Alpro is a huge fan of soya, with its products both healthy to eat and responsibly cultivated without the use of genetically modified ingredients (GMOs)
Alpro's soyabeans are mainly sourced from Europe and are ProTerra-certified, guaranteeing that the company’s soyabeans are GMO-free and sourced from non-deforested areas | Photo credit: Alpro
There are several reasons Alpro uses soyabeans in so many of its products. Soya has long been used as a dairy substitute by people with allergies or food intolerances, for example.
But soya also contributes to a healthy, balanced, and varied diet for everyone. Alpro strongly believes in the Planetary Health Plate, with plant-based products playing a more important role as part of a flexitarian diet.
Because the only way to remain within the boundaries of an already overstretched planet is by making the shift to plant-based food. Sustainable soya has a prominent place in the planet-friendly shift. So, grab a cup of coffee and read on to find out why soyabeans are such cool beans!
How sustainable is soya really?
There is this idea that soya is bad for the environment: it’s genetically modified (GMO) and entire rainforests are cut down to cultivate it. It’s time to set the record straight.
Alpro loves trees and is against GMOs. Firstly, it is important to distinguish between soyabeans for animal consumption and soyabeans for human consumption. The majority of soyabeans are used for animal feed. A mere 6% of global soya production is harvested as whole beans for human consumption. So, there are two completely different varieties to discuss here.
Alpro mainly sources its soyabeans from Europe (it also helped introduce soyabean cultivation in Belgium). Any soyabeans that cannot be grown in Europe are purchased in Canada. What’s more, all Alpro’s products are ProTerra-certified, guaranteeing that the company’s soyabeans are GMO-free and sourced from non-deforested areas.
Nature’s friend
In terms of transport, Alpro reduces its footprint as much as possible by sourcing the majority of its soyabeans from European growers and shipping Canadian soyabeans to Europe.
Moreover, soya is also good for soil and for biodiversity. The plants obtain the nitrogen they need to grow and produce protein from the air, so they don’t need fertiliser for this.
They also release part of this nitrogen back into the soil. As such, soya is a great rotational crop and extremely suited for regenerative agriculture.
Is soya good for you?
Eating plant-based foods more often will benefit your health* and that of the planet. Fruit and vegetables, nuts and legumes are all jam-packed with good nutrients. But why is soya such an excellent choice?
High in protein
The average (high-quality) protein content of soyabeans is 38-40%, meaning soya contains all the essential amino acids that the body needs, and that soya protein is equivalent to animal protein.
A good source of calcium
Soya is high in calcium (approx. 277mg/100g). What’s more, Alpro’s soya drinks are also fortified with calcium, containing 120mg calcium/100ml on average. Combine soya with legumes or vegetables, such as broccoli, spinach, and green cabbage, to help you achieve your daily calcium target.
Unsaturated fats for the win
According to research by the World Health Organization, cardiovascular disease accounted for 47% of all deaths in Europe in 2014. Other ‘lifestyle diseases’, such as diabetes and obesity are also becoming increasingly common.
Scientists agree that high cholesterol increases the risk of coronary heart disease. Replacing some saturated fats with unsaturated fats as part of a healthy and balanced diet can help lower blood cholesterol. Soya and plant-based foods in general are a good source of unsaturated fatty acids and also tend to be low in saturated fats.
Soya in your coffee? Naturally!
Now the ball is in your court. Are you also convinced about the power of soya? Embrace the bean! Give it the place it deserves: in the warm heart of your latte. Join Alpro's plant-based revolution and add a shot of 'well done' to all your cups of comfort!
For more information visit barista-unfiltered.com
*Health claims
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A varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle benefit health.
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Soya is a good source of protein. Protein intake helps maintain muscle mass and healthy bones. A varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle benefit health.
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Most Alpro products contain calcium and vitamin D. Calcium and vitamin D are necessary for strong bones. A varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle benefit health.
Sources
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https://eatforum.org/eat-lancet-commission/. FAO & WHO.2019.Sustainable healthy diets. Guiding principles.Rome
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USDA Nutrient Database (release 2018), number 16108
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WHO. ‘European Food and Nutrition Action Plan 2015-2020. Regional Committee for Europe, 64th SESSION, Copenhagen, Denmark, 15-18 September 2014.’ 2014