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Soybeans prominent in USDA Dietary Guidelines
Soybean farmers are happy that USDA’s dietary guidelines include soy-based products. The guidelines include soy products in the U.S.-style, vegetarian and Mediterranean-style diets. United Soybean Board farmer leader says soy-based products are included in four of the six core elements: dairy, oils, vegetables, and protein foods, according to Kevin Wilson, United Soybean Board farmer-leader from Indiana and Soy Nutrition Institute secretary/treasurer.
“One, it should help increase the demand for soy in the food sector,” Wilson told Brownfield Ag News, “because we having a positive influence in those four areas.”
Wilson – from Indiana – calls the report encouraging from the standpoint of offering an opportunity for the soy checkoff to continue building partnerships in the food industry.
“It’s also going to help increase our image, if you want to say that, as a reliable source for good, heart-healthy ingredients,” said Wilson.
“This new guidance, based on an expanding body of evidence, demonstrates the versatility of soy due to its inclusion in most of the core element categories,” said Keenan McRoberts, Ph.D., vice president of science and program strategy for the United Soybean Board. “The recommendations provide data for soy checkoff use in strengthening U.S. soy’s important role in dietary nutrient supply.”
The USDA dietary guidelines are released every five years. The guidelines are used to develop the National School Lunch Program, the School Breakfast Program and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children.
