10 Health Benefits Of Soy Milk
Soymilk also knew soya milk is plant milk. Dried soya bean is ground in water to produce soya milk. Soymilk is a complete protein. It is a good source of dietary fiber, minerals, and vitamins. It has little-saturated fat and no cholesterol. Calcium carbonate enriches it that is used by manufacturers. The nutrients in soy milk provide the necessary energy and help to optimise body functions. Following are some of the health benefits offered by soy milk.
#1. Cholesterol
Soymilk has little saturated fat as compared to dairy milk. It does not contain cholesterol. The monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids in soymilk help to prevent the transportation of cholesterol into the bloodstream. Regular consumption of soymilk helps to reduce the levels of LDL cholesterol in the bloodstream and raise the level of HDL cholesterol. It thus helps to improve the lipid profile.
#2. Strengthens Blood Vessels
Soymilk is rich in omega three fatty acids. It also contains omega six fatty acids. These compounds are useful in protecting the blood vessels from bleeding. The photo-antioxidants present in soymilk protect the blood vessels by preventing the free radicals causing damage to the linings of the blood vessels.
#3. Heart Health
Diet with low in saturated fat and low in sodium is recommended for preventing heart disease. Soymilk is just about the diet meeting these requirements. Added to this its quality of improving lipid profile and strengthening blood vessels help in maintaining heart health.
#4. Diabetes
Soymilk contains magnesium and vitamin D. These are not cures for type 2 diabetes. But people who have low levels of magnesium and vitamin D run the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Soymilk also has a low glycemic index. One cup of soymilk is supposed to provide over 8% of the requirement of magnesium and about 18% requirement of vitamin D. Therefore soy milk reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
#5. Depression
Soy milk is rich in micronutrients which are beneficial for mental health. Vitamin B6 contained in soymilk helps the body to produce mood-enhancing neurochemicals. Vitamin D which is present in soymilk is known to act as an antidepressant. Vitamin D which is available in soymilk in abundance is also useful in preventing depression among people living in high altitudes, which is prevalent during winter months. Read about Remedies for SAD.
#6. Cancer Control
One cup of soymilk is expected to give us close to 30% of our daily requirement of calcium. The calcium content in soymilk helps in preventing intestinal cancer. Soymilk also is a rich source of antioxidants. These antioxidants like riboflavin. The antioxidants help to neutralize cancer-causing free radicals. It thus helps in the prevention of cancer.
#7. Post Menopausal Syndrome
During menopause, there is a depletion estrogen. The sudden drop of estrogen is the cause for some health issues like the risk of heart disease, diabetes obesity, etc. They also experience mood swings, depression, and sleeplessness. Soy contains phytoestrogen which is a perfect replacement for estrogen. Regular consumption of soymilk will help in effectively restoring the levels of estrogen and alleviate postmenopausal syndrome.
#8. Osteoporosis
The phytoestrogen in soy milk will help the bone to absorb calcium effectively. This prevents loss of bone mass and thus prevents osteoporosis. For best results, we should drink soymilk fortified with calcium and vitamin D.
#9. Weight Control
Soymilk is very low in calories as compared to cow’s milk. Soymilk contains mono-saturated fatty acids which prevent intestines from absorbing fat. The fiber in soymilk helps to make you feel satiated for more extended periods. All these help in weight loss.
#10. Childhood Constipation
Many children who are allergic to cow’s milk suffer from constipation. Trials conducted had shown that when the diet was changed from cow’s milk to soymilk this problem was resolved efficiently and the children under observation had the regular bowel movement.
