Cow milk allergies rank among the common food allergies affecting 2-3% of children and 0.5-3% of adults. The allergy leads to symptoms such as facial swelling, eczema, vomiting, and digestive problems. However, switching to sheep, buffalo, and goat milk may not improve the condition. Soy milk is an excellent dairy milk alternative with tons of health benefits.
Native to East Asia, it is made from soybeans and thus a plant-based nondairy beverage. Besides being a good lactose-free dairy substitute, soy milk is a good addition to your diet with an excellent nutritional profile and creamy texture.
Read on to learn eight amazing benefits of soy milk.
Soy Milk is Nutrient Dense
It contains antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins, with essential health benefits. For instance, one cup of unsweetened soy milk contains 4 grams of fat, 4 grams of carbs, 7 grams of proteins, and 80 calories. Most brands throughout the global soy supply chain fortify the flavorful beverage with vitamins and minerals for greater health benefits.
Soy Milk May Improve Heart Health
With cholesterol being a considerable risk factor for heart disease, foods that lower cholesterol levels are desirable. A diet rich in soy products can alleviate cardiovascular disease risk. It contains proteins and isoflavones that lower bad cholesterol levels and foster good cholesterol levels.
Clinical studies reveal that taking 14g to 50g of soy protein can decrease bad cholesterol and triglycerides while increasing good cholesterol levels. In fact, 25g of soy protein in a low-fat diet can reduce bad cholesterol by 3-4%. Additionally, potassium may lower blood pressure, enhancing heart health.
Supports Weight Loss
Soy milk can help you lose weight in three ways. First, it is a low-calorie beverage, allowing you to consume few calories than your body requires. Second, it is rich in protein, which is vital in any weight loss regime. Third, soy is a complete protein, like animal protein, and helps maintain muscle mass while keeping you feeling full.
Helps With Certain Cancers
While research is ongoing on the anticancer properties of soy, the isoflavones in the milk may lower a person’s likelihood of getting colon, stomach, lung, and prostate cancer. An article in the Frontiers in Nutrition Journal affirms the beneficial role of soy in preventing cancer and recommends adding soy products to your diet.
Some people wonder whether soy products, including soy milk, are safe for cancer patients, especially those with hormone-sensitive cancers like breast cancer. Experts affirm that soy is safe for these patients. Although soy contains the plant version of the hormone estrogen –phytoestrogens, it does not affect the naturally-occurring estrogen in the body.
Soy Milk Can Boost Brain Health
Pioneer studies on the connection between soy and cognitive function suggest that soy improves short and long-term memory and boosts mental flexibility in healthy men and women. Similarly, other studies in the last decade have identified a positive link between soy isoflavones and cognitive function.
It contains omega-3 fatty acids, healthy fats the body must obtain from food. These fatty acids can lower your risk of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, though more research is needed to prove this without a doubt.
Soy Milk May Boost Gut Health
When it comes to gut health, it is invaluable. It serves as a prebiotic, maintaining proper gut function and increasing the number of good bacteria. Soy milk is rich in oligosaccharides that nourish the good bacteria in the gut to speed up metabolism and prevent gut disorders. Also, protein and fibre foster digestive health.
Soy Milk Can Reduce Menopause Symptoms
Inflammation is the immune system’s response to infections and injury. Nonetheless, long-term inflammation is harmful and increases your vulnerability to chronic diseases like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. It has anti-inflammatory properties, thanks to the isoflavones and omega-3 fatty acids. It reduces c-reactive and tumour necrosis factor (TNF) proteins, which are renowned for causing inflammation.
Soy milk is an excellent dietary addition for joint pain patients, reducing inflammatory chemicals in the joint tissues. These chemicals cause cartilage damage and excessive fluid in the joints. The fatty acids lessen inflammation and associated pain and swelling.
Conclusion
There’re many reasons why people love soy milk. Some have lactose intolerance, others observe a plant-based diet, and others perceive it to be healthier than dairy products. Regardless of the reason, it has numerous antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, prebiotic, and heart-protective properties. Also, it is readily available in grocery stores and health food stores across the country. Adding soy milk to your diet is simple; you can add the milk to your coffee, smoothie, baked goods, curry, and cereal.
