Soy Protein Wins FDA Approval

Soy is not just another food fad. It turns out that many of those soy shakes, soy burgers, soy dogs and soy bars may have a real benefit.

The Food and Drug Administration recently approved a specific health claim for the cholesterol-lowering properties of soy protein. To qualify for the claim, a product has to contain at least 6.25 grams of soy protein per serving, with 25 grams being the targeted daily intake.

For those who want to reduce the amount of meat in their diets, soy is an alternative. Three ounces of soy protein is the protein equivalent of three ounces of grilled hamburger and it has no cholesterol and less saturated fat than animal-based proteins.

The most common of soy is tofu and soy beverages called soymilk. In addition, some meatless burgers, yogurt, cheese and frozen desserts are made with soy. The natural soybean, called by its Japanese name edamame, can be found in supermarket freezers. When boiled or steamed and lightly salted, edamame can be served as a vegetable or as a popcorn-like snack. Soy is also available in an isolate powder form, which can be useful for making shakes, thickening soups or mixing into cooked cereals.

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