Al Rabie Saudi Foods, the largest juice manufacturer in the region, recently organised health education seminars in many Riyadh hospitals, to inform and educate healthcare professionals about soya foods.

The information presented in the seminars explained the biological effect of soya foods in reducing the risk of many chronic diseases. Soya foods are one of the functional and anti-inflammatory foods that provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition due to certain physiologically active components.

“Soya foods provide excellent nutrition, and soya beans are a good source of folic acid and other B vitamins and minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium & potassium. Soya food is also a good source for fibres. With its unique nutritional composition, soya is a vital component in a balanced and healthy diet,” stated Dr Mona Sanan, consultant for Health & Nutrition Services at Al Rabie.

The Iso-flavones, complex molecules found in soybeans, have proven to have positive effects that could lead to prevention of coronary heart diseases. The inclusion of 25 grams of soy protein per day in our diet is recommended by FDA (Food and Drug Administration). Moreover, in recent studies soya protein was shown to reduce risk of heart diseases. Soya food contain Omega 3, the unsaturated fatty acids that have been proven to aid specifically in cardiovascular health, a statement said.

Further, soya foods can also help to reduce the risk of osteoporosis that is considered to be a major health problem worldwide with increasing treatment costs. Recent studies have shown that diets high in plant protein tend to reduce bone breakdown and may increase the rate of calcium absorption and bone density. Soya contains the complete plant protein that supports bone formation and minimises bone loss, thus reducing the risk of osteoporosis, it added.

Al Rabie Saudi Foods Company recently launched its soya drink 'Al Rabie Joya'  in the Saudi market.-TradeArabia News Service