/wyntk.htm

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The Soyfoods Association of North America (SANA) is a non-profit trade association that has been promoting consumption of soyfoods in the diet since 1978. SANA is committed to encouraging sustainability, integrity and growth in the soyfoods industry by promoting the benefits and consumption of soy-based foods and ingredients in diets. More information is available at www.soyfoods.org.

“MyPlate is straightforward and actionable; adults and children alike will be able to understand what a healthy plate should look like,” said Nancy Chapman, Executive Director, Soyfoods Association of North America (SANA).  “The new icon simplifies the recommendations in the 2010 Dietary Guidelines that are, more than ever, relevant for all Americans regardless of age, cultural preferences, or dietary needs,” said Chapman.

As Americans aim to make every meal a healthy meal soyfoods can play a part in any healthy, well-balanced diet.  They nourish the body with high quality protein that is low in saturated fat, full of nutrients, and cholesterol-free.  Soyfoods are versatile and can be incorporated into your plate as a protein, vegetable and dairy.  SANA encourages individuals and families to take the steps to a healthier diet one at a time.  For everyday tips on including soyfoods in your diet, download The Switch To Plant Protein Made Easy With Soy.

The launch of the website ChooseMyPlate.gov was also announced today.  The new website provides practical information to help consumers build healthier diets with resources and tools for dietary assessment, nutrition education, and other user-friendly nutrition information.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010 were released back in January. They provide nutritional guidance to promote health, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and reduce the prevalence of overweight and obesity through improved nutrition and physical activity

For more information on adopting a plant-based diet please visit www.soyfoods.org or contact SANA at (202) 659-3520.

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The Soyfoods Association of North America (SANA) is a non-profit trade association that has been promoting consumption of soyfoods in the diet since 1978. SANA is committed to encouraging sustainability, integrity and growth in the soyfoods industry by promoting the benefits and consumption of soy-based foods and ingredients in diets. More information is available at www.soyfoods.org.

Children can benefit significantly from soyfoods, as consuming soy during childhood has been shown to promote growth and boost bone health! Even better, soyfoods are rich in the nutrients kids need and can be use to meet the daily meat, diary, or vegetable recommendations in a new and novel way. There are plenty of kid-friendly options in most supermarkets, such as chocolate soymilk and soy non-dairy frozen desserts.

Soyfoods are also a great option for anyone watching their weight, as soy products like veggie burgers and soy cream cheese are lower in saturated fats, cholesterol, and calories than meat and dairy products made with whole milk. They’re also a great alternative for people with food allergies: soymilk can replace cereal, and soy nut butter and roasted soy nuts easily replace peanut butter and peanuts.

The Fitness Gourmet, Patricia Greenberg, agrees that soy is perfect for all ages:

• Soyfoods such as tofu, edamame and soy cheese are great for multi-generational households who want to incorporate more vegetables in their diets.

• People at any age want to eat healthy, but also want convenience. Soyfoods are so good for you, and yet so easy to prepare.

• Babies who are just learning how to eat need soft foods, and older people who have problems chewing do too, so soy yogurts, puddings, and frozen treats are perfect!

• It’s hard to keep a low cholesterol diet when the house is full of growing children. Soy burgers, deli slices and soy breakfast sausages bridge that gap beautifully!