Dietary Guidelines for Americans: Soy Makes the Cut

For the first time ever, soyfoods are being brought front and center in the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Health and Human Services (HHS)’s 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommendations.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010 which provide nutritional guidance to promote health, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and reduce the prevalence of overweight and obesity through improved nutrition and physical activity cites soy products twice in the text of the executive summary of the report announced today. The recommendations include increasing the intake of soy products and fortified soy beverages. Vegetarian and vegan meal patterns, that include soyfoods, also make their Dietary Guidelines debut as adaptations to the USDA Food Patterns.

“It’s clear that now more than ever the Dietary Guidelines are relevant for all Americans,” said Nancy Chapman, Executive Director, Soyfoods Association of North America (SANA). “Regardless of age or cultural differences, the 2010 Guidelines take a big step in helping all Americans understand what the science-based recommendations mean when it comes to sitting down at the dinner table with your family.”

Soyfoods can play a part in any healthy, well-balanced diet as they nourish the body with high quality protein that is low in saturated fat, full of nutrients, and cholesterol-free. SANA encourages individuals and families to take the steps to a healthier diet one at a time by choosing soyfoods as they seek a variety of lean proteins. For everyday tips on including soyfoods in your diet, download The Switch To Plant Protein Made Easy With Soy or visit www.soyfoodsmonth.org/2010-dietary-guidelines.

For more information on adopting a plant based diet please visit www.soyfoods.org or contact SANA at (202) 659-3520.