Soymilk’s Incredible Health Benefits The health benefits of soy milk are controversial, in part because (like milk) soy is a common food allergen. However, it is generally accepted that soy milk is a healthy alternative to cow’s milk, and many believe that soy milk is healthier than dairy milk. Soy milk, which is made from soaking, grinding and boiling soy beans with water, is a very nutritious drink. Soy is naturally high in essential fatty acids, proteins, fiber,vitamins and minerals. These nutrients provide energy and keep your body functioning at its optimum level. Below are the six most important health benefits you can acquire from drinking soy milk. 1. Soy milk contains no lactose About 75 percent of the world population cannot tolerate lactose. Some ethnic groups are more affected than others. For example 75 percent of Africans and 90 percent of Asians have lactose intolerance. As an additional benefit, soy milk contains the prebiotic sugars stachyose and raffinose. These prebiotic sugars boost immunity and help decrease toxic substances in the body. 2. Reduces Cholesterol The saturated fats in cow’s milk are unhealthy and increase your cholesterol. The protein in cow’s milk has no benefits for the cholesterol. Soy protein can decrease cholesterol levels. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration of US) confirms that soy protein, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may significantly reduce the risk of coronary heart. The FDA recommends to incorporate 25 grams of soy protein in your daily meals. 3. It does not cause Insulin 2 Diabetes Although no general consensus exists among scientists, some studies have shown an association between drinking cow’s milk in early life and the development of insulin dependent diabetes. This association does not exist with soy milk. 4. Contain Vegetable proteins Vegetable proteins have the advantage that they cause less loss of calcium through the kidneys. It is known that a diet rich in animal (and dairy protein) creates a higher risk for osteoporosis. 5. Contains no Hormones Cow’s milk contains natural hormones (from the cow) but also synthetic hormones, which can influence the good working of our own body. The synthetic hormone rBGH (recombinant bovine growth hormone) increase milk production by as much as 20 percent. 6. Contains many Isoflavones The presence of isoflavones is the most important and unique benefit of soy milk. Each cup of soy milk contains about 20 mg isoflavones (mainly genistein and daidzein). Cow’s milk does not contain isoflavones. Isoflavones have many health benefits including reduction of cholesterol, easing of menopause symptoms, prevention of osteoporosis and reduction of risk for certain cancers (prostate cancer and breast cancer). Incidents of these cancers are very low in countries with high intake of soy products, including soy milk. Isoflavones are also antioxidants which protect our cells and DNA against oxidation. 7. Prevents Prostate Cancer Phytosterols in soy milk mimics the function of human estrogen. Studies have shown that men who regularly eat soy products have significantly lower prostate cancer risks than men who do not. 8. Helps Control Weight Each cup of plain soy milk contains about 7 grams of sugar and 80 calories. Soy milk also contains fiber which is not present in dairy milk. The extra fiber makes soy milk more filling for natural suppression of your appetite. Additionally, the monounsaturated fatty acids can inhibit fat absorption during digestion and reduce the chance of fat storage. 9. Protects our heart Elderly and heart patients are most suited to use soy milk as a dairy alternative. Whole milk contains a significant amount of saturated fat and cholesterol which increase the risk of plaque formation and heart disease. Skim milk does not have this problem, but it is watery and much less appetizing. Soy milk is naturally cholesterol free with an extra dose of heart-healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids that can effectively reduce your blood cholesterol level. The phytosterols in soy milk can further improve your heart conditions by controlling your blood pressure and preventing cholesterol absorption in your intestines. Studies have shown that drinking soy milk can lower your risks for atherosclerosis and strokes, making them an effective aid in prevention and treatment of heart diseases.
Posted on: Wed, 27 Aug 2014 03:16:41 +0000