Soy milk, a healthy, nutritious drink, is made from soybeans that are soaked, ground, and boiled with water. It may also contain thickeners for the sake of shelf life and consistency. Soy is an excellent source of essential fatty acids, fiber, vitamins, proteins, and minerals. These nutrients play a crucial role in providing energy and keeping your body functioning well. Modern dairy farming practices are causing consumers to reconsider their cow milk consumption. Luckily, there are now many milk options to cater to various dietary needs. For example, lactose intolerants may opt for soy milk, while those with soy allergies may reach for almond or oat milk. Soy milk is also the most comparable to cowβs milk in terms of overall nutrient balance regarding non-dairy alternatives. So, for those who can consume soy without adverse effects, here are the health benefits of soy milk.
Health Benefits of Soy Milk
Soy Milk Helps Reduce Cholesterol Level
Drinking soy milk can help reduce cholesterol levels. Unlike dairy milk, soy milk has no cholesterol and saturated fat. Because soy is rich in poly and monounsaturated fatty acids, it can inhibit cholesterol from entering the bloodstream. Regular consumption of soy can reduce the bad cholesterol in your blood. Suppose you get diagnosed with high cholesterol and face an increased risk of coronary heart disease. In that case, soy milk is a wonderful drink.
Soy Milk Prevents Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a result of age and hormones. Soy and soy milk are excellent sources of phytoestrogen that can increase calcium absorption in your body and strengthen your bone. Moreover, a soy-rich diet can keep the loss of bone mass at bay. Soy milk that has extra vitamin D and calcium should be used.
Soy Milk Strengthens the Blood Vessel
An unbalanced, unhealthy diet can damage blood vessels and lead to bleeding and lesions. Soy milk is rich in omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids and Phyto-antioxidants, strengthening the blood vessel lining and keeping free radicals attacks at bay. These compounds also boost the flexibility and fluidity of your blood vessels.
Soy Milk May Help Reduce the Risk of Prostate Cancer
Drinking soy milk can help reduce the risk of numerous health problems, includingΒ prostate cancer. It is due to phytoestrogen in soy milk. This compound plays a vital role in reducing the formation of testosterone in men. There is a close relationship between the high level of testosterone and the risk of prostate cancer. A soy-rich diet can help prevent prostate cancer.
Soy Milk Helps in Weigh Lost
Soy milk is a recommended drink for weight loss. Soy milk contains less sugar than regular milk. There are 12 grams of sugar per cup of cowβs milk, while soy milk has only 7 grams of sugar in its content. A cup of soy milk can provide your body with 80 calories. Furthermore, soy milk is loaded with fiber. Fiber plays a vital role in keeping your stomach feeling full longer and helping your body lose weight.
Soy Milk May Help Protect Against Postmenopausal Syndromes
In menopause, a womanβs estrogen level can drop significantly. The sudden reduction of estrogen may put women at risk of developing postmenopausal syndromes. Women with postmenopausal syndromes are more likely to get diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. They are also susceptible to mood change, stress, insomnia, depression, and other psychological disorders. Regular consumption of soy and soy milk can lower the risk of postmenopausal syndromes. It is soyβs phytoestrogen that can replace the loss of estrogen in the body.
Soy Milk May Help Prevent Kidney Disease and Diabetes
Soy foodsΒ are beneficial in preventing kidney disease and diabetes. Soy milk and soybeans are included in a healthy diabetic diet because they are low on the glycemic index. Moreover, soy is loaded with fiber that can slow and inhibit the absorption of sugars.
Soy Milk Lowers the Risk of Breast Cancer
Women who drink soy milk regularly are less likely to face breast cancer risk than those who do not. To help keep breast cancer at bay, drink a cup of soy milk daily or add soybeans to different recipes.
Soy Milk Protects Mental Health
Stress, depression, and other psychological disorders are leading causes of suicide and death. Soy milk is rich in micronutrients, including vitamin D, vitamin B, and magnesium, which can improve mental health and reduce the risk of suicide.
Soy Milk Improves Immunity
Soy milk is considered an effectiveΒ immune systemΒ booster. Protein in soy milk is formulated and then becomes antibodies. Daily consumption of soy milk can boost and improve the function of your immunity system.
Soy Milk is a Good Milk Replacement
If you are allergic to cowβs milk or dairy milk, soy milk is a good replacement. Some people have a lactose intolerance condition; therefore, they cannot consume cowβs milk or dairy milk. Soy milk can be consumed because it does not contain lactose. Moreover, soy milk has prebiotic sugars known as raffinose and stachyose that can improve your immunity system.
Soy Milk is a Good Source of Plant Protein
Soy milk is a good source of plant protein. A cup of soy milk can provide your body with 7 grams of protein. Protein is an essential macronutrient that helps in cell regeneration, muscle growth, immunity, and hormone regulation. Consuming soy milk can help you reach your daily protein intake goals.
Soy Milk Helps Restore Energy
People work out regularly to burn their calories and fats. However, you can lose energy too. Soy milk contains some enzymes and riboflavin that can help restore the lostΒ energyΒ after a workout.
Soy milk can be consumed for good health. However, make sure that you avoid processed soy milk products because additional substances like artificial flavors and sugar may worsen diabetes. If you are sensitive to estrogen, you should reduce or prevent consuming soy milk.
Soy milk is nutritious, healthy delicious for your family. It contains a lot of wonderful benefits for human health. It is excellent to enjoy soy milk during the summer and winter seasons.
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References:
- Soy and Health Update: Evaluation of the Clinical and Epidemiologic Literature – PMC (nih.gov)
- Almond Milk vs. Cowβs Milk vs. Soy Milk vs. Rice Milk (healthline.com)
- Straight Talk About Soy | The Nutrition Source | Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
- Soybeans and soy foods – Better Health Channel
- How well do plant based alternatives fare nutritionally compared to cowβs milk? – PMC (nih.gov)
- Soy Milk: Health Benefits, Nutrients per Serving, Preparation Information, and More (webmd.com)
- 7 Proven Health Benefits Of Soy Milk (ndtv.com)
- Almond milk vs. soy milk: Which is best? (medicalnewstoday.com)
