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URBANA, Ill., Apr 01, 2005 (United Press International via COMTEX) -- A study using soy products instead of meat in student lunch programs finds children cannot tell the difference, University of Illinois researchers reported.
It is estimated up to 20 percent of children are obese and soy products can reduce fat, cholesterol and calories in lunches, the researchers said.
The ISOY pilot program, conducted with the Illinois Soybean Checkoff Board and Archer Daniels Midland, was carried out in four Illinois school districts. The test included four entrees -- spaghetti with sauce, chili, ravioli and nuggets.
The results showed the percentage of soy products consumed compared with meat versions was the same for the chili and spaghetti dishes.
"Equal amounts of these foods were eaten indicating that children did not notice appreciable differences," said researcher Barbara Klein. "Fat, calories, and cholesterol in the soy versions were reduced by at least one half."
Soy-enhanced ravioli and a meat version were not as well liked but there was no difference between the amounts consumed of each.
Copyright 2005 by United Press International.
