Soy​, the least expensive source of protein with a great potential to combat ​can tackle India's​ malnutrition problem

Goa: Considering an alarming increase in the life style related diseases and subsequent increase in the health consciousness among the Indian population the soya fortified wheat flour attracts a huge scope among the general Indian consumers, offering an excellent retail portfolio and commercial opportunities. Indian government runs the world’s largest feeding and supplementary nutrition program under various social welfare and ‘National Food and Nutrition Security’ mission which include ‘Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS)’ and ‘Mid Day Meal’ programs. Soy fortification is one of the most effective and least expensive ways to combat malnutrition. Soya fortified wheat flour adequately fulfils the protein and calorific requirements of human body and also meets the mandatory criteria prescribed in government feeding and supplementary nutrition programs run by the Government of India.

Dr. Ratan Sharma, Director, India and Asia Subcontinent Soy Food Program, U.S. Soybean Export Council, Inc. said that “India is highly malnourished country and soy is the least expensive source of protein with a great potential to combat with the malnutrition problem. Soybean contains all the nine essential amino acids required for the human body which is not available in any other vegetable source. Also soy is a good source of macro nutrients required for good nutrition which serves as an excellent complement to lysine-limited cereal protein. It is the cheapest legume having most of the neutraceutical properties. Soy and its supplements Increases muscles mass and weight, Improves brain development, Increases stamina, Improves immunity, Reduces fatigue and Improves the overall health”.

Dr. Ratan Sharma told that there are many soy products available in the Indian market which includes soy flour , soy dal analogue, fortified wheat flour, soy nuggets, soy flour, soymilk and tofu etc. Soy fortified wheat flour is the best option of including the soy products in the diet. It increases the protein, iron, calcium and vitamins substantially in the resultant Atta. Dr. Sharma further emphasized that USA produces and supplies the food specialty soybean which could be a good option for the soy food companies to improve their product quality and profitability in comparison to the Indian soybeans. India doesn't grow food grade soybeans.

USSEC is working in India to explore the opportunity of its soybeans, soy meal and finished soy products. As per USSEC they provide highest quality raw material in the form of soybean and soy meal, soy oil etc. in the world.

USSEC is promoting the soy based Dal analogue which is similar to our regular It is much nutritious than the regular Dal (lentils) and much cheaper in price. This can fulfill the dal requirements in India substantially.

Soybean is one of the very few plants that provide a high quality protein with minimum saturated fat. Soybeans help people feel better and live longer with an enhanced quality of life. Soybeans contain all the three macronutrients required for good nutrition, as well as fiber, vitamins, minerals. Soybean protein provides all the essential amino acids in the amounts needed for human health.