Celebrate Hearts, Health and Happy Eating
By The Soyfoods Council
Valentine’s Day summons thoughts of hearts, flowers, chocolate and dinners with those we love. Speaking of hearts, The Soyfoods Council reminds you that soyfoods – including soybean oil (commonly labeled as vegetable oil) – may have potential benefits for your heart health.
In your kitchen, soybean oil is an economical choice, offering a high smoke point for sauteeing or frying, and a neutral flavor for baking, salad dressings and sauces. It’s a versatile pantry ingredient that helps you balance your food budget.
Soybean oil is low in saturated fat, high in polyunsaturated fat and contains both essential fatty acids, (omega-3 and omega-6). Soybean oil carries a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) qualified health claim, because it may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, when used to replace saturated fat in the diet.
For a hearty Valentine’s Day meal idea, consider Roasted Cauliflower, Butter Bean and Edamame Salad. It is a vegetable-forward dish, robust enough to stand alone, but can also be topped with grilled salmon, shrimp, chicken or beef.
For roasted cauliflower, drizzle cauliflower florets with soybean oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast on a baking sheet. Other salad ingredients include greens, thinly sliced celery, sliced green olives and sliced almonds.
The salad dressing combines soybean oil with lemon juice, finely chopped fresh basil, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, salt and pepper. Add ingredients to a jar with a tightfitting lid and shake to combine.
Assemble the salad by arranging greens, thinly sliced celery and green olives. Toss with half the dressing, and top with cooked cauliflower and edamame; add remaining dressing. Top with sliced almonds and garnish with chopped basil.
You’ll find the complete recipe, as well as chocolate dessert ideas for Valentine’s Day, at thesoyfoodscouncil.com. The website is frequently updated with new recipes, and the latest information on soyfoods and your health.
The Soyfoods Council is a non-profit organization, created and funded by Iowa soybean farmers, providing a complete resource to increase awareness of soyfoods, educate and inform media, healthcare professionals, consumers, and the retail and foodservice market, about the many benefits of soyfoods.
Sustainability is a soy tradition. U. S. soybean farmers have practiced sustainable agriculture methods for decades. Currently, 95 percent of U.S. soy growers are committed to sustainable farming practices and partner with the USDA, to implement conservation programs. Soyfoods may play a significant role as a source of protein that minimally contributes to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, in comparison to other protein sources.
