The health benefits of soy milk are
controversial, in part because (like milk) soy is a common food
allergen. However, it is generally accepted that soy milk is a healthy
alternative to cow’s milk, and many believe that soy milk is healthier
than dairy milk.
Soy milk, which is made from soaking, grinding and boiling soy beans with water, is a very nutritious drink. Soy is naturally high in essential fatty acids, proteins, fiber,vitamins and minerals.
These nutrients provide energy and keep your body functioning at its
optimum level. Below are the six most important health benefits you can
acquire from drinking soy milk.
1. Soy milk contains no lactose
About 75 percent of the world population
cannot tolerate lactose. Some ethnic groups are more affected than
others. For example 75 percent of Africans and 90 percent of Asians have
lactose intolerance. As an additional benefit, soy milk contains the
prebiotic sugars stachyose and raffinose. These prebiotic sugars boost
immunity and help decrease toxic substances in the body.
2. Reduces Cholesterol
The saturated fats in cow’s milk are
unhealthy and increase your cholesterol. The protein in cow’s milk has
no benefits for the cholesterol. Soy protein can decrease cholesterol
levels. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration of US) confirms that soy
protein, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may
significantly reduce the risk of coronary heart. The FDA recommends to
incorporate 25 grams of soy protein in your daily meals.
3. It does not cause Insulin 2 Diabetes
Although no general consensus exists
among scientists, some studies have shown an association between
drinking cow’s milk in early life and the development of insulin
dependent diabetes. This association does not exist with soy milk.
4. Contain Vegetable proteins
Vegetable proteins have the advantage
that they cause less loss of calcium through the kidneys. It is known
that a diet rich in animal (and dairy protein) creates a higher risk for
osteoporosis.
5. Contains no Hormones
Cow’s milk contains natural hormones
(from the cow) but also synthetic hormones, which can influence the good
working of our own body. The synthetic hormone rBGH (recombinant bovine
growth hormone) increase milk production by as much as 20 percent.
6. Contains many Isoflavones
The presence of isoflavones is the most
important and unique benefit of soy milk. Each cup of soy milk contains
about 20 mg isoflavones (mainly genistein and daidzein). Cow’s milk does
not contain isoflavones. Isoflavones have many health benefits
including reduction of cholesterol, easing of menopause symptoms,
prevention of osteoporosis and reduction of risk for certain cancers
(prostate cancer and breast cancer). Incidents of these cancers are very
low in countries with high intake of soy products, including soy milk.
Isoflavones are also antioxidants which protect our cells and DNA
against oxidation.
7. Prevents Prostate Cancer
Phytosterols in soy milk mimics the
function of human estrogen. Studies have shown that men who regularly
eat soy products have significantly lower prostate cancer risks than men who do not.
8. Helps Control Weight
Each cup of plain soy milk contains
about 7 grams of sugar and 80 calories. Soy milk also contains fiber
which is not present in dairy milk. The extra fiber makes soy milk more
filling for natural suppression of your appetite. Additionally, the
monounsaturated fatty acids can inhibit fat absorption during digestion
and reduce the chance of fat storage.
9. Protects our heart
Elderly and heart patients are most suited to
use soy milk as a dairy alternative. Whole milk contains a significant
amount of saturated fat and cholesterol which increase the risk of
plaque formation and heart disease. Skim milk does not have this
problem, but it is watery and much less appetizing.
Soy milk is naturally cholesterol free with an
extra dose of heart-healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty
acids that can effectively reduce your blood cholesterol level. The
phytosterols in soy milk can further improve your heart conditions by
controlling your blood pressure and preventing cholesterol absorption in
your intestines. Studies have shown that drinking soy milk can lower
your risks for atherosclerosis and strokes, making them an effective aid
in prevention and treatment of heart diseases.
