Health Benefits of Soy Milk

Details: Category: Region 9; Published: 31 March 2022

It seems as if the nondairy milk section is getting crowded nowadays. However, the original plant-based alternative, soy milk, is still going strong, but you may be wondering how it stacks up against other popular picks, like almond and oat. Soy milk is a well-known dairy milk replacement, but it’s not just a substitute ingredient. Soy milk can be a worthwhile addition to your diet on its own. This healthy, flavorful beverage first came about as a waste product on the way to making tofu.

Soy milk is a plant-based non-dairy beverage, often consumed as an alternative to milk. It’s made from soybeans, and many brands fortify their soy milk with vitamins and minerals such as vitamin D and calcium. “Soy milk offers culinary diversity, creamy texture, and a healthful nutritional profile, including essential omega-3 fatty acids [if fortified] and flavonoids that exert antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective properties,” says Julieanna Hever, RD, a plant-based-foods dietitian in the Los Angeles area and the author of The Vegiterranean Diet.

Brian Krans states that one cup of unsweetened soy milk has about 80 to 100 calories, 4 grams of carbohydrates (sweetened varieties have more), 4 grams of fat, and 7 grams of protein. Since it comes from plants, soy milk is naturally free of cholesterol and low in saturated fat. It also contains no lactose. According to Jessica Migala of Medical News Today, there are so many reasons why you might turn to soy milk in your coffee, smoothie, or in your cereal. You might not like the taste of cow’s milk, and you may also prefer soy milk over other non-dairy alternatives.

You may also be trying to avoid dairy for a variety of reasons, whether it’s for health or weight loss. Some people are also lactose intolerant, which means that they have trouble digesting a sugar called lactose, which is the carbohydrate found in cow’s milk, says Barbara Schmidt, RDN, a nutrition lifestyle program specialist at Norwalk Hospital in Norwalk, Connecticut. That can lead to a variety of uncomfortable gastrointestinal side effects; in this case, drinking plant milk is a wise choice.

According to WebMD, the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in soy milk can provide important health benefits. For example, the forms of vitamin B found in soy milk are important for helping your body maintain your nerve cells and DNA. Soy milk is also high in protein. The protein in soy milk is healthy, plant-based, and can help support healthy muscles and organs. Soy milk is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are “healthy” fats that your body cannot form on its own. Omega-3 fatty acids are linked to a reduced risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Moreover, Soy milk can also help support your cardiovascular system. It is an excellent source of potassium, whether or not it has been fortified. Potassium is deeply connected to maintaining lower blood pressure and a regular pulse rate. Most soy milk found in supermarkets and health food stores is fortified with added nutrients. This makes fortified soy milk a great source of calcium, which is the most common mineral in your body.

You can feel confident in drinking soy milk. As for how much soy milk you can drink, the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) recommended moderate soy consumption. It means having one to two servings daily of whole soy foods, including soy milk. For instance, if you are planning on having a tofu stir-fry for dinner, you can still include 1 cup of soy milk in your morning smoothie. The AICR has shown that three servings a day are found to be safe at all.

PNFP-ZDS Marie Claire A. Gaas

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