National Soy Foods Month is April, and it’s a good time for people to think about including some soy-based foods in their diet. Although most people are familiar with soy sauce and tofu, there are actually many more products made from soy. This includes edamame, soy milk, soy nuts, and miso.

Soy is also increasingly being used as a meat alternative, which is why it features so prominently in “veggie burgers” sold frozen at the local grocery store. Recent studies have shown that they have some health benefits.

Health benefits include reducing the risk of coronary heart disease, reducing the risk of cancer, and improving bone health. That sounds like some good reasons for us to try out some soy during this month.

The History of National Soy Foods Month

Unfortunately, we’re unable to uncover the history behind this month, but we do know that it hasn’t been around for very long. More than likely, it was created by one of the companies that produce soy products to raise public awareness about soy’s potential usefulness and its nutritional value.

Interesting Facts About Soy

Okay, we don’t feel any article about National Soy Foods Month would be complete without at least taking a few moments to give some interesting facts about soy. Below are some of the facts about soy that we would like to now share with everyone.

• In the U.S., there are over 75,000,000 acres of farmland used for growing soybeans.
• Samuel Bowen brought the soybean to the U.S. in 1765.
• Soybeans are 18% oil and 38% protein.
• Soybeans contain all eight of the amino acids necessary for human health and survival.
• Maurice Gobley discovered soy lecithin in 1850.
• Soy lecithin contains choline, an ingredient essential for living cells.
• Soy products are used in a variety of different products, including carpet fabrication and auto upholstery.
• Soybean oil is used to lubricate the elevators in the Statue of Liberty.
• One acre of soybeans can produce 40,000 servings of tofu.
• The same acre of soybeans can produce over 2,500 gallons of soy milk.

Observing National Soy Foods Month

During this month, everyone is encouraged to learn more about soy and some of the ways it can be used in recipes. It’s also a good month to learn about how soy can be used as a nutritional supplement. And finally, everyone is encouraged to spread the word about this month using the hashtag #NationalSoyFoodsMonth on the internet.