United Soybean Board Applauds the New Food Guidance System; Dietary Recommendations Will boost Overall Health in America

St. Louis, MO – The United Soybean Board (USB) congratulates the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) on the release of the new Food Guidance System. This powerful tool will help educate Americans to make healthier food choices. In combination with physical activity, these food guidelines will contribute to maintaining a healthy weight and enhance overall wellness.

USB is committed to support and extend this healthy food message. The new Food Guidance System recommends that consumers eat more fruits and vegetables, and other foods that supply dietary fiber and nutrients like iron, magnesium, potassium, folic acid and calcium. In addition, consumers should take care to limit foods that are high in saturated fat and cholesterol. Including soy as part of a daily diet can help consumers meet these healthy food goals, and the variety of products available makes soy a great fit every day.Soybeans are rich in fiber and provide a variety of vitamins and minerals including iron, potassium and folic acid. Consuming soy protein in combination with other protein sources is a great way to reduce overall calories, saturated fat and cholesterol. In addition to providing essential nutrients, soy protein may boost cardiovascular health, lower cholesterol and blood pressure, and strengthen bones.

For those who want a soy beverage, calcium-fortified soymilk provides a rich source of calcium and other vital nutrients. In addition to soyfoods, consumers can prepare a variety of foods using liquid soybean oil. This healthy oil has no trans fat or cholesterol and is high in beneficial poly- and monounsaturated fats.These numerous benefits certainly come as no surprise to consumers. According to the Consumer Attitudes about Nutrition National Report, 2004-2005, 74 percent of U.S. consumers perceive soy products as healthy, and one-quarter of Americans consume soyfoods or soy beverages once a week or more. Including soy in an everyday diet is a great way to meet the healthy recommendations of the new Food Guidance System. For more information on soy, visit www.talksoy.com.

The United Soybean Board is a farmer-lead organization comprised of 64 farmer-directors. USB oversees the investments of the soybean checkoff on behalf of all U.S. soybean farmers.