The term "natural" refers to the production process used by ENSA members to produce non-dairy food (organic and conventional, such as drinks, desserts, spreads, cream, yoghurts and meat alternatives,…) using whole soybeans - as opposed to soyfoods produced from isolates and without any genetically modified material. This is the main characteristic which makes the difference between our members and other soy manufacturers.

Soy is a source of health for everybody. Soy is cholesterol-free and rich in high-quality protein, vitamins and minerals, such as magnesium and calcium. The soybean contains approximately:

• 38% high-quality protein
• 17% oil, of which 23% are mono-unsaturated and 62% are poly-unsaturated fatty acids
• 26% carbohydrates
• 10% water
• 5% vitamins and minerals

This first reason that consumption of soyfoods products is constantly growing is the fact that consumers are very well informed about health benefits of soyfoods products which are easy to digest. In the past, soyfood products were more part of a well balanced diet. But today, people are also consuming soy because these products are very tasty. Therefore, ENSA has undertaken specific actions in order to promote the health and nutrition benefits of soy consumption.

In addition, soyfood products are very well known among consumers who are suffering from different intolerances and allergies.

The ENSA members produce natural soyfood products which are free of GMO. Our members use traceability systems to ensure that the products and ingredients avoid contamination with GMOS.

It is clear that the general public opinion is against introducing products with GMOs on the European market and we are supporting the position of certain Member States who decided to ban GMO products from their national markets.

Isoflavone is a natural component of soya, its quantity is variable in the soybean depending on the year of harvest, the cultivation method, climate, etc. By soaking the soybeans in water, our manufacturing processes naturally eliminate a high quantity of isoflavones. The remaining quantity is between 7 to 13 mg / 100 g for drinks and desserts.

Consumption of soya isoflavones is an ideal alternative to Hormone Replacement Treatment for women, because isoflavnoes have estrogen effects. Soya isoflavones have a variety of beneficial health effects based on the fact that the molecular structure of the Isoflavones is very similar to the body´s own estrogen. The Isoflavones thus help to balance oestrogen levels in the body, reducing the hormone-related complaints associated with menopause. Isoflavones may also lower high blood pressure and prevent osteoporosis or brittle bones.

Over the past decades, a shift in daily diet towards high energy, fat, salt and sugar intake combined with the sedentary nature of modern life and increasing urbanisation have made obesity one of the most serious health challenges facing the EU.

Unfortunately, the increase in obesity in the European population seems to particularly hit children and adolescents. ENSA members and their products play a key role in fighting obesity. Soy products are used to reduce obesity rates and the ENSA is largely active at EU level to ensure that obesity is dealt with appropriately.