Celebrate National Soyfoods Month
Celebrate National Soyfoods Month
4/24/08
Contact: Gretchen L. Hofing
517-264-5300
or
Michelle Lavra
432-1555, ext.156
EAST LANSING, Mich. -- Celebrate health for all with soyfoods during April, National Soyfoods Month. Individuals with special dietary needs, such as lactose intolerance, or others just wanting to provide a healthy meal for their families will find soyfoods a good match for their diets.
“Soyfoods deliver health benefits to all, regardless of age or gender,” says Gretchen Hofing, Michigan State University (MSU) Extension and soyfoods health educator. “The essential nutrients in soyfoods boost growth and development. Whether you are interested in being more heart-healthy, wanting to lose weight or seeking healthful snacks, soyfoods can fit into every lifestyle,” says Hofing, a registered dietitian based in Lenawee County.
Soyfoods contain no cholesterol, little or no saturated fat, high quality protein and dietary fiber. Many soyfoods also provide B vitamins, vitamins A and D, calcium, iron and potassium.
Research has demonstrated that consuming soyfoods has many potential health benefits. For example, soy protein may help to reduce the risk of heart disease, and soyfoods also show promise for relieving menopausal symptoms, maintaining healthy bones and preventing some cancers.
The wide range of soy food products available makes it easy to incorporate soy into your day. Consider trying one new product a week for a month.
** Week 1 -- Serve soy burgers, soy hot dogs or “chicken”-style soy patties for lunch or dinner, or use soy burger crumbles as an alternative to ground beef.
** Week 2 -- Buy a container of soymilk and use it in a smoothie or in muffins, pancakes or soup as an alternative to milk.
** Week 3 -- Buy a can of soybeans and use them in chili or soup, or try frozen green soybeans, which are called edamame, as a snack.
** Week 4 -- Buy a box of tofu and puree it for a dessert, dip or dressing, or cube it and add it to stir-fry.
Purchasing and consuming soyfoods is a great way to support your health and Michigan agriculture. The Michigan Soybean Promotion Committee represents the soybean producers in the state and funds soybean research and educational efforts. For more information on the Michigan Soybean Promotion Committee, visit www.michigansoybean.org. For information on MSU Extension’s nutrition programs, visit www.msue.msu.edu/fcs and click on “Nutrition.”
Here is a tasty treat made with soy. Look for more soyfoods recipes at www.soyfoods.com.
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Chocolate Mousse
2 (12-oz) boxes silken firm tofu
1 (12-oz) package chocolate chips (or carob)
Blend tofu until very smooth in blender or food processor. Melt chocolate chips in saucepan over very low heat or in microwave oven. Pour melted chocolate into blended tofu; mix until well combined. Chill until ready to serve.
Before refrigerating, consider portioning mousse into individual dessert cups or pouring into a pie shell for a chocolate cream pie.
For a twist: Prepare recipe as provided and chill. Then add non-dairy whipped topping, such as Cool Whip, in equal amounts with mousse mixture. Stir until well blended. This will produce a lighter dessert. If desired, put lighter mousse into a piping bag and pipe mixture into champagne glasses with a star tip. Add a dollop of whipped topping and garnish with a fresh strawberry. Shaved chocolate may also be used to garnish. Serves eight.