Soybeans used in a dish during soyfoods month

National Soyfoods Month Celebrates Powerful Protein, Iowa Farmers Who Grow It

March 30, 2023 | Brock Johnston

Ankeny, Iowa – As personal health and sustainability continue to rank among the top considerations driving consumer food choices, Iowa soybean farmers are uniquely positioned to deliver high-quality protein and fat in a sustainable way.

That’s why this April, in celebration of National Soyfoods Month, the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA), alongside The Soyfoods Council, United Soybean Board and the Soy Nutrition Institute, encourages consumers to make room in their grocery carts for nutritious, delicious soy.

“Like many farmers, my focus is on healthy soils, a healthy environment and healthy foods,” says April Hemmes, ISA district 2 director and soybean farmer from Hampton. “U.S. soybean growers have a great story to tell. The more we can get the positives of soyfoods and soy production to consumers, the better.”

In addition to being a valuable protein source, soy is packed with other nutrients including B vitamins, fiber, iron, calcium and phytonutrients – all of which are critical for growth, good health, and disease prevention.

Public and private entities, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and American Cancer Society, have cited many health benefits that may be linked to routine soy consumption, including:

  • lowered levels of blood cholesterol, a leading cause of heart disease;
  • lowered blood pressure and improved artery health;
  • increased cognitive function;
  • reduced risk and reoccurrence of breast cancer;
  • improvements in bone health;
  • aid in weight management and complexion; and
  • decreased frequency and severity of hot flashes.

Soy popularity remains high among consumers, according to the Food Industry Insights’ “Consumer Attitudes about Soyfoods and Health” 27th annual survey, which reveals Americans’ attitudes about diet, fats, oils and purchase drivers. Sixty percent of consumers surveyed in the checkoff-funded research indicated that soy-based food is, “somewhat/very healthy” and 26% had a “neutral” view of soy.

“With a variety of soy-based foods available for purchase, incorporating plant protein into your favorite recipes is easier than ever,” says Linda Funk, executive director of The Soyfoods Council.

To learn more about soyfoods, visit thesoyfoodscouncil.com. Access photos, fact sheets and original, ready-to-publish stories here.

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Funded by the soybean checkoff

The Iowa Soybean Association is Driven To Deliver market demand, production research, information and insights and regulatory action benefiting Iowa's 37,000 soybean farmers and the industry. For more information, visit iasoybeans.com.

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