By SHELLY STRAUTZ-SPRINGBORN
Michigan Correspondent

EAST LANSING, Mich. — Including soyfoods in meals could help those with diabetes better manage their disease.

“Incorporating soyfoods into your diet is a step in the right direction to lower your risk of developing diabetes complications,” says Gretchen Hofing, Michigan State University extension soyfoods health educator and a registered dietitian based in Lenawee County.

Twenty-five grams of soy protein a day as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce your risk of heart disease, she said.

“Many soyfoods contain fewer calories, less total fat and saturated fat, and more fiber than other sources of high quality protein,” she said. “This makes soyfoods great options for diabetics and those striving for a healthy lifestyle.

“In addition to the satiating quality and heart-healthy components of soy protein, some research suggests that soy protein doesn’t stress the kidneys to the same extent as animal protein.”

Diabetes is the biggest public health crisis of the 21st century, and continues to grow to epidemic proportions. According to the American Diabetes Assoc., 23.6 million children and adults in the United States, or 7.8 percent of the population, have diabetes.
While an estimated 17.9 million have been diagnosed with diabetes, about 5.7 million people – or nearly one-quarter – are unaware that they have the disease. If current trends continue, one of three Americans and one of two among minorities born in the year 2000 will develop diabetes in their lifetimes.

A wide variety of soyfoods are readily available at mainstream grocery stores. Consider picking up edamame for a fun snack or salad topper; soy flour, which can be substituted for one quarter of the regular flour in baked goods; or soy milk, the next time you’re at the store.

Purchasing and consuming soyfoods is a great way to support 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 Committee, visit www.michigansoybean.org
For information on MSU extension nutrition programs, visit www.msue.msu.edu/fcs and click on “Nutrition.” For more information about diabetes, visit the American Diabetes Assoc. at www.diabetes.org