Is Soy Milk Good for You?

March 2, 2010

Soymilk has become a popular alternative to cow’s milk. Found in the dairy section of most supermarkets, it is consumed not only by those who are allergic to regular milk, but also those interested in its health benefits.

Completely dairy free, soy milk is made from soybeans. A common milk substitute it is naturally cholesterol free and a good source of both calcium and protein. Often, manufacturers add other nutrients to their soy milk, including vitamin D, E, and B12, making it even more beneficial for the human body.

Calcium

Soy milk is a source of calcium and may prove beneficial for those who have trouble getting enough of it from other foods. However, it does not contain as much calcium as cow’s milk, at least not in its natural state. Manufacturers may add calcium to their soymilk products in order to make it comparable with the calcium content of cow’s milk. It’s important to keep in mind, however, that research shows that calcium that is naturally present in food is healthier.

Soymilk contains isoflavones, which are chemical compounds found exclusively in plants. Research shows that isoflavones can help lessen menopause symptoms and prevent bone loss that may lead to osteoporosis. They may also lower the risk of both breast and prostate cancers. Since they’re antioxidants, they can even help the body to fight free radicals.

Low in Fat

One of the benefits of soymilk is that is low in fat. This makes it a good choice for people who are trying to lose weight or even just stay fit. Consuming low-fat food and beverage choices can also help people to avoid serious conditions like heart disease and certain cancers. Soy milk may even contribute to lower cholesterol levels when consumed as part of a diet that is low in saturated fat.

No Hormones

Many people express concern about the hormones, both natural and synthetic, that are typically present in cow’s milk. Some theorize that these hormones contribute to a number of health problems including hormone fluctuations in the human body, early puberty, and cancer. While some wait for research to prove whether the hormones in cows milk cause significant health problems or not, others opt to drink soy, which is entirely hormone free.

Lactose Free

Unfortunately, significant numbers of people struggle with lactose intolerance, which leaves them unable to consume cows milk comfortably. A person who is lactose intolerant cannot digest lactose, which is a type of sugar that is naturally present in cow’s milk. When a lactose intolerant person does drink cows milk, he experiences such unpleasant symptoms as gas, abdominal pain, nausea, and diarrhea,

You can drink soymilk without any of the unpleasant symptoms that cows milk may cause. Soy milk doesn’t contain lactose. However, it does contain stachyose and raffinose, which are prebiotic substances that help to stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria in the body, giving a boost to the immune system. Additionally, most people are less like to suffer allergies caused by soy milk than those caused by milk from a cow.

Soy milk is a healthy substitute for cow’s milk. Found in the dairy section of most supermarkets, it is consumed not only by those who are allergic to regular milk, but also by those interested in its many health benefits.

Completely dairy free, soy milk is made from soybeans. Many people consume it because it is a natural source of both calcium and protein. Often, manufacturers add other nutrients to their soy milk, including vitamin D, E and B12, making it even more beneficial for the human body.

Calcium

Soy milk is a source of calcium and may prove beneficial for those who have trouble getting enough of it from other foods. However, it does not contain as much calcium as cow’s milk, at least not in its natural state. Manufacturers may add calcium to their soy milk products in order to get them closer to the calcium content of cow’s milk. It’s important to keep in mind, however, that research shows calcium that is naturally present in food is healthier and more readily absorbed by the body.

Isoflavones

Soy milk contains isoflavones, which are chemical compounds found exclusively in plants. Research shows that isoflavones can help lessen menopause symptoms and prevent bone loss that may lead to osteoporosis. They may also lower the risk of both breast and prostate cancer. Since they’re antioxidants, they can even help the body to fight cell-damaging free radicals.

Low in Fat and Cholesterol Free

One of the benefits of soy milk is that is low in fat and free of cholesterol. This makes it a good choice for people who are trying to lose weight or even just stay fit. Consuming low-fat food and beverages can also help people to avoid serious conditions like heart disease and certain cancers. Soy milk may even contribute to lower cholesterol levels when consumed as part of a diet that is low in saturated fat.

No Hormones

Many people express concern about the hormones, both natural and synthetic, that are typically present in cow’s milk. Some theorize that these hormones contribute to a number of health problems, including hormone fluctuations in the human body, early puberty and cancer. While some wait for research to prove whether the hormones in cow’s milk cause significant health problems or not, others opt to drink soy, which is entirely hormone free.

Lactose Free

Unfortunately, many people struggle with lactose intolerance, which leaves them unable to consume cow’s milk comfortably. A person who is lactose intolerant cannot digest lactose, which is a type of sugar that is naturally present in cow’s milk. When a lactose intolerant person does drink cow’s milk, he experiences such unpleasant symptoms as gas, abdominal pain, nausea and diarrhea.

Soy milk doesn’t contain lactose, which makes it a good alternative for those who are lactose intolerant. However, it does contain stachyose and raffinose, which are prebiotic substances that help to stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria in the body, giving a boost to the immune system.