The Center also provides research and market development information for new crop opportunities. The funds will help the Center test ag products for health benefits. One project tests soy products for the ability to replace estrogen and protect against bone loss in post-menopausal women, another studies compounds in green tea for their ability to inhibit tumor growth. Additionally, grape and berry products will be studied for their ability to protect against the oxidative stress damage that leads to cognitive loss during aging. Nutrition researchers from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale found when they used soy products in meals that nursing home residents were already eating, the residents' protein intake increased nearly 20 percent, even though they didn't eat more food.
Insufficient protein leads to loss of lean muscle mass and immune system problems.
Recognizing soy's health benefits, the Illinois Department of Public Health has revised its guidelines for long-term care facilities to allow the addition of soy foods as a major source of dietary protein. As profits are being squeezed for producers of traditional livestock in Iowa, some entrepreneurs are turning to alternative livestock, according to the 2000 Iowa Farm and Rural Life Poll. Among some 3,000 farm operators who responded to this year's poll, the largest alternative livestock enterprise is aquaculture, reported by 113 farmers. Other species with significant numbers include pheasants, quail and goats. Between 10 to 15 farmers produce buffalo, fallow deer, fox, mink, llamas or snapping turtles, and fewer than 10 are raising elk, emu, ostrich or rheas.