Soy Milk Facts

Soybeans are nutritious foods that can be processed into many forms. Soy may take the form of soy protein, soy powder, and soy milk. While soy milk has grown in popularity through out the country, all the possible benefits and disadvantages of this product are not completely known. Doctors and lay people alike have divided themselves into one of two categories, pro-soy milk, or anti-soy milk. Ultimately, the decision to use soy milk is up to the individual, but before making that decision he should be equipped with all of the facts.

How It's Made

Soy milk is the result of soaking and grinding soybeans with water. The bean water is strained and the remaining mixture is the soy milk. While most Americans drink soy milk that has been prepackaged, flavored and fortified, soy milk originally had a "beany" taste in Eastern cultures.

Flavors

Soy milk typically comes in plain, vanilla and chocolate flavors. These varieties are available in light form, as well as with added calcium and fiber. Both the Silk and 8th Continent brands offer these varieties of soy milk.

Nutrition

Soy milk is very nutritional. It contains protein, isoflavones, and vitamin B.

According to WebMD, soy isoflavones are beneficial because once inside the body they convert into phytoestrogens. Phytoestrogens have a similar chemical make up to that of the hormone estrogen. Because phytoestrogens are similar to estrogens, they can mimic the effect that estrogen has on the body. Estrogen helps to maintain the health of female organs.

Soy milk contains no lactose, and is a great alternative for people who are lactose intolerant or are allergic to the proteins found in cow's milk.

Soy milk is typically fortified with extra calcium and vitamins.

Benefits

Soy in general is beneficial for several medical conditions. Soy milk is a great way to easily add these health benefits into the diet.

According to WebMD, soy can lower cholesterol, ease hot flashes, reduce the risk of osteoporosis, increase bone density, may reduce the risk of breast cancer, combat diarrhea in infants, treat diabetic nerve problems, provide essential nutrition to infants that are lactose intolerant, reduce urine protein in people with kidney disease, and help to treat type 2 diabetes.

Avoid

There are some people who should avoid the use of soy milk, or at least use it in moderation only.

Children who suffer from cystic fibrosis should not drink soy milk or take soy supplements. Soy milk can interfere with the way protein is processed.

There is conflicting information for women who suffer from breast cancer, even on WebMD. Some physicians believe that soy can reduce the risk of breast cancer, and others believe that it can increase the risk of some types of breast cancer in some patients. It is important to consult a personal physician before a breast cancer patient uses soy milk.

It is recommended that people who have endometrial cancer, kidney disease, urinary bladder cancer, hypothyroidism, asthma or hay fever avoid the use of soy milk.

Some possible side effects of soy milk include constipation, bloating and nausea.

References

• - Soy Milk Facts
• - Soy