Soy milk is a tasty, nutritious and safe alternative to cow's milk for people with lactose intolerance. Thanks to its rich and balanced composition, this liquid has many beneficial properties for both adults and children. Let's find out all about whether soy milk cause harm to the body, how you can do it yourself, and in what cases soy dairy products have a therapeutic effect.
From this article you will learn:
What is soy milk made from?
Soy milk is one of the products of processing soybeans, whose historical homeland is East Asian countries. The production of this liquid is exclusively gastronomic, but it serves as a raw material for the creation of other products: yogurt, cottage cheese, drinks, etc.
Soy milk
To produce milk, the beans are kept in water for several hours until they are well softened. Then, using pounding, they are converted into homogeneous mass white. After separating the solid part from the liquid and filtering the latter, a white, opaque liquid is obtained.
In industrial milk production plants, beans are pureed along with the water in which they were soaked. After squeezing out the liquid part, it is quickly heated to +150˚C. After that, it is filtered and packaged for sale.
How is soy milk different from cow's milk?
The main difference is that one product is of plant origin, while the other is of natural origin. This speaks to the versatility of soy milk because it can be consumed by vegans and people allergic to lactose. There are noticeable differences in the content of nutrients per 100 grams.
Soy milk: calories per 100 grams
The calorie content of soy milk depends on the characteristics of production: the volume of added water, the introduction additional ingredients and so on. On average, this figure is in the region of 45-60 kcal per 100 grams.
Vitamins, minerals and other beneficial substances have approximately the following proportions in the composition (per 100 grams):
| Vitamins | |
| Thiamine (B1) | 0.06 mg |
| Riboflavin (B2) | 0.2 mg |
| Pyridoxine (B6) | 0.23 mg |
| Folic acid (B9) | 32 mcg |
| Cobalamin (B12) | 1.08 mcg |
| Niacin (PP) | 3.29 mg |
| Vitamin D | 1.2 mg |
| Ascorbic acid (C) | 7.2 mg |
| Alpha tocopherol (E) | 2.52 mg |
| Minerals | |
| Potassium | 141 mg |
| Calcium | 140 mg |
| Sodium | 50 mg |
| Iron | 0.49 mg |
| Copper | 0.12 mg |
| Selenium | 2.3 mcg |
| Zinc | 0.24 mg |
Soy milk benefits and harm to the body
Soy milk is close in composition to cow's milk - the proportions of protein-fats-carbohydrates are approximately the same. However, the plant product is much richer in amino acid content. His useful feature is the absence of cholesterol and saturated fats in the composition.
Soy milk benefits and harm to the body Basic beneficial features soy milk:
- Improves blood vessels. Due to the presence of Omega-6, Omega-3 fatty acids and iron, soy milk makes the walls of blood vessels more elastic and stronger. In addition, these substances prevent the deterioration of blood vessels under the influence of free radicals and the accumulation of cholesterol on the inner walls.
- Stabilizes the blood lipid profile. Doctors consider this property to be one of the best for soy product. Poly- and monounsaturated fats prevent the transport of cholesterol into the blood, thereby reducing the concentration of high-density lipoproteins (“good” cholesterol).
- Prevents cancer. Soy milk has good anti-cancer properties. Some studies show that its use reduces the risk of prostate cancer in men and breast cancer in women.
- Prevents the development of osteoporosis. Although a milk drink made from soy does not contain a record amount of calcium, it more than makes up for it by stimulating its absorption from other foods.
- Rejuvenates. Thanks to its high antioxidant qualities, soy milk prevents the destructive effects of free radicals on tissues and cells and slows down their aging.
Soy milk: benefits and harms for women
The presence of soy isoflavones, which are classified as phytoestrogens, is what makes soy milk useful for women. This plant-derived substance successfully neutralizes estrogen produced by human body, therefore removes the negative symptoms of its deficiency. Thanks to this, for example, the symptoms of menopause or PMS are mitigated. Some researchers believe that the intake of isoflavones into a woman's body reduces the risk of breast cancer.
Is soy milk good for men?
Like any natural product, soy milk can have both positive and negative effects on the male body. Endocrinology experts say that men with overweight It will be useful to use it due to the neutralization of human estrogen. It is believed that after suppressing the production of one’s own estrogen, the hormonal levels will begin to stabilize and lead to a chain of good changes. But men without excess weight And scientists do not recommend that boys get carried away with soy and its derivatives - so as not to disrupt hormonal stability and the healthy development of the reproductive system.
Is it possible to have soy milk while breastfeeding?
For similar reasons, it is not recommended to include soybean milk liquid in the diet of nursing women. The reason is the same isoflavones, which can greatly disrupt hormonal balance women who are already under strain. In addition, the intake of phytoestrogens into the child’s body will not have a good effect on him.
Can pregnant women have soy milk?
Despite the extremely positive characteristics of the product, it is not recommended for use by women who are pregnant. The fact is that the already mentioned isoflavones can provoke too intense release of theriotropic hormone, leading to hypothyroidism. This pathology sometimes leads to miscarriage and complications.
Soy milk: benefits and harms for weight loss
Soy milk is lower in calories compared to its animal counterparts. At regular use The difference in calories consumed is enormous. It also supplies the body with monounsaturated fatty acids, which prevent excessive absorption of fats by the intestines.
Soy milk: benefits and harms for a child
The beneficial properties of soybean milk concentrate have not yet been studied in depth, so doctors urge parents to be careful when using this product. Before the age of 1 year, it is better to completely exclude it, and before 5-6 years, add it to the diet with extreme caution. In general, official medicine believes that it is better to feed young children with breast and dairy milk unless they are lactose intolerant. If this form of allergy is present, then soy milk is one of the richest alternatives in composition.
Soy milk powder
This product is a white or cream-colored powder that is obtained from soy milk after it has been condensed, homogenized and dried. By chemical composition Both milks are similar to each other and therefore have approximately the same effect on the body.
Powdered soy milk: benefits and harms
- Does not contain lactose and cholesterol.
- Has antioxidant, immunostimulating properties;
- Contains many more amino acids than cow's milk.
- It is almost completely digestible.
- Suitable for vegetarian meals.
- Does not change properties depending on the processing temperature.
- Thanks to the presence of iron, zinc and calcium in the composition, it improves the health of people suffering from anemia, diseases of the cardiovascular and nervous systems.
Soy milk powder is predominantly used in vegetarian diets and baby food as an ingredient in cereals, soups, confectionery, baked goods, sauces, etc.
The disadvantage of dry soy concentrate is the addition of additional ingredients, which for many consumers look suspicious. These are substances that improve taste and extend shelf life: potassium phosphate, silicon dioxide, fatty acid glycerides, carotene, lecithin, etc.
How to use soy milk
How to use soy milk Liquid product Used in full accordance with any other milk. You can drink it in pure form, can be added to drinks, made into cocoa, used in baking and confectionery. Since the majority of consumers are vegetarians and adherents of a healthy lifestyle, a common trend is the preparation of milk-based cocktails with berries and smoothies.
What does soy milk taste like?
It has a neutral taste with a light aroma, in which nutty notes are barely noticeable. The composition contains glutamic acid, which enhances the taste, so sugar, cinnamon, honey and other additives are well revealed. After a while this milk product also sours and from it you can make vegetable-soy analogues of kefir and cottage cheese.
Soy milk: how much can you drink per day?
Consumption recommendations for adults require drinking no more than 2 glasses per day. The fact is that excessive consumption of soy products can negatively affect the functioning of the endocrine system and disrupt metabolism. For children under the age of 16-18 years, this norm should be halved in order to avoid violations in the formation of a work schedule internal organs and systems.
How to make soy milk at home
Powdered milk is used in the same way as ready-made liquid milk, only it requires preparation beforehand. Each manufacturer provides precise preparation instructions for their product, but, on average, it is necessary to dissolve the powder in water in a ratio of 1:10, that is, 20 grams per 200 ml of water.
How to make soy milk at home
Preparing this product with your own hands is not difficult, since the technology is extremely simple:
- First, you need to soak the soybean seeds for at least 6 hours in cool water.
- When they soften, you need, without draining the water, to carefully treat them with a masher to mashed potatoes or place in a blender to create a homogeneous mass.
- Next, the liquid is separated using a colander and gauze.
If time for preparing milk is limited, you can speed up the procedure by boiling the beans in water.
Soy condensed milk: recipe
Ingredients:
- soy milk – 2.5 cups;
- margarine – 6 tsp;
- granulated sugar – ½ cup;
- starch - 1 tbsp;
- flour – 2 tbsp;
- salt - a pinch.
Preparation:
- Place a saucepan with milk on the stove and start heating it.
- Melt margarine in a separate saucepan.
- Add sugar to liquid margarine and stir until completely dissolved.
- Pour the sugar-margarine mixture into the milk.
- Boil for 5 minutes.
- Remove the base from the stove, add flour and starch to it, and then beat with a blender for 2-3 minutes
- Return the saucepan with condensed milk to the heat. Stirring thoroughly, simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
The large number of health benefits makes soy products very valuable, but they also have their own potentially harmful or dangerous properties. One of the main disadvantages milk drink– the presence of so-called antinutrients, which:
- provoke disruptions in the digestive system;
- worsen the transport functions of the blood, due to which oxygen absorption and removal of carbon dioxide are weakened;
- reduce the absorption of proteins, iron, zinc, magnesium.
A serious contraindication for use is the presence of estrogen-dependent tumors, since soy isoflavones are phytoestrogens and can thereby worsen the situation.
How to choose and store the product correctly
- A product containing only soybeans and water is the most natural and healthy.
- If the manufacturer indicates that the milk is additionally enriched with minerals or vitamins, it’s okay - the main thing is that the main composition is natural.
- A high-quality liquid should be opaque.
In closed, sealed packaging, the dairy product retains its beneficial properties throughout the year. Once opened, it must be consumed within 7 days and stored in the refrigerator.
Soy milk is a drink made from soybeans and reminiscent of cow's milk. Appearance, consistency and taste of soy milk good quality similar to cow's milk. It is used all over the world because of its versatility. This good source protein for those who are lactose intolerant or follow a vegetarian diet.
Soy milk is prepared by soaking and grinding soybeans, boiling and filtering. You can prepare soy milk yourself at home or buy it in a store.
Soy milk is classified according to several criteria:
Composition of soy milk and its calorie content
Thanks to its nutrients, soy milk is an excellent source of energy, protein, dietary fiber, fat, and acids.
The nutritional value of soy milk may vary depending on whether it is fortified and whether it contains chemical additives. Composition of regular soy milk as a percentage of daily norm presented below.
Vitamins:
- B9 – 5%;
- B1 – 4%;
- B2 – 4%;
- B5 – 4%;
- K – 4%.
Minerals:
Calorie content of soy milk is 54 kcal per 100 g.
The presence of nutrients in soy milk makes it not only an excellent substitute for cow's milk, but also a product to improve the functioning of the body. Moderate consumption of soy milk will improve bone health, prevent the development of heart disease and normalize digestion.
For bones and muscles
Soy milk is an excellent source of protein that can replace the protein in cow's milk. Protein is needed to restore muscle tissue and strengthen bones. In addition to protein, soy milk contains calcium, which improves the condition of bone tissue.
Omega-3 and other fatty acids in soy milk, combined with calcium and protein, are beneficial in treating rheumatoid arthritis. Thus, soy milk will prevent the development of arthritis, osteoporosis and diseases of the musculoskeletal system.
For the heart and blood vessels
Reducing blood cholesterol levels will reduce the risk of developing heart disease. The protein contained in soy milk will help normalize cholesterol levels. So people who suffer from high level cholesterol may benefit from switching to soy milk.
Sodium taken into the body through food increases blood pressure. Low content The sodium in soy milk is beneficial for people with high blood pressure as they need to keep their sodium intake low.
The iron in soy milk helps blood vessels function properly and supply tissue throughout the body. required quantity oxygen.
For nerves and brain
Soy milk contains B vitamins. Getting enough B vitamins helps keep your nerves healthy.
For the gastrointestinal tract
The beneficial properties of soy milk will help in weight loss. Including this product in your daily diet will provide your body with dietary fiber necessary for appetite control. This will help you eat fewer calories throughout the day. Soy milk contains monounsaturated fat, which prevents the accumulation of fat in the body.
For the thyroid gland
Isoflavones in soy affect the functioning of the thyroid gland. With moderate consumption of soy milk, the amount of thyroid hormones produced will not change and the endocrine system will not be affected.
For the reproductive system
Soy milk contains many bioactive compounds called isoflavones. Due to their estrogenic activity, these isoflavones are used as a natural alternative to estrogen medications to relieve menopausal symptoms. Thus, soy milk for women is beneficial for many postmenopausal health problems resulting from loss of the hormone estrogen.
In addition to its many benefits, soy milk contains compounds that are important for men's health. Soy milk will prevent the development of male diseases.
For immunity
Soy milk contains all nine essential amino acids. The body stores them and converts them into new proteins, including the antibodies needed to function immune system. Structural proteins help replenish energy reserves.
The isoflavone in soy milk helps prevent prostate cancer. Additional benefits come from soy milk, which help eliminate free radicals from the body.
Soy milk is a plant product made from soybeans. The product enjoys great love, high popularity in different countries peace. Residents of East Asian countries consume it especially heavily. Instead of traditional cow's milk, the Japanese and Chinese prefer to drink it. Followers of vegetarianism also replace animal products with plant products.
About its usefulness, harmful properties for health, scientists are still arguing, giving many arguments, but have not come to an unambiguous conclusion. Some experts claim that this plant analogue is much healthier than animal milk and can even replace breastfeeding. Others argue about its harmfulness and criticize it in every possible way.
Let's try to understand this issue, taking into account both opinions. Today we’ll talk about soy milk, what benefits and harms it can have, we’ll find out and discuss the calorie content of the product:
What's so interesting about soy milk? Application
This herbal product has a pleasant, slightly sweet taste and light aroma. It is drunk raw and also used in cooking. For example, it is used in the preparation of tofu cheese, all kinds of yoghurts, ice cream, and milkshakes. Japanese chefs prepare some products from soy milk National dishes.
How much energy does soy milk contain? Calorie content
The calorie content of the product is 140 kcal per 250 ml. In this case, proteins contain 10 g, carbohydrates 14 g. Soy milk with reduced fat content contains 100 kcal per 250 ml. G.
What is the value of soy milk? Product benefits
The product is very rich in proteins, containing all eight essential amino acids. Soy milk is easily, almost completely absorbed by the human body, so it is considered an alternative to animal milk. At the same time, it is close to cow’s in protein content.
However, soy products contain small amounts of calcium in an easily digestible form. Calcium is necessary for health, the formation of the skeletal system, and normal functioning. nervous system. Knowing this, many soy milk producers additionally fortify it with calcium.
It should be noted that soy milk replacer does not contain cholesterol, galactose, and there is very little saturated fat. But the product contains a lot of lecithin. It is rich in vitamin E and contains isoflavones - substances that are very beneficial for humans.
There is evidence that soy product reduces the risk of myocardial infarction and reduces the possibility of developing osteoporosis in women. These diseases often occur due to a decrease in the body's production of sex hormones during menopause. Soy milk is a natural source of phytoestrogens. They are a plant analogue of the female sex hormone.
Therefore, experts often recommend it to women during menopause. Indeed, drinking soy milk reduces the symptoms of menopause: hot flashes disappear, rapid heartbeat disappears, the feeling of heat disappears, and pain during sexual intercourse disappears.
However, there is a reasonable belief that soy milk consumed by women increases the risk of developing endometrial cancer due to the large amount of phytoestrogens entering the body. Therefore, if you drink soy milk to improve your menopause, do not overuse it.
But on the other hand, plant milk, as we have already mentioned, contains a large amount of vitamin E. This circumstance gives the product anti-cancer properties. It has been observed that regular consumption of small amounts of soy milk reduces the risk of cancer.
Antioxidants, which soy milk is also rich in, are very important for the proper functioning of organs, systems, and tissues of the body, as they protect them from the action of free oxygen radicals, which have the most negative impact on the condition of the entire body.
Many researchers note that cyanocobalamin, which is part of the product, has a very positive effect on the hematopoietic system and reduces the risk of megaloblastic anemia. Pyridoxine and thiamine combined with it have a beneficial effect on the state of the nervous system. These substances belong to the vitamin B group, which is almost completely present in soy milk, improving metabolic processes in the nervous tissue.
Who is safe from soy milk? Harm to the product
The benefits of soy milk, the harm of which is the subject of scientific debate, are becoming increasingly popular in our country. Its benefits are obvious. However, many experts warn about the harmful properties of this herbal product.
In particular, its use may harm people with increased risk the occurrence of estrogen-dependent neoplasms. You should refrain from using if you have a hereditary risk of developing cancer, in particular endometrial cancer, malignant prostate tumor, as well as some other cancers.
People who do not belong to the listed risk groups can drink soy milk, but in limited quantities. There is no need to abuse it. After all, scientific debate about its usefulness or harmfulness is still ongoing. Be healthy!
Soy milk is made from plant-based ingredients by combining water with processed soybeans. Such a product has beneficial properties when consumed wisely, is suitable for those who prefer a dietary diet, and also differs from animal milk in some important advantages.
Composition and beneficial properties
Soy milk contains a lot of fiber, a large dose of vitamin A, as well as a lot of other substances that have a positive effect on the functioning of the human body:
- Low calorie content - the product is well absorbed and is recommended for consumption by those who suffer from obesity or stomach diseases (ulcers, hypersecretion);
- Milk is rich in estrogens of plant origin, which have a positive effect on human hormonal levels, alleviate the symptoms of osteoporosis, menopause and have a preventive effect on the heart;
- Vitamin E helps slow down the aging process and has a beneficial effect on a fresh complexion and shine of hair. The role of this vitamin in the prevention of neoplasms is important.
- Cyanocobalamin protects the human circulatory system;
- Thiamine helps strengthen nerves and normalize metabolic processes in the body;
- Soy milk contains no cholesterol, which has a beneficial effect on cardiovascular system, however, it is wrong to assume that it does not contain fat.
- The product is suitable for feeding infants if they are intolerant to mother's milk;
- It has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the body of people suffering from anemia, because it contains a high proportion of manganese and iron (relative to the daily norm);
- Research shows that soy milk is especially beneficial for men - it reduces the risk of prostate cancer. Among those who consume this product, this disease occurs 70% less often than among lovers of plain cow's milk.
- Milk contains unsaturated fats fatty acids, so many processes in the human body use them. Experts recommend the use of this product for people with excess weight, atherosclerosis, and diseases of the cardiovascular system.
- Milk contains microelements in small quantities: magnesium, sodium, iron.
Some doctors believe that soy milk does not bring any benefit to the body, on the contrary, it causes harm. There is no official confirmation of this information.
Harm to the product
Large portions of soy milk can negatively affect the human endocrine system, so consuming more than 1-2 glasses per day is undesirable.
Excessive consumption of soy is fraught for men with the formation of a large amount of female hormones, which can lead to feminization.
Soy milk contains little calcium, moreover, it interferes with the proper absorption of this element, so people with calcium deficiency should use this product with special care.
When choosing a product, it’s a good idea to pay attention to the quality of raw materials the milk is made from, but the ability to distinguish good from bad requires specific knowledge, for example, what are the conditions for growing beans in a particular region.
You should be especially careful when purchasing products made from modified soybeans (GMOs), since their effect on the human body is highly questionable.
Contraindications
Consumption of soy milk is acceptable for pregnant women, it is harmless for children, however, there are certain restrictions associated with the functioning of the endocrine system:
- soy milk should not be consumed by breast cancer survivors;
- the product is contraindicated for those who are predisposed to the occurrence of hormone-related tumors (prostate gland, endometrium);
- allergy to soy.
There are no other obvious contraindications for soy milk. However, we must not forget that there are many medical opinions about the dangers of soy milk. Before using this product, it is best to have your body tested and consult with a reputable physician.
Calorie content
100 g of soy milk contains about 54 calories, which is 3% of the daily requirement of an adult leading a moderately active lifestyle.
Nutritional value per 100g (based on the needs of a female knowledge worker)
| Name | g/mg/mcg | % of daily value |
| Sodium (Na) | 51 mg | 3,9% |
| Potassium (K) | 118 mg | 4,72% |
| Calcium (Ca) | 25 mg | 2,5% |
| Iron (Fe) | 0.44 mg | 2,4% |
| Phosphorus (P) | 62 mg | 7,75% |
| Magnesium (Mg) | 25 mg | 6,25% |
| Copper (Cu) | 0.17 mg | 1,7% |
| Selenium (Se) | 2.3 mcg | 4,2% |
| Zinc (Zn) | 0.26 mg | 2,1% |
| Name | g/mg/mcg | % of daily value |
| Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) | 0.210 mg | 1,16% |
| Vitamin E (Alpha Tocopherol) | 0.11 mg | 0,7% |
| Vitamin D | 1 mcg | 10% |
| Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) | 0.03 mg | 0,2% |
| Choline (Vitamin B4) | 23.6 mg | 4,72% |
| Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) | 0.03 mg | 1% |
| Vitamin PP (Niacin) | 0.43 mg | 2,15% |
| Vitamin B9 (Folate) | 9 mcg | 2,25% |
| Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid) | 0.1 mg | 2% |
| Vitamin K | 3 mcg | 2,5% |
| Vitamin A | 55 mcg | 6% |
How to cook
Experts offer the most different dishes from soy milk, cold or hot. You can prepare soups, cereals, and desserts based on soy products. It successfully replaces cow's milk and whips well. It makes delicious pancakes, bread, pastries. You can drink it raw, without heat treatment, then it will turn out light breakfast. The most popular soy milk product around the world is tofu. Methods for preparing it:
- deep frying;
- baking;
- raw use;
- processing into other products (sausages, burgers, sandwich spreads, desserts, dressings).
In some countries they prepare:
- drinks with different protein content;
- drinks that taste like cow's milk;
- soft drinks based on soy milk;
- yoghurts;
- ice cream;
- jelly;
- carrot milk;
- pasta.
Housewives use soy milk in the same way as cow's milk; it is the basis of first and second courses, drinks and desserts.
Storage
You can store the purchased product in a cool place in unopened packaging for a long time. Maximum up to 8 days. Opened milk carton - 4-5 days in the refrigerator. Spoiled soy milk begins to smell unpleasant and decompose.
How to choose
When choosing soy milk at the supermarket, read the information on the packaging. Natural product contains water and soy. There shouldn't be a long list of chemical additives. If the product is prepared at home, the shelf life is 3-4 days in a closed container in a cool place.
What goes with it?
Plant milk goes well with other products when preparing desserts:
- fruits (figs, bananas, apples, papaya);
- dried fruits (pear, raisins, dried apricots, figs, prunes, dates);
- berries (grapes, currants, strawberries).
When combined with muesli, soy milk will healthy breakfast, will bring saturation and lightness.
Foods that should not be combined with soy milk:
- cucumbers;
- plums;
- sausage;
- smoked fish;
- rich pastries.
The choice of these products in combination with plant milk causes pain in the intestines and flatulence.
Soy milk is an excellent alternative, one might even say irreplaceable, for people suffering from lactose intolerance. It has a pleasant aroma and pronounced taste with a slight hint of sweetness, rich useful substances, however, caution is advised when selecting this product.
Legumes have been known to man for a thousand years. The most valuable and widespread of them is soybean, which often acts as a substitute for animal protein. The benefits and harms of soy are still a big question, although scientific facts speak more about its value than harm.
What it is
Soy milk is a white liquid with a slight bean aroma and a sweetish taste. It is made from specially soaked soybeans, pureed, filtered and brought to a boiling point.
Soy milk was first produced in China, and today it is more popular and in demand in Asia and North America. Here it is an inexpensive alternative to cow's milk.
Important! The color and taste of milk is really similar to cow's milk, but does not contain milk sugar, and this is important for anyone who is lactose intolerant.
Every year, soybean plantations increase by thousands of hectares; they are used to make meat substitutes, tofu cheese and milk.
Chemical composition of soy milk
All legumes are valued for the presence of proteins similar in structure to animals. And soybeans are in first place in this. Its amino acids are closest to those of animals, which is why soy meat, milk and cheese are most often consumed by vegetarians.
Composition of healthy soy milk:
- vitamins B1, B2, B6, E, A;
- potassium, sodium, phosphorus;
- isoflavones;
- phytoestrogens;
- cellulose;
- lecithin.
Beans contain a lot of phytic acid and are completely free of cholesterol.
Calories and nutritional value of soy milk
This product is recognized as dietary for its low calorie content and high digestibility. 100 g of soy milk contains about 35-40 kcal. Of these, protein is about 40%, fat – about 24%, carbohydrates – 36%. With such a high content of proteins and fats, the product is not contraindicated in dietary nutrition, and is even recommended for combating obesity.
Beneficial properties of soy milk
Plant origin, the presence of important amino acids, vitamins and minerals make soy milk truly useful product. It is included in the diet of vegetarians, people with hypersecretion of gastric juice, and hypertensive patients.
Beneficial properties of soy milk:
- cleanses the intestines of toxins, improves peristalsis;
- strengthens the heart and blood vessels;
- protects female reproductive organs from cancer;
- hypoallergenic;
- antioxidant;
- improves the functioning of the nervous system.
It is useful to include milk in the diet of patients with stomach ulcers, chronic cholecystitis, atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, and obesity.
For women
Isoflavones, phytoestrogens and vitamin E are substances present in soy milk that have a direct effect on female body. Vitamin E is a strong antioxidant that protects the body from harmful free radicals. In addition, it is beneficial for hair, skin and nails.
Phytoestrogens are analogs of female sex hormones. Doctors have different opinions about them. For hormonal imbalances in women, especially during menopause, soy will be beneficial. Her phytoestrogens will compensate for the lack of her own estrogens, which means that the woman will suffer less from hot flashes, fever and ailments.
Isoflavones, according to many scientists, can protect women from ovarian, cervical and breast cancer. The hypothesis has not yet been fully confirmed, but research in this area is being actively carried out.
For men
Men in large quantities You can't eat soy. This is due to phytoestrogens, which can cause disruptions in the synthesis of male hormones. This is fraught with the development of prostate pathologies and impaired spermatogenesis. If a man has problems with the thyroid gland, it is better not to consume soy.
Soy milk during pregnancy and breastfeeding
There are no categorical prohibitions on soy for pregnant and lactating women. But there is a group of factors in the presence of which it is better to refuse the product. Thus, it is undesirable to drink soy milk if you have hypotension and a tendency to low blood pressure. If you are allergic to other legume products.
Advice! You should not drink milk in large quantities or eat soy products if the level of calcium in the body is low.
At breastfeeding Soy milk will be useful if the child is allergic to cow's milk protein. A woman can replace dairy products with soy, but also in small quantity so as not to cause allergies and colic in the baby.
Is soy milk okay for children?
This product can be given to children from 5 years of age. It is useful because it is a source of protein, which is necessary for growing children's body for the formation of cells and tissues. However, there are still infant formulas based on soy milk that serve as an alternative to lactose-free milk formulas. Soy milk for a child is indicated for intolerance to milk sugar and protein.
It is dangerous for teenage girls to drink milk made from legumes; the product can disrupt the balance of hormones and cause early menstruation. Undesirable for hypothyroidism and other problems with the thyroid gland. For boys, this product is less dangerous.
Benefits of soy milk for weight loss
Soy milk is a healthy popular product for weight loss. It comes in different fat contents and is enriched with beneficial elements, most often calcium. IN dietary food valued for its low calorie content and high content squirrel. The fiber in the product helps cleanse the intestines of toxins and eliminate the feeling of hunger for a long time.
Important! The absence of animal fat suggests that milk does not contribute to weight gain, but, on the contrary, improves the process of weight loss.
There are specially designed soy diets. They are based on the consumption of soy milk and tofu cheese. They either drink milk or prepare porridge using it. It is useful to drink coffee with soy milk during a diet. The essence of the diet is a high proportion of protein consumed, which takes a long time to be digested by the body, requires energy expenditure and is not stored in fatty tissues.
The use of soy milk in cosmetology
Soy milk is especially beneficial for the skin - nourishes, tones, rejuvenates, protects against harmful effects environment. There are a lot of cosmetic brands that produce soy-based care and medicinal cosmetics.
You can make natural ones at home useful masks and soy creams. Pure milk is used to wash and wipe the face for nutrition and cleansing. To prepare a mask, the product is mixed with vegetable or fruit purees and apply to the skin of the face and neck. For dry and sensitive skin, add vegetable or cosmetic oil to the mask. In the morning and evening, to revitalize the skin and smooth out wrinkles, it is useful to wipe the skin with ice cubes made from soy milk.
Benefits of soy milk powder
If the benefits of natural soy milk are still in question, then you should not expect a good effect on the body from the dry product. If you carefully study the composition of the dry product on any of the store packs, you will see that it contains a lot of strange additives, from corn syrup and stabilizer to emulsifier and salt. Everything is pure chemistry.
Created powdered milk, to cover the lack of natural, but it is used mainly in Asian countries. The benefits of the product are minimal, but the harm can be significant.
How to make soy milk at home
The process of making healthy milk is very simple. First, washed and selected beans are soaked for 12 hours in cool water to swell. Then, together with water, they are pureed in a blender and squeezed. The resulting liquid is boiled over low heat for 15 minutes with salt, sugar and cinnamon as desired. Next, the resulting milk is cooled and stored in the refrigerator.
Ingredient proportions:
- 200 g soybeans;
- 900 ml water;
- 2 tsp. Sahara;
- a pinch of salt and cinnamon.
From such a portion of the original ingredients, about 1 liter of healthy milk is obtained.
Harm of soy milk and contraindications
Despite some beneficial properties, soy milk can be harmful to health. First of all, it is dangerous due to the content of phytic acid, which partially blocks the absorption of calcium, zinc, iron and other elements. With frequent use, this can lead to the development of a deficiency of these minerals.
It is contraindicated for:
- disturbances in the functioning of the endocrine system;
- in adolescence;
- the risk of developing uterine cancer in women;
- hypotension and asthenia.
In other cases, when using the product you need to know when to stop.
How to select and store soy milk
You can choose healthy soy milk in any supermarket or vegetarian store. It comes in different fat contents and with additives. It's best to choose pure product, which contains nothing but water and soybeans.
In sealed packaging, the shelf life of such a product is from 8 to 12 months. Once opened, it is good for consumption within 4 days. Homemade healthy milk is also stored for no more than 5 days in the refrigerator.
Conclusion
The benefits and harms of soy milk are still in question, although the Japanese and Chinese have long preferred it plant milk than an animal. It doesn’t hurt to include it in your diet occasionally, because complete protein is very important for every body. But the average European should not get carried away with soy products in general. It is more familiar and healthier for him to drink regular milk.
