With the improving taste of commercial soy milk, more and more people are getting hooked to this for the sake of enjoyment. But there are many who even love the health benefits associated with soy milk in comparison to cow’s milk. Soy milk is prepared from soy beans and is high on protein content. Soy beans are soaked in water and then ground well to produce this stable emulsion of oil, water and protein. Read on to know the health benefits and downsides of soy milk:
Health Benefits:
1. It has only vegetable proteins
Vegetable proteins are healthy for the body and cause lesser loss of calcium out of the body via kidneys. Consumption of animal proteins through a rich diet increases the risk of osteoporosis.
2. It has no lactose
Lactose is one component that stands intolerable for over 75 percent of the world population. Some groups are affected more than the other people. Thus a great benefit that soy milk offers is the absence of lactose and the presence of prebiotic sugars like raffinose and stachyose. Prebiotic sugars boost the level of physical immunity and cut down the toxic substances present within the body.
3. Least allergic
Reports claim that only 0.5 percent of kids are found allergic to this milk form. Whereas 2.5 percent kids are reportedly allergic to cows milk.
4. Cholesterol levels reduce with soy milk
Cows milk contains saturated fats that are unhealthy and can radically increase the level of cholesterol present within the body. Soy protein can instead cut down the cholesterol levels present within the body. The Food and Drug Administration of US confirms the fact that soy protein can definitely reduce the risk associated with coronary heart diseases. As per FDA every individual should incorporate 25 grams of soy protein to the daily diet.
5. It has no hormones
Cow’s milk comprises of both natural and synthetic hormones which can readily influence the body function. rBGH is a synthetic hormone which is administered to the animal for increased milk production. This is passed on to the human consumers too.
6. It does not give way to insulin dependent diabetes
Some studies indicate that there is a connection of cow’s milk consumption during the early years and insulin dependent diabetes. This association has yet not been found amongst soy milk consumers.
7. Rich source of isoflavon
Soy milk is rich in isoflavones and is very healthy. 20 mg of isoflavones are found in every cup of soy milk. Reduction of cholesterol is another benefit associated with isoflavons. Also easing out menopause symptoms and the prevention of osteoporosis are common. Certain cancer forms can also be prevented with the consumption of soy milk. These are antioxidants which protect our body from the oxidation process of cells and DNA.
The Downside:
Despite there are many advantages linked to soy milk. Yet their are certain instances when soy milk has resulted in potential risks too. For example it contains trypsin inhibitor which can interfere with the process of protein digestion. Apart from this there are certain other factors too to be careful of.
1. Causes soy allergy
Soy has been detected to be amongst the top 11 causes of food allergy. If a person is suffering from soy allergy then its advisable that he or she refrains from soy milk consumption. Common symptoms of this allergy include vomiting, irritability, diarrhea and severe anaphylactic reactions. This type of allergy is really common amongst kids.
2. Causes Gout
Purines present in soy milk can convert to uric acid present inside the body. Exceeding the intake level can result in gout formation which is a very painful condition to live by.
3. Hypothydroidism
Phytoestrogens which are plant based estrogen’s present in soy milk can cut down the action of 5′-deiodinase and thyroid peroxidase which are primary enzymes involved in the production of thyroid hormone. One who is on a medication chain for hypothyroidism should never consume soy milk.
4. Breast cancer and Soy Phytoestrogens
Soy phytoestrogens are very similar to endogenous estrogens which bind to estrogen receptors present within the cells. Breast cancer is closely linked to estrogen exposure. Soy milk consumption can therefore increase the risk for this particular condition due to estrogenic properties.
5. Deficiency of minerals
Antinutrient phytic acid is a common ingredient of unfermented soybeans. It acts as an inhibitor for the absorption of minerals. It reduces the absorption of minerals like iron, calcium, magnesium etc in the body.