What Is Really In Soy Milk?

Soy milk can replace the more traditional cow's milk for those who are allergic to traditional dairy products. You can find soy milk at most grocery stores in the refrigerator section. There is also a shelf-stable boxed variety that needs no refrigeration until opened. Soy milk is made from soybeans and has many nutritious qualities. It is also dairy-free and lactose-free, making it a good replacement for cow's milk if you have allergies.

Production

Soy milk is made from soybeans. The process involves soaking the soybeans in water and pulverizing them to extract the ingredients. The resultant liquid is filtered and becomes the basis of soy milk. It is rich in protein and bio-active compounds called isoflavones. Producers may add flavors and sweeteners such as cane sugar or stevia, a sugar substitute. It is often fortified with calcium and vitamins. The soy milk is pasteurized and packaged for refrigeration or in a stable shelf variety. Some manufacturers use hydrated soy flour or soy protein instead of the whole soybean to make soy milk. These are more highly processed. Check the label for the ingredients.

Nutrition

According to the Soy Food Association of North America, a 1-cup serving of soy milk has approximately 98 calories, 4 g fat, 8 g carbohydrates, 7 g protein, 0 g cholesterol, 96 mg sodium, 386 mg calcium, 225 mg potassium, 225 mg phosphorus and 24 mcg folate. Quantities may vary by producers, check the label for each variety for a more accurate accounting. The amount of isoflavones can vary by manufacturer, the most common amount being 35 mg in a 1 cup serving.

Varieties

Soy milk is available in chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, eggnog, chocolate mint, pumpkin spice and plain. All of these have sugar added, the lower calorie varieties have a sugar substitute such as stevia. There is also an organic, unsweetened variety. Most of these flavors are in the refrigerator section. Chocolate and vanilla flavors are also found in a boxed, shelf variety. Individual serving size boxes with straws are also available.

Isoflavones

Isoflavones are flavonoid compounds that are found in soybeans and consequently in soy milk. They are also called phytoestrogens, meaning that they are plant-based estrogens. Isoflavones have a weak estrogenic activity when ingested, binding to estrogen sensitive receptors in the cells of your body. Some studies have found that isoflavones reduce symptoms in menopause. According to the 2010 issue of "Menopause," isoflavones decrease insomnia and hot flashes in postmenopausal women.

It has also been shown to lower blood pressure in men and women with mild to moderate hypertension, as revealed in a study published in the 2003 "Journal of Nutrition." Subjects were divided into two groups, one receiving 500 mL of cow's milk, twice daily; and the other 500 mL of soy milk, twice a day. After three months, there was a significant reduction in blood pressure for the soy milk group.

Considerations

Soy milk is a good alternative if you have allergies to dairy or lactose. However, some people are allergic to soybeans and should avoid soy milk. Always seek the counsel of your health care provider before treating your own conditions.