What Is Soy Milk? Its Benefits & Disadvantages

Soy milk or soy is a derivative of the legume that gives it its name. They are obtained from soybeans, ground with water, and steamed for a period of time between 15 and 20 minutes. Subsequently, minerals such as calcium and vitamins are added. Some experts, consider that this soy drink should not be called “milk”, even if it looks similar.

Soy milk is high in vitamins A and E, phytosterols, and polyphenols. It has many nutritional benefits, proteins, and antioxidant elements that are beneficial to the body. It is a food that has no cholesterol and is low in calories and fat, of which 20 percent are saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Nutritional properties of soy milk

This drink is made from a selected soy base, then undergoes heat treatments to increase its nutritional values, and is supplemented with vitamins and minerals. Finally, it is sterilized and homogenized. The end result is a liquid with a similar appearance to milk, tasteless, which can be combined with other products to provide flavor.

Differences from cow’s milk

Soy milk has considerable differences compared to cow’s milk. Fundamentally it is distinguished by the types of nutrients it contains. Another difference is the amount of iron: cow’s milk contains more than soy, especially whole milk.

According to Josep Antoni Tur, professor of physiology at the University of the Balearic Islands, whole milk is rich in saturated fatty acids and has cholesterol; on the contrary, soy milk lacks cholesterol, which is replaced by phytosterol (plant cholesterols) and has polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Cytosterol does not have harmful effects on the body. The amount of fat in the soy drink is lower, with an amount equivalent to that of semi-skimmed milk.

The study makes a comparison between both drinks and states that soy has a lower energy value than cow’s milk (650 kcal from a liter of whole milk compared to 524 kcal per liter of soy drink). In the same way, the calcium contribution of soy milk is lower than that of cow’s milk, specifically 100 milligrams per 100 grams of soy drink.

Health benefits

Soy milk, lacking in cholesterol, is beneficial for the heart and the circulatory system. It can help prevent osteoporosis by providing the bone with calcium, although this is not the only important factor.

Osteoporosis also depends on the organic matrix of the bone, but soy milk helps prevent this pathology. It is an optimal product for people who have an allergy to cow’s milk proteins and for those who are lactose intolerant.

It does not matter how it is consumed or with what, it does not matter who uses it. It has been created for everyone. Soy milk is of vegetable origin and therefore provides great benefits to the body, it is very rich in fatty acids, minerals, proteins, fibers, and vitamins. Its intake will provide great functions to the body.

Soy milk benefits

1. Prevents prostate cancer

It is rich in a plant hormone called phytoestrogen. This hormone in men can slow down testosterone, therefore low testosterone levels in men prevent the risk of prostate cancer.

2. Good for diabetics

Regulates blood pressure in people with diabetes. Because it is low in fat, it is very useful in the prevention of atherosclerosis in diabetics.

3. Strengthens weak bones

Prevents osteoporosis. Its consumption warns of bone loss. It is very effective in the formation of bone and the maintenance of calcium in the body due to its high content of vitamin D.

4. Promotes good eye-vision

Genistein isoflavone, which is contained in soy milk in large quantities, protects the eyes from cataracts.

5. Regulates cholesterol

Soy milk reduces bad cholesterol and increases good cholesterol in the body.

6. Improves digestion

It does not lose its nutritional properties, even after boiling. It is one of the perfect kinds of milk offered to those who cannot tolerate lactose.

7. Increases energy levels

This milk is made up of all the amino acids that are required by the body for its proper functioning. Consuming soy milk regularly works on supplying protein to the body and makes it full of energy.

8. Maintains healthy skin

They keep skin rigid tissues. It is very useful to keep the skin hydrated and improve its elasticity.

9. Prevents kidney diseases

Its consumption is beneficial for people with kidney disease, kidney transplant patients, and dialysis patients. It is free of cholesterol, it is low in terms of saturated fat. It acts as an antioxidant and reduces inflammation.

10. Weight Management

The macronutrients found in soy protein help control your appetite by making you feel full faster and make you feel full longer. A glass of soy milk contains more than 8 grams of this protein, keeping your food cravings at bay for longer and helping in weight loss.

Disadvantage

The main disadvantage that soy milk can have is an allergy to soy protein. It can cause an allergenic phenomenon accompanied by hives and swelling of the glottis; the reaction will depend on the allergic sensitivity of the affected person.

Note: 

• There is no clear reason to replace dairy in the daily diet, even less in the case of young children. Soy milk can be a substitute for people allergic to milk proteins or lactose intolerant, although in the latter cases, it is recommended to ingest lactose-free cow’s milk.
• Soy drinks should not replace dairy in children, since these are of great importance for development and correct growth. Alma Palau, president of the General Council of Dietitians-Nutritionists (CGDN), affirms that up to 6 months of life, the baby should receive exclusive breastfeeding.
• From 6 months to 12 months, it is recommended that they continue to breastfeed. From the year up to 2, it is convenient that they continue to drink mother’s milk and they can be combined with other fermented dairy products. If the mother cannot continue to breastfeed the infant, it is recommended to supply milk adapted for children of her age. After two years of life, soy beverages can be supplied with peace of mind.

Also, the idea that soy milk helps you lose weight is a myth; According to experts, it does not help, although it can be included in a weight loss diet, just like semi-skimmed cow’s milk.