April marks the start of National Soyfoods Month. In celebration, we’re sharing some excellent reasons to introduce soy into your diet:

• Soy is a complete protein, and soyfoods are rich in vitamins and minerals including folate, potassium and in, some cases, fiber. Most soyfoods are relatively low in saturated fat and contain zero grams of trans fat (the “bad” fats), and they’re cholesterol-free.

• Soybean oil is among the healthiest of oils. It’s also relatively low in the “bad” fats, and high in the better-for-you poly- and monounsaturated fats.

• Soybeans are heart-healthy. Soybean oil is one of the few non-fish sources of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, which may help reduce blood pressure and prevent heart disease.

• Soy for bone health. As a rich source of high-quality protein, and fortified in calcium and vitamin D, soyfoods can help promote bone health. Many clinical studies have shown reduced bone loss when participants consume isoflavone-rich soyfoods or supplements.

You can kick off National Soyfoods Month by trying some of the yummy soy dishes listed on the recipes section of our site.

To request additional soyfoods information or recipes, contact sdsrpc@sdsoybean.org. We’d be happy to send you some Soyfoods Guides or recipe books.

*Source: United Soybean Board