Drinking soy milk has been all the rave in some health and fitness communities, as well as among people who are vegans or vegetarians. Soy milk is a beverage made from soybeans. The beans are soaked with water, afterwhich they are ground into a smooth liquid. The liquid is boiled and then cooled, and is then ready to drink.
Some people believe that it is a healthier alternative to cow’s milk, but there are some studies that show soy milk lacks some essential nutrients that is found in cow’s milk. So before you start grabbing soy milk from grocery shelves, get to know the advantages and disadvantages of this drink and decide after if this is the best product for you.
List of Pros of Soy Milk
1. It is nutritious.
This beverage is very rich in protein. It is also fortified with some of the macronutrients found in cow’s milk, such as calcium, vitamins A, B-12, and D, phosphorous, and riboflavin. It is also rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fatty acid required for proper daily bodily function. The protein in soy milk is of high quality and is comparable to protein found in animal foods. One cup typically gives you about 8 grams of protein, similar to what you would get from one cup of low-fat cow’s milk.
2. It is a good alternative for those who can’t drink cow’s milk.
There are some people who are lactose intolerant and therefore, they can’t drink cow’s milk because it contains lactose. Lactose is a sugar that many adults and children cannot digest properly. Other people also have allergies to casein, a protein found in cow’s milk. It can cause immune system malfunctions and problems with people who have asthma or sinus infections. Soy milk doesn’t have lactose or casein, thus, it is a great alternative for those who want to get enough protein but can’t drink cow’ milk.
3. It provides several health benefits.
Soy milk doesn’t have saturated and trans fat, as well as dietary cholesterol, and is believed to lower the risk of heart disease. Also, isoflavones in soy products are believed to help prevent hormone-related cancers like breast cancer, prostate cancer, and endometrial cancer.
List of Cons of Soy Milk
1. It causes some health problems.
Drinking too much soy milk cause gas pains and stomach problems. Also, it is believed that this beverage causes certain thyroid disorders, allergies, and reproductive system problems, particularly in those who have been using this product since an early age.
2. It doesn’t have enough calcium.
Soy milk does have calcium but does not measure up to the calcium found in cow’s milk. Calcium is an extremely important nutrient as it is required to strengthen bones and teeth, among other things. Some soy milk producers have tried to address this issue by making calcium fortified soy products.
3. It requires an acquired taste.
Some people are turned off by the ‘weird’ taste of soy milk, so it may take some time before you get used to it. There are some sweetened and flavored varieties, but they may contain high levels of sugar and additives.
If you do decide to switch to soy milk, make sure to consult with your doctor or nutritionist first as you may have some medical or dietary conditions that will not react well to soy products.