How Does
How Does Soy Milk Differ From Regular Milk?
Production
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Soy milk and regular milk are produced in different ways--one comes from a plant and the other comes from an animal. Soy milk is made from soybean that are soaked in water and then ground. When the water is strained, the resulting fluid is soy milk.
Regular milk, also called cow's milk, is produced by cows and is extracted by hand or with a machine. The cows are fed and milked at local dairy farms. The milk is pasteurized and then sent to local stores.
Benefits
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Both milk products have many vitamins and nutrients. Cow's milk contains many vitamins and amino acids, including potassium (stabilizes blood vessel wall), calcium (strong bones), zinc (quick healing of wounds), iodine (maintain working brain), magnesium (strengthens heart and nervous system), tyrosine (encourages the elation of hormones), vitamin B2 (vision sharpness) and iron (healthy skin). Soy milk is fortified, so it has many of the same vitamins as cow's milk.
Differences
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Soy milk does not have lactose (milk sugar) and is lower in cholesterol and saturated fats. The calcium in cow's milk is more easily absorbed by the human body than the calcium in soy milk. Soy milk is often more expensive than cow's milk and is sweetened since it lacks the lactose, or milk sugar. Soy milk is often sold in aseptic packaging, which allows it to be stored on the shelf it is opened. Once it is opened, it needs to be refrigerated and should be used within 5 days. Cow's milk must be refrigerated, and is available in plastic containers and cartons made of paperboard; it should be discarded 2 or 3 days after the "use by date" printed on the containers.
Regular or Soy Milk?
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You should switch from cow's milk, or regular milk, to soy milk if you are experiencing food allergies. Milk allergies may be caused from the overeating of dairy products. Symptoms of dairy allergies include headaches, frequent colds, bloating, gas, intestinal upset, itchy eyes or ears, postnasal drip, congested sinuses, achy joints or fogged thinking.
eHow Article: How Does Soy Milk Differ From Regular Milk?
