Benefits of Soy Milk Over Regular Milk

Soy milk has been around for a long time now and is increasingly becoming popular primarily for two reasons, i.e. weight loss and lactose intolerance. Of course, soy milk does offer a whole lot of health benefits that are highly appreciated by the health and fitness conscious. These benefits definitely outdo some of those offered by cow's milk.

Further, studies have shown that having children consume soy formula right from the beginning may be a more intelligent choice than having them consume formula prepared from cow's milk. Here, we discuss how soy milk may be better for you than regular milk and why you should consider switching to it.

Soy milk is derived from soy beans and comes from a plant source, while regular milk comes from an animal source. It is the source of the two that causes a difference between the benefits either have to offer. Though cow's milk has been consumed by people for ages, it is only in recent times people have discovered why soy milk may be a better option than regular milk.

Lactose is a carbohydrate that is present in cow's milk, to which a lot of people find themselves intolerant. However, by stopping the consumption of milk altogether, such individuals are depriving their body of the other essential nutrients that cow's milk provides.

In such a case, soy milk becomes the best option for them. Some people have a valid concern about the lack of calcium in soy milk, which is a sixth of the amount found in regular cow's milk. However, soy milk is fortified with calcium so that individuals who are lactose intolerant are not deprived of it.

Soy milk is a rich source of protein and is helpful for those who have low protein levels in their bodies, and those who do not get the necessary proteins from meat because they may be vegan or vegetarian.

Having been derived from a vegetable source, this protein is known to be healthier because it does not encourage the loss of calcium from the kidneys, which regular milk does. Further, soy milk contains high amounts of fiber, as compared to cow's milk that contains no fiber. This definitely makes it a better choice than cow's milk.

Cow's milk contains a considerable amount saturated fats that enhance cholesterol levels in the body when consumed with other cholesterol rich foods.

Soy milk on the other hand, does not contain any cholesterol and in fact helps reduce the harmful cholesterol (LDL) in the body by raising the levels of the good cholesterol (HDL). This of course, may be possible when you consume soy milk in conjunction with a healthy diet that is free of fattening, sweet, and processed foods.

Thiamin or vitamin B1 and niacin or vitamin B3 are present in soy milk in much larger amounts than in cow's milk. In terms of minerals, soy milk is a richer source of magnesium, manganese, and copper. Of these, the amount of manganese is almost 40 times more than cow's milk.

This mineral is essential for healthy bone formation as well as among those who are anemic and have low iron levels in their bodies. Soy milk does contain lower amounts of phosphorus and riboflavin or vitamin B2, but there are several other sources of these that make up for the amount required by the body.

Ongoing research suggests that consuming only 2 glasses of soy milk in a day may help reduce the risk of the development of breast cancer in women and prostate cancer in men. It has also been found that those who may be at a greater risk for the development of diabetes due to genetics may benefit from regularly consuming soy milk.

Finally, one of the biggest reasons why people choose soy milk vs. cow milk is because of its ability to accelerate the weight loss process. Being a rich source of fiber and protein, soy milk keeps you fuller for longer and does not have you munching on any unnecessary goodies.

Soy milk also does not contain unhealthy fats that result in weight gain, thereby making it a better choice than soy milk. Again, it is only by consuming soy milk while following a healthy weight loss diet along with a good exercise program, that you will see its benefits.

As you can see, there are several benefits of soy milk over regular milk. In Asian countries, soy milk is usually what is given to infants when they are weaned away from breastfeeding. Experts however suggest that cow's milk is still a better choice for toddlers and babies as it offers more nutrients necessary for growing bodies.

The choice regarding what to give your child should depend on her/his preference, her/his tolerance to either, and a thorough consultation with her/his doctor. You yourself may consider switching to soy milk to attain all the necessary benefits it has to offer to your body and see the results for yourself.

Disclaimer: This story is for informational purposes only. Do not make changes to your diet without first consulting your doctor. Also, do not give soy milk to infants and children without first consulting a pediatrician.