Nutritional information and health advantages of soy milk

Nutritional information and health advantages of soy milk

A comprehensive overview of the nutrition, health benefits, and hazards associated with the consumption of soy milk

When veganism was in its infancy, and lactose sensitivity was less understood, soy milk was one of the first plant-based milk replacements available on the market. This allowed millions of people to avoid consuming dairy products, which was helpful at the time. You might be wondering how soy milk nutrition stacks up against other milk alternatives now that so many more are available.

Numerous worries have been voiced about the healthiness of drinking soy milk. Throughout its history, it has been accused of wreaking havoc on people's hormonal health, causing problems for those suffering from thyroid issues and even contributing to developing several different cancers. It is therefore understandable that you might give purchasing a carton of soy milk some consideration before adding it to your shopping cart.

But does soy milk deserve to have such a negative connotation? In this section, we will take a more in-depth look at its nutritional content and the possible health benefits it may provide. Check out our article on the plant-based diet for beginners for more information and pointers if you're interested in learning more about a plant-based diet and how it might enhance your health.

 

Details regarding the nutrition of soy milk

 

How long does it take for soy milk to go bad?

Both UHT (ultra-high temperature) or shelf-stable soy milk and fresh, refrigerated soy milk can be categorized according to their storage conditions, just like dairy milk does. The beverages stored in the refrigerator do not go through the significant heat processing done for the UHT drinks to increase their shelf life. As a consequence of this, they come with varying expiration dates and instructions for storage.

Soy milk that does not require refrigeration typically has a shelf life of between six and twelve months. The ones that need to be refrigerated typically have significantly shorter use-by dates, typically just a couple of weeks from the date they were made. They maintain their freshness for around one week after being opened.

What are some of the advantages of drinking soy milk?

Soybeans are one of the best sources of complete protein from plants. If you aren't already utilizing the best vegan protein powder, drinking soy milk might be an excellent way to fulfill some of your daily requirements for this macronutrient. One cup of cooked soybeans contains roughly 30 grams of this nutrient.

Soybeans have a considerable quantity of calcium, manganese, and selenium, as well as highly bioactive polyphenols called isoflavones, according to a comprehensive review that was published in Nutrients (opens in a new tab). Soybeans also include an abundance of isoflavones. Multiple studies that were included in a review that was published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (opens in a new tab) have shown that a high intake of soy products may lead to a reduced risk of dying from several different types of cancer, including breast, gastric, colorectal, prostate, and lung cancer, as well as cardiovascular disease and metabolic conditions. This may be the case because soy products contain isoflavones, which have been shown to inhibit the growth of

Isoflavones are responsible for a good deal of these valuable benefits. According to a review recently published in the journal Molecules (opens in a new tab), these polyphenols may serve several crucial roles in the body of a human being. There is evidence to suggest that they can protect against hypertension, regulate blood sugar levels, lower cholesterol levels, prevent atherosclerosis, and decrease levels of inflammation. Isoflavones derived from soy have also been found to increase vascular flexibility, contribute to improved gastrointestinal health, and stop the bone loss that is associated with osteoporosis.

Even though there has been far less research on soy milk than on other plant-based milk alternatives, it is reasonable to believe that this non-dairy milk product will exhibit similar benefits, even if they will be less evident because soy milk has a high percentage of water.

However, the findings from the study that is currently accessible are extremely contradictory. According to the findings of a study published in the Journal of Functional Foods (opens in a new tab), frequent consumption of soy milk may considerably contribute to lower blood pressure, improved blood lipid profile, and decreased waist circumference. At the same time, no discernible difference was found in terms of body weight, so-called "good" HDL cholesterol, fasting blood glucose, or markers of systemic inflammation. All of these factors were measured.

In a further study published in the journal Complementary Therapies in Medicine (link opens in new tab), the influence of soy milk on blood serum lipids was analyzed, and the researchers discovered that there was no significant correlation between the two variables.

Despite this, soy milk is still widely used by vegans, vegetarians, and those concerned about their health because it is inexpensive and readily available. You can get cartons of soy milk at a low cost in most grocery stores and supermarkets in the United States. These establishments also typically provide a variety of soy milk brands and tastes for customers to select from. In addition, most producers fortify their beverages with a plethora of vitamins and minerals that are likely to be in short supply in plant-based foods. Because of this, vegans and vegetarians can easily include these beverages as a handy nutritional supplement in their diets.

Is it unhealthy to drink soy milk?

Although some evidence suggests that soybeans and soy milk have positive effects on health, there are also potential drawbacks and concerns associated with their consumption.

Compared to soy milk, cow's milk has a higher level of protein that is absorbed into the body through the digestive tract. In addition, soy milk is known to include several chemicals that are commonly referred to as anti-nutrients. Anti-nutrients are substances that can impede the normal digestive processes of the body and lessen the number of specific nutrients that are absorbed by the gut. Soybeans are said to contain multiple of these chemicals, as stated in an article recently reviewed and published in the Journal of Agricultural Science (link opens in new tab). These components can contribute to a lower intake of micronutrients, especially vitamins A, B12, and D, and can even affect the production of red blood cells. The removal of the majority of these anti-nutrients is made easier because modern manufacturing procedures are continually improving.

There is also cause for concern over the potential adverse effect that soy isoflavones may have on thyroid function and the metabolism of iodine. In addition, it has been hypothesized that they may hamper the body's capacity to take in synthetic thyroid hormones. However, researchers publishing their findings in the journal Thyroid (opens in new tab) compiled the findings of 14 separate studies. They concluded that there is no evidence to suggest that consuming soy products poses any risk to hypothyroid adults or individuals deficient in iodine. However, to reduce the likelihood of experiencing problems, people who eat soy foods should ensure they have a proper amount of iodine in their diet.

As a result of the fact that isoflavones can simulate the actions of female reproductive hormones, many people are concerned about the potentially adverse impact that soy could have on men's health. However, there is evidence to show that this is not the case. Isoflavones do not seem to affect testosterone levels, estradiol, estrones, or sex hormone-binding globulin in adult males, according to a meta-analysis recently published in Reproductive Toxicology (link opens in new tab).

Certain kinds of soy milk can come with excessive added sugars, especially if the soy milk is flavored. Always check to see if the product uses sugar or an artificial sweetener because consuming excessive sugar is detrimental to your health.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Article source :  https://www.livescience.com/soy-milk-nutrition-facts-and-health-benefits

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