Soy milk, the result of grinding previously soaked soy beans in cold water, is a common alternative to cow's milk for individuals around the world. You can purchase plain, unflavored soy milk, soy milk that contains sweetener, oil and flavoring to make its taste more closely resemble that of cow's milk or even chocolate soy milk. Regardless of the variety of soy milk you choose, this creamy concoction boasts a variety of health benefits for your entire family.
Reduced Cancer Risk
Unlike cow's milk, soy milk doesn't contain any artificial hormones, making it a healthier alternative for those concerned about developing cancer. Most modern dairy farms in the U.S. milk cows for the majority of the year. These cows are often pregnant and pass pregnancy hormones on to consumers through their milk. Researchers at Harvard University note that the high levels of hormones present in cow's milk, namely estrogen, contribute to a higher cancer rate among milk drinkers.
One study linking cow's milk to cancer was cited in the Harvard Gazette and demonstrates an increased risk of testicular and prostrate cancer in men ages 20 to 39 after exposure to the estrogen in cow's milk. Because soy milk contains no such hormones, drinking soy milk may markedly reduce an individual's cancer risk.
No Lactose
Soy milk doesn't contain lactose, a type of carbohydrate found in cow's milk that some individuals cannot digest. Thus, consumers who suffer from a lactose intolerance can safely drink soy milk without the fear of falling ill. Although soy milk isn't a viable calcium source, many manufacturers fortify soy milk with the same nutrients a consumer could expect to benefit from when drinking cow's milk.
Lowers Cholesterol
Soy milk contains natural chemicals known as "isoflavones." These isoflavones help reduce LDL or "bad" cholesterol levels in the blood without affecting HDL or "good" cholesterol levels. Lower LDL cholesterol is associated with a lower risk of heart disease since LDL cholesterol builds up on the walls of your arteries, making it more challenging for oxygen-rich blood to flow freely to the heart. In addition, soy milk contains no saturated fat, which can also contribute to high LDL cholesterol levels.
Increases Calcium Retention
Soy milk contains vegetable, rather than animal, protein. Vegetable proteins help your body retain a greater amount of calcium from the foods you eat. When the body retains calcium rather than filtering it out of the body through the kidneys, the risk of developing kidney problems--such as calcium stones--is lower. Increased calcium retention also contributes to bone health and lowers your risk of developing osteoporosis.
References
- Soy Info Center: History of Soymilk and Dairy-Like Soymilk Products
- Harvard University Gazette: Hormones in Milk Can Be Dangerous
- Health Services at Columbia: Nutritional Differences Between Soy and Cow's Milk
- National Cholesterol Education Program: High Blood Cholesterol--What You Need to Know
- Feminist Women's Health Center: Are You Losing More Than Weight?
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