Simply Soy: Common Questions and Answers

What do soybeans have in common with school meals? You might be surprised to discover the many ways this nutritional powerhouse is improving lunch tray favorites. Check out these common questions and answers.

What are soybeans?

Soybeans belong to the legume family, which also includes peas and lentils. Soybeans come in yellow, brown and black varieties and when mature, harden into a dry bean inside the pod. You can find soy in foods of every shape and form - in fact, you probably use foods containing soy on a regular basis without even knowing it! Some bakery goods and low-fat foods found at your local grocery store contain soy. In school meals soy protein is a good source of vitamins and minerals and enhances the nutritional quality of meat by lowering fat content.

Why is soy protein being incorporated into school meals?

Soy protein is a sensible way to improve the nutritional profile of foods, while maintaining taste, of traditional student favorites. Enhancing lean meats with soy protein helps reduce fat content and improves quality by adding juiciness. Research, with more than 11,000 students in districts across the United States, shows that soy-enhanced foods pass the "kid test" too!

How do today's soy protein products differ from the soy products introduced in the 1970s?

Today you can choose from a wider range of soy protein products. New technologies have created new forms of soy protein called concentrates and isolates. When combined, these provide a meaty texture and juiciness students love. Earlier products on the market were textured forms of soy flour, which contains more carbohydrates, but even this product has improved.

What are the nutritional qualities of soy?

Soybeans are high in protein, carbohydrates and dietary fiber. They are also low in fat, cholesterol-free and rich in vitamins and minerals. Soy protein ingredients, specifically, are low in fat and have no cholesterol, so when combined with meat, they reduce overall fat. It's like eating the same great food but with a healthier, low-fat twist.

What are some foods that can be soy-enhanced?

There is an endless list! To give you an idea, look no further than the traditional foods served in school cafeterias. Spaghetti sauce, beef patties, chicken nuggets, meatballs, pizza, chili and tacos are all foods that can easily be soy-enhanced and fat-reduced with mouth-watering results. You can also find soy-enhanced cheeses and lunch meats, not to mention soynut butter.

How does soy's protein quality compare to animal protein?

Soybeans are equal to protein found in meat and milk, in both protein content and quality.

Does soy affect iron nutrition?

No, it shouldn't. Soy contains phytates which have been known to inhibit iron absorption. However, many foods contain iron absorption enhancers. In fact, iron absorption can be further increased by vitamin C, common in tomato-based sauces traditionally used with lasagna, meatballs or pasta. Iron absorption varies from person to person based on an individual's iron status. Thus, iron absorption and nutrition are affected by the nutrients of the total diet, and is not a function of an individual food.

How common are soyfood allergies?

Food allergy is a reaction of the body's immune system to certain proteins in foods. Some of the most common foods causing allergic reactions are milk, peanuts, seafood and egg whites. Soy is thought to be less allergenic than many commonly consumed foods. People with documented soy allergy should avoid products such as soups, convenience dinner products, breads and reduced-fat peanut butter.