According to the American Heart Association, heart disease and stroke are the cause of one in three women’s death every year, killing about one woman every 80 seconds.

The Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council (MSR&PC) was a sponsor at the Go Red for Women May 11 luncheon at the Country Inn & Suites in Mankato, handing out nearly 300 16-ounce sample bottles of Plenish™ high oleic soybean oil.

“We’re really proud to be here,” says Rochelle Krusemark, MSR&PC director. “I was a health major in college, and have family members who have been directly affected by heart disease. It’s an important issue to talk about, and high oleic soybeans can be a part of the heart-healthy discussion.”

High oleic soybean oil has zero grams of trans fat, 75 percent less saturated fat than palm oil and is high in heart-healthy monosaturated fat.

“High oleic oil is a healthy choice for consumers,” Krusemark says. “This is a really great opportunity to meet with consumers and talk to them about the benefits of this oil. We really feel like it’s time for an ‘oil change,’ so to speak.”

This year, high oleic soybeans are being grown in southern Minnesota for the first time. Krusemark says she is hoping to plant her high oleic soybeans this week on her farm in Martin County.

“I’m really excited to be growing high oleic soybeans,” she said. “I use it with a lot of foods – muffins, popcorn, you name it. Once you use high oleic as a popcorn oil, you’ll never use another oil. ”

Krusemark is also a member of the Martin County Corn and Soybean Growers, which has donated 35 gallon jugs to the local racetrack, this summer’s Martin County Fair and other community events.

“We’re getting the word out and the response has already has been really positive,” she says. “I think the sky’s the limit for high oleic soybeans.”

For more information on high oleic soybeans or high oleic soybean oil, contact the Minnesota Soybean office at 507-388-1635 or info@mnsoybean.com.