Monsanto Company

Like protein found in animal products, soybean protein is "complete" - meaning that it contains all eight essential amino acids needed for human health. Soybeans are the only vegetable food that contain protein makeup which is considered to be nutritionally complete. Soybeans also serve as an important source of nutrition in animal feed. Soybean seed is processed into a variety of protein fractions used for human consumption. Soybean food products include baked goods, confections, meat products, textured foods and nutritional supplements. Soybeans are also an important source of dietary fiber and contain a relatively high oil content. Soybean oil is used extensively in the food industry in products such as cooking oil and salad dressing. Lecithin, extracted from soybean oil, is a natural emulsifier and lubricant used in everything from pharmaceuticals to protective coatings.

Soybean health benefits

In recent years, researchers, nutritionists and physicians have recognized the significant health and nutritional benefits of a diet containing soybean based food products. Researchers are studying soybeans for their potential to lower cholesterol, fight cancer and build healthy bones. Indeed, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is expected to put soy products on the short list of foods shown to actually lower the risk of heart disease (the others included fiber-containing fruits, vegetables, whole grains and psyllium seed husk).

The best available evidence, accumulated over the last 25 years, indicates soy's ability to lower cholesterol. Studies show that eating as little as 47g (about 1.5 oz.) of soy can lower total cholesterol levels an average of 9% and low density lipoprotein (LDL) 13%. A 1% drop in total cholesterol translates into a 2% drop in the risk of developing heart disease. According to the American Heart Association, recent studies suggest that the isoflavones (also referred to as phytoestrogens) present in soybeans may contribute to cholesterol lowering and other positive cardiovascular effects. For example, incidence of certain chronic heart conditions and diseases are significantly lower in populations, such as the Japanese, that consume large quantities of foods known to contain isoflavones.

In particular, the isoflavone genistein has been shown clinically to have a weak "estrogenic" effects. Genistein (and phytoestrogens in general) are believed to hold potential for reducing the risk of breast and prostate cancer; increasing bone density postmenopausal women; and, reducing premenopausal symptoms (hotflashes, cramping, etc.).

Roundup Ready soybeans

In 1996, Monsanto commercially introduced Roundup Ready Soybeans in the United States. This soybean, genetically modified to tolerate Roundup herbicide, was approved by the United States Department of Agriculture and completed the Food and Drug Administration review process in 1994. The Roundup Ready trait enables the plant to withstand the application of Roundup - a broad spectrum, environmentally friendly herbicide used by farmers to control weeds. Through traditional breeding methods, this trait has been transferred to hundreds of other soybean varieties.

Roundup Ready soybeans have been shown to be the same as conventional soybeans in over 400 seed and processed fraction composition qualities, and confirmed as safe and nutritious in a series of animal feeding studies.

• Today, Roundup Ready soybean varieties are approved for use in food, feed or food processing in the European Union, Canada, Mexico, Argentina, Japan, Denmark, Switzerland and Brazil. In the United States in 1999, Roundup Ready soybeans are planted on nearly half the total soybean acres planted. Growers choosing to plant Roundup Ready soybeans experience better weed control and crop safety which leads to lower production costs. Roundup Ready soybeans also enable growers to use conservation tillage practices which have significant water quality and environmental benefits.