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Iowa soybean farmers to celebrate National Soy Foods Month in April

An Iowa Soybean Association director says soy is a valuable protein source.

April Hemmes tells Brownfield soybeans are packed with other nutrients including B vitamins, fiber, iron, calcium and phytonutrients. “When farmers think about soy, you don’t automatically go to the human use and the soy use in humans. Sometimes they automatically think tofu and there’s so much more that soy is in and the foods we eat.”

April is National Soy Foods Month and ISA, alongside the Soyfoods Council, United Soybean Board and the Soy Nutrition Institute, are encouraging consumers to make room in their grocery carts for nutritious, delicious soy in celebration.

Hemmes tells Brownfield ISA is prioritizing plant protein research through its work with the Soy Nutrition Institute. “We started doing research with them but also getting out correct information to dieticians, physicians, healthcare givers. I know they’re going to start working with influencers and things like that.”

She says 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, lowered blood pressure, increased cognitive function, reduced risk and reoccurrence of breast cancer, improvements in bone health, aid in weight management, and decreased frequency and severity of hot flashes.