Chocolate soy milk, made from soybeans, is an alternative to cow's milk for those with dairy allergies and lactose intolerance issues. Vegans can also use chocolate soy milk as a dairy alternative because it contains no animal products. Values listed are for 1 cup of fortified chocolate soy milk. Values may vary among each brand of soy milk.
Protein and Carbohydrates
Chocolate soy milk is a low-fat source of protein and carbohydrates, which makes it a good beverage choice when you need to replenish both of these nutrients, such as after hard exercise sessions. The simple carbohydrates in soy milk provide a quick source of energy and help to replace calories burned during workouts. The protein helps your muscles recover from the exercise session. One cup of soy milk supplies 23 g of carbohydrates and 5 g of protein. This provides about 20 percent of the daily value of carbohydrates and 10 percent of protein for most adults.
Calcium
Most chocolate soy milk is fortified with calcium and contains a similar amount to a glass of cow's milk. One cup provides about 30 percent of the daily value for adults younger than 50 years of age and 25 percent for those older than 50 years of age. Calcium is important for strong bones and teeth. It also helps your muscles contract, your nerves transmit signals and your blood vessels dilate.
Other Minerals
Along with calcium, chocolate soy milk also provides smaller amounts of three other minerals: magnesium, potassium and iron. One cup supplies 12 percent of the daily value of magnesium for women and 9 percent for men. Magnesium helps you use calcium and potassium. One cup of soy milk provides 7 percent of potassium, which is essential for healthy nerves. It also helps your heart beat properly and your muscles contract. In addition, one cup of chocolate soy milk provides 18 percent of the daily value of iron for men and 8 percent for women. Iron helps you form red blood cells called hemoglobin, which carry oxygen to your cells.
B Vitamins
Chocolate soy milk contains a large amount of two B vitamins: riboflavin and vitamin B12. One cup supplies nearly 50 percent of the daily value of riboflavin, which helps your body make antibodies necessary to fight infection. One serving of chocolate soy milk also provides more than 100 percent of the daily value of vitamin B12, which helps prevent anemia because it assists in the formation of red blood cells. Both of these B vitamins also help you metabolize fats, carbohydrates and proteins.
Other Benefits
According to MedlinePlus, soy protein can help reduce your cholesterol levels, thereby possibly decreasing your risk of heart disease. These benefits are possible when you consume at least 25 g of soy protein a day along with a low-cholesterol, low-fat diet.
Member Comments