Milk is an important addition to a healthy diet and an especially good source of calcium and protein. However, due to reasons such as lactose intolerance or a vegan lifestyle, not everyone is able to include cow's milk in his diet. Soy milk, an extract created from soybeans, is frequently used as a substitute. Unlike cow's milk, it contains no lactose that may trigger an allergic reaction in lactose intolerant individuals. And since it is made from plant food sources, vegetarian and vegan adherents can drink it.
Vitamin and Mineral Content
Soy milk has several minerals and vitamins. These include B-complex vitamins such as niacin, B-12, B-6 and riboflavin and minerals such as iron and potassium. Soy milk also contains more copper, manganese and magnesium than cow's milk. Manufacturers often fortify soy milk with additional vitamins and minerals. Folate is usually added, another B-complex vitamin that is important for proper fetal development in pregnant women. Other vitamins and minerals in fortified soy milk include zinc and vitamins A and D.
Protein
Your body is capable of manufacturing several types of amino acids for its continued function. However, other types known as essential amino acids must be obtained through food. Both animal and plant foods contain protein. Plant proteins found in most beans and nuts are nutritious, but they do not contain all the essential amino acids; they are known as incomplete proteins. Animal proteins, on the other hand, are complete proteins. And so are soybean proteins. Soybeans are the sole plant food to contain all the essential amino acids, making them a viable replacement for animal protein. Furthermore, the protein in soy milk has been linked to a modest decrease in cholesterol.
Essential Fatty Acids
Just like cow's milk, soy milk is a good source of essential fatty acids. However, cow's milk contains saturated fat, and consuming this type of fat increases your cholesterol levels. Soy milk has a doubly beneficial effect: The fat it contains is not saturated fat, but much healthier unsaturated fat, which actually helps to lower blood cholesterol levels. In a 100-g serving, soy milk contains 1.91 g of fat while cow's milk contains 3.34 g of fat.
Isoflavones and Phytochemicals
Soy beans and soy milk are the richest dietary sources for isoflavones, a type of organic compound found in plants. Though they are still the subject of medical study, isoflavones may help protect against several health problems, such as osteoporosis, heart disease, breast cancer and prostate cancer, the Linus Pauling Institute notes. Consuming soy isoflavones may further benefit women past menopause by strengthening their bones and decreasing the incidence of hot flashes. Soy milk also contains phytochemicals, which have been positively linked to decreases in the risk of breast and prostate cancer.
Precautions
Soy milk is usually used to replace cow's milk. However, it is possible for some individuals to have a soy allergy, MayoClinic.com explains. Minor symptoms can include abdominal pain, vomiting, tingling in the mouth, facial swelling, itching and difficulty breathing. Severe anaphylactic reactions are rare, but have a higher risk of occurrence if you already have a pre-existing allergy to peanuts, wheat, beans or milk. Make sure to report even minor symptoms to your doctor, especially if you are switching your child over to a soy-based formula.
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