Healthcare professionals during a scientific health education seminar organized by Al Rabie Saudi Foods.JEDDAH: Al Rabie Saudi Foods has successfully completed its organized scientific health education seminars in many hospitals in the Kingdom to inform and educate healthcare professionals - doctors, health educators and dietitians - 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. Dr. Mona Sanan, consultant for Health & Nutrition Services at Al Rabie, said: "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 fibers. With its unique nutritional composition, soya is a vital component in a balanced and healthy diet." Al Rabie Saudi Foods Company launched recently in the Saudi market the ''Al Rabie Joya'' soya drink. The Iso-flavones, complex molecules found in soyabeans, 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 has been proven to aid specifically in cardiovascular health. Further, soya foods can also help 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 minimizes bone loss, thus reducing the risk of osteoporosis "Obesity is another serious concern'' and the serious health consequences that obesity causes. The growing evidence shows that overweight and obese persons are more likely to develop health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes. Food and beverage industry leaders have an obligation to tackle with the support of the community. "In this regard we are committed to continuously offer to the market, healthy foods that will help to minimize obesity rate that would eventually reduce risk of diseases related to obesity. However, we must keep in mind the other factors involved, such as lowering our fat intake, eating more fruits and vegetables and exercising regularly. We hope to meet and exceed our consumers' expectations," Dr. Sanan noted.
