Plant products are the basis of all living things, they are gifts of nature and a person must use them skillfully so as not to harm himself, taking into account both the benefits and contraindications. Is it useful? soy milk– a question that has been troubling the population for a long time.

Many people discuss and condemn products made from soy, saying that they are inferior substitutes for protein, milk and meat products. Others express their opinion about the benefits of soy, including dairy products. Who is right, let's find out?

What are the benefits of soy milk?

I would like to immediately note that numerous studies of the composition and effect of soy milk on humans and animals have led to an unequivocal answer - there is more benefit than harm. Therefore, we will understand and give advice on the use of this product. After all milk is valuable because it is low-calorie Unlike cow's milk, it contains a lot of protein and is therefore suitable for various diets.

What is soy milk? Product benefits.

If you are not yet familiar with the product, know that it got its name due to its composition, which is similar to an animal product. But milk does not literally mean that it is milk. It's just that a drink expressed from the cake of a processed product - soybean, almonds, rice. As you can see, milk (substitute) can be different. In this case, we are talking about a drink made from soybean cake.

The product comes from East Asia, it was there that its first production began. To do this, soaked beans are used, and then the whole mass is boiled and pureed, followed by cooling. Next, the mass is filtered and heated to a certain temperature. This is how we get a final product that is very tasty and healthy.

Soy milk research and results

Society on at the moment shared its views on the health benefits and harms of soy products. Definitely, if you use an environmentally friendly product, there is no need to worry about your health. But how can you determine that you are buying environmentally friendly raw materials (soy) or soy drink? Read the packaging carefully, back side in small print - where it was delivered from, where the milk was produced and whether there are GMOs in the product.

You should know that The protein contained in soybeans becomes denatured during long cooking and high heat and there will be no benefit from such a product. , therefore, being confident in the manufacturer, you can choose useful product. Or prepare milk at home, we will give the recipe below.

Scientists have discovered that phytic acid in milk slows down the absorption of iron, calcium, magnesium from other products. This is of course a proven fact, but in this case, you should avoid consuming soy milk and sesame at the same time, for example, if you want to benefit from two products.

In 2008, scientists examined the body of men who regularly consumed soy products and found that the quality of sperm decreased, but the quantity of sperm did not decrease. This meant that men might well be unable to procreate. But subsequent study of this phenomenon showed that Eating soy does not affect the condition of sperm.

The truth is not yet known, but the fact that soy milk contains isoflavones and other phytoestrogens makes it clear that eating soy and drinking milk a liter a day is not worth it for those who are going to become a dad. Well, for the rest, soy milk will only benefit in moderation.

Soy has a beneficial effect on men by controlling the production of testosterone, thus reducing the risk of prostate cancer in old age. Soy also reduces the risk of heart attacks and controls blood pressure.

Soy milk. Benefits for women, reviews about it

Composition of soy milk

Soy is a food that is poisonous in its raw form. , and when recycled it is used everywhere. The largest producers so far are the States.

Soy products

In Japan and Thailand, in every supermarket you can buy soy milk in any flavor - chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, simply because they consider it both tasty and healthy. By the way, the Japanese and Thais look youthful and feel energetic every day, unlike Europeans.

Milk contains a lot of protein - 30% of the total content of the drink, microelements - calcium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, selenium, zinc. And of course, it is easily absorbed by the body due to the content of amino acids, lecithin, fiber and glucose. Vitamin E- This is a wonderful addition to this milk - an antioxidant and a famous vitamin for female beauty.

Soy milk powder, the benefits and harms of which also depend on the environmental friendliness of the product, are sold on store shelves next to products for diabetics and allergy sufferers. This is also a substitute for cow's milk, like ready-made milk in a tetra pack. Reviews about this milk are mostly positive.

The composition contains little calcium, so manufacturers try to enrich the product that goes on sale with calcium and vitamin B12. 100 grams of soy milk contains 33 calories, which equates to 140 kJ of energy.

Product composition :

• Proteins – 2.85 grams
• Fat – 1.60 grams
• Carbohydrates – 1.75 grams

Soy milk, benefits and harm for women

Soy milk is absolutely does not contain cholesterol. Therefore applicable in dietary nutrition. Whether you're allergic, diabetic, or just trying to stay fit, soy milk is good for you. This is a beauty vitamin for your skin; its use helps cleanse and renew epidermal cells, as well as improve the condition of hair (zinc, selenium, vitamin E).

Soybean pods, dry beans, soy milk, tofu, sauce

And most importantly, soy milk, the benefits of which have been proven specifically for women, contains phytoestrogens (isoflavones, genistein and others) . Therefore, drinking milk has a beneficial effect on reproductive function, reduces the occurrence of breast cancer, improves condition during menopause.

That is, by consuming milk, you increase the supply of your own estrogens. Here are the benefits of soy milk for women. A glass of milk is equivalent to drinking hormonal drugs, establishing the balance of hormones. Why take medications if you have them? natural product?!

Consuming soy drink can be both beneficial and harmful in some cases. Since milk contains a lot of protein, it is useful when playing sports, for women who take care of themselves, it is the prevention of osteoporosis and strengthening bones and muscles. The benefits of soy milk for pregnant women have not been proven, but they have not been refuted either.

Soy milk benefits and harms for a child

It is known that Soy milk is used when feeding babies, or rather it is added to mixtures. This diet is recommended for babies with lactose or galactose intolerance. But provided that the child does not have problems or allergies to soy protein. Therefore, mothers need to be more attentive to nutrition and monitor their baby.

It is recommended that soy drink, the benefits of which are enormous, be given to children to try after a year, making sure that there is no allergy to soy protein. If everything is fine, then this product will only bring benefits. For nervous system, because it contains vitamin B12 and for the overall health and growth of the child.

Benefits for the heart and blood vessels

Isoflavones contained in soy lower cholesterol and support blood pressure normal. Also, people predisposed to coronary heart disease should include soy milk in their diet to reduce the risk of disease and heart attack. The product also strengthens blood vessels due to the content of magnesium, thiamine and riboflavin.

Soy milk benefits and harms for weight loss

Soy milk has 7 grams of sugar per cup , compared to cow's, the sweetness of which reaches 12 grams. This statement gives the right to classify the product as a source of healthy nutrition. For those who dream of losing weight or are already actively losing weight, moderate consumption of milk will help and give strength.

Soybeans and soy milk

It contains a certain amount vegetable oils, and there are no animal fats at all. The benefits of soy milk for weight loss are 100% justified and even more, it contains many monosaturated amino acids that help absorb useful minerals, and excess fats remove from the body.

Making your own soy milk

The recipe for making the first soy milk has been known since ancient times. It is believed that it appeared in China, when one man came up with such a drink for his mother, who was in in serious condition. She loved soybeans very much, but no longer had teeth. So the son prepared a decoction of soybeans, and then ground and drained the liquid. This drink turned out to be healing and the woman soon recovered.

Therefore, the drink is very popular in China and Japan, and in European countries There are also adherents of healthy eating, like you and me. Let's prepare milk together. For preparation, some use soy milk powder, which also has benefits. But we will go through all the stages of preparation, it’s not difficult, but The minimum set of products includes 1 liter of water and 500 grams of beans.

Soy milk recipe

Cooking method:

• Soak the beans in water for 8-12 hours, changing the water occasionally;
• Pour into a blender along with the water and blend until as smooth as possible;
• Place the mixture on low heat. If necessary, add water - if thick, cook for no more than 15 minutes;
• Then you need to strain the entire composition through cheesecloth and squeeze out the cake.

You can add sugar to the resulting milk to taste, cocoa, vanilla, cinnamon, whatever you want. If okara (cake) rich in protein will be used in the future for cooking, it is better to put the additives in ready-made milk, poured into a glass. If you are not using okara, add it 5 minutes before the end of cooking.

Coffee with soy milk, benefits

Coffee with milk great option to get double benefits - to cheer up and replenish the body with protein. Therefore, it is often added to coffee and various drinks, cereals, soups, and so on. And soy smoothies with berries are very tasty and healthy.

Alpro soya soy drink

Soy milk

Let's look at the example of a soy drink with vanilla to see what its value and taste are.

First of all, about the consistency - it is completely different from hand-prepared milk. It follows that the milk is diluted with water more than usual, it has a pleasant aroma and a color reminiscent of fermented baked milk. The taste is bland, but still its main purpose is to care for health, so try to be objective.

In addition to proteins, fats and carbohydrates this product Belgian production contains additionally:

• calcium - 120 mg;
• vitamins (riboflavin - 0.24 mg; B12 - 0.15 mg)

Choose better drink soy alpro without additives, the packaging should say soy and water. Various manufacturers produce many types of milk with additives, but alpro soya soy drink is milk made in Belgium, where relatively clean air and you can safely try it and add it to your taste finished product whatever you want.

Soy milk, benefits and harms

As you already understand, from a scientific point of view, eating soy and milk is very controversial. Because soybeans very strongly absorb heavy metal salts from the soil and air. By the way, the Japanese are not worried about this at all; soy is a familiar product for them that has no contraindications.

If you live in an environmentally polluted country, you cannot plant soybeans and make milk from it. It is also better to avoid buying soy and milk produced in environmentally unfavorable areas.

Nursing mothers and pregnant women should treat milk with caution and refuse it if there is a risk of cancer or if they already have this disease. And also for men with problems of the reproductive system.

For the rest, soy milk, the beneficial properties of which are in establishing work digestive system, will only be beneficial. And the most important thing is this product for traditional women's health, skin beauty, getting rid of wrinkles and moisturizing the skin.

You are still thinking whether to drink a glass of this drink... or refuse, and we are already running to look for the most environmentally friendly product...

This product has won fans all over the world. It is especially popular in the countries of East Asia, some countries of Europe, South and North America and Africa. Pleasant, sweetish, with a light aroma - this is soy milk. The benefits and harms of the ingredient are still controversial.

Soy milk is a worthy alternative cow's or goat's milk because it does not contain lactose. Thanks to this fact, the product will become a real boon for people with intolerance to this component. Also, milk from beans is often taken by vegetarians because it is of plant origin.

Milk is made from soybeans. There is evidence that the recipe for this drink was known back in Ancient China in the 2nd century. The production technology is quite simple - the raw materials are soaked and then turned into puree without removing them from the water. Excess grounds are removed, and the liquid is heated to a temperature of 135-150 degrees.

You can also find powdered milk on the shelves; it needs to be diluted warm water. If you have special equipment at home, the preparation time for the drink will be within 15-20 minutes.

The whole world learned about soy milk during the years of popularization of vegetarianism. The product can be used not only pure form, but also to cook from it the most different dishes. For example, the Japanese make broth for nabemono (soups or stews) based on the ingredient; the Chinese often use it for breakfast along with baked goods.

Malaysians add sugar syrup to the drink, and the Thais are very fond of the product with the taste of red beans and barley. Soy milk can be used to make tofu cheese, milkshakes, kefir and yogurt.

Useful composition

Bean milk is very healthy for children. It's all about the valuable components. About 35% of the mass is accounted for by important proteins, including 9 essential and 7 nonessential amino acids. The product, unlike cow's milk, does not contain cholesterol. The drink contains four times more thiamine and two times more niacin compared to our usual drinking composition.

In addition to the indicated substances, soy milk contains:

• mono- and polyunsaturated fats;
• vitamins A, E, B2, B4, B5, B6, B9, PP;
• minerals: potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium, iron, phosphorus, zinc, copper, selenium;
• carbohydrates and sugars;
• vegetable fiber.

Soy milk contains very useful components - isoflavones. They are similar in nature to human estrogen, but are less active. Substances have unique properties– they effectively combat the symptoms of menopause, have a good effect on the heart, blood vessels, skin, protect against cancer, osteoporosis and improve metabolism.

One glass (250 ml) of soy milk will enrich the body by 140 kcal. If you come across a low-fat product, then know that energy value the same volume – 100 kcal.

Positive effect on the body

We have already outlined several points related to isoflavones. But the benefits of soy milk don’t end there.

It has the following properties:

• reduces cholesterol levels;
• helps you lose weight because it quickly satisfies the feeling of hunger and saturates the body with nutrients;
• is easily digestible, so the drink is recommended for people with gastric hypersecretion and peptic ulcers;
• improves skin condition;
• regulates the functioning of the nervous system;
• the product is useful for children with galactosemia, i.e. galactose intolerance;
• is a good replacement breast milk(however, you should make sure that the baby does not have an allergy to soy protein).

Soy milk powder will improve the health of patients suffering from hypertension, coronary artery disease, atherosclerosis, obesity and chronic cholecystitis.

Soy milk disadvantages and risks

For children, soy milk cannot be a complete alternative to cow's milk. It does not contain much calcium and vitamin B2 (riboflavin).

Although manufacturers artificially enrich the product with these substances, you still shouldn’t give up regular drink, if there are no contraindications. The ingredient also contains less phosphorus, but this is not critical.

The benefits and harms of soy milk are constantly in contact. Above we talked about beneficial influence isoflavones on the body. These substances are a special type of phytoestrogens. So, some scientists believe that this component of the bean drink suppresses the endocrine system.

Regular consumption of milk by men leads to a decrease in sperm concentration. Excessive intake of the product can provoke thyroid diseases, especially in children.

Pregnant women should forget about milk for a while so as not to cause hormonal imbalance. Research indicates that soy protein may cause recurrence of breast and other cancers.

And phytic acid contained in the drink binds calcium, magnesium, zinc and iron during digestion. They are not absorbed by the body, so the benefits of the ingredient are reduced.

Harm of soy milk

It happens that manufacturers try to save money and use low-quality products. The first is raw materials grown in environmentally friendly conditions. unfavorable conditions. Beans can accumulate heavy metals (lead, cadmium, mercury), toxins, etc. These substances will enter the body and gradually poison it from the inside, as they tend to accumulate.

The second is the use of transgenic soybeans, that is, GMOs. Many people don't mind this at all, but you have to know what you're eating. Therefore, there should be appropriate markings on the packaging.

Conclusion

As you have already understood, the properties of soy milk are quite controversial from a scientific point of view. The main thing to remember is for pregnant and lactating women, people with cancer diseases or a high risk of their occurrence, it is better for men with reproductive system problems to avoid the product. Others may consume the bean drink only in moderation.

In modern stores you can find a large number of different products. One of them is soy milk powder, which is of plant origin. It is made from soybeans. China is considered the birthplace of the product, but now it is in demand in all countries of the world. Pleasant taste and light aroma are those distinctive features, which contains soy milk powder. Its benefits and harm will be presented in the article. The rules for diluting this product will also be discussed.

Benefit

Soy milk powder, compared to cow's milk, does not contain lactose, so it can be consumed by anyone who is intolerant to this substance. The advantage of the product is the presence of isoflavones. These components are used to prevent cancer, heart diseases, and osteoporosis. They are indispensable for combating menopause in women.

Milk has anticarcinogenic and metabolic effects. The product reduces the level of “bad” cholesterol in the blood. Therefore, many people benefit from consuming soy milk powder. Its benefit lies in positive impact on skeletal system body. It is necessary in the presence of anemia. Due to regular consumption, men will be protected from the occurrence of prostate cancer. The product is rich in protein and fiber. It is perfectly absorbed by the body and does not cause allergic reactions.

Compound

Soy milk powder contains valuable protein, which contains important acids. The product is rich in amino acids. Microelements include magnesium, potassium, and calcium. There are also vitamins - D, A, E, B. 100 g of milk contains:

• Proteins - 4 g.
• Carbohydrates - 5.6 g.
• Fats - 1.6 g.

And 56 kcal is the calorie content of soy milk powder. The composition allows the product to be used in the diet of many people. You just need to dilute it correctly. There are also recipes self-cooking this product.

Application

Soy milk powder is used to prepare various dishes. From this it turns out:

• Kefir.
• Tofu cheese.
• Milk soups.
• Yogurts.
• Milkshakes.
• Bakery.

The product is used for making puddings, cooking jelly, porridge, casseroles. It is used both at home and in production.

Combination with other products

Milk can be combined with sweet fruits, dried fruits, berries, and nuts. It is also consumed with cereals and boiled potatoes. There is no need to combine the drink with fresh vegetables, plums, sausage, smoked fish, or baked goods.

Weight loss

The product is considered high in calories, so many do not include it in their diet. Still, soy milk is intended for slimming. It contains a lot of calcium, which is perfectly absorbed by the body. If there is a deficiency of this component, there will be intensive production of the hormone calcitriol, which slows down the processing and excretion of fats. Thanks to its presence in increased volumes, accumulated fat deposits will not be destroyed.

Calcium is considered an essential component for those who want to lose weight. It breaks down fats perfectly and also helps build muscle mass. Therefore, such a product should definitely be in the diet of people with overweight. And it should not be a dry soy milk substitute, but a natural one.

How to breed?

Soy milk powder is sold in powder form in stores. How to breed it? To do this, the product itself (1.5 tbsp) must be mixed with sugar (1 tsp), gradually adding water (1 glass). The mass must be stirred until it becomes homogeneous. Then the remaining water is poured in and everything is brought to a boil. The product is served hot or chilled.

Self-cooking

There are many recipes for preparing the product in question. Of these, there is one of the simplest. Clean soybeans should be soaked in cold water for 12-24 hours. Then the water is drained, and the beans should be crushed by passing them through a meat grinder with a fine grid. This processing needs to be done several times.

When mixing, add water to make grinding easier. Water should be taken in a ratio of 7:1 to obtain milk with 3% fat content. If there is less water, you will get richer milk that will resemble cream. Ground soybean porridge mixed with water is kept for about 4 hours, after which salt is added (at the tip of a knife).

Then the resulting mass must be boiled for half an hour. Then you need to strain it and squeeze it out. This completes the preparation of soy milk. The residue in the bag after expressing milk is called okara - soy pulp, which is high in fiber and protein. It can be used as a fortified nutritional supplement.

Selection and storage

When choosing a product, you should pay attention to the composition that is marked on the packaging. In its natural form, milk contains water and soy. If the composition contains chemical additives, such a product will not be useful.

Closed packaging is stored in a cool place. This period may not be equal to more than a year. The opened product should be consumed within 7 days, and during this time it will be stored in the refrigerator.

Product for children

Formulas containing the following factors are often used to feed infants. The following factors are considered to be the basis for the use of such products:

• Cow's milk intolerance.
• Celiac disease is due to a disruption of the villous layer of the intestine by exposure to gluten.
• Galactosemia is a disorder of carbohydrate metabolism.
• Lack of lactose - a protein that breaks down cow's milk enzymes.

To ensure that your child can be fed soy formula, you must first consult with your pediatrician. In stores you can find such products for children over 2 years old. It can be in the diet, but you should not forget about cow's milk. A complete replacement is possible only if you are intolerant to the animal product.

Harm

Doctors have not identified any harm that soy milk can cause. Some experts believe that this is a useful product, while others advise using it only in minimum quantity. This milk also has opponents who believe that it can cause:

• The appearance of thyroid pathologies.
• Decreased sperm concentration.
• Suppression of the endocrine system.

Milk should not be consumed if there is a predisposition to the formation of estrogen-dependent tumors and other oncological diseases. The product is contraindicated for pregnant and nursing mothers. It should not be given to children under 1 year of age without consulting a doctor, as well as to women who may have breast cancer.

Excessive consumption of animal protein increases blood acidity. The body needs to neutralize it. Calcium is taken from the bones. When digesting food, soy milk contains iron, zinc, calcium, and magnesium, which makes these components poorly absorbed. Although milk has its drawbacks, it is still considered very healthy. You just need to use it in moderation.

Soy milk is made from ingredients plant origin by combining water with processed soybeans. This product has beneficial properties when used wisely, and is suitable for those who prefer dietary ration, 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 plant-based estrogens, which have a positive effect on hormonal background humans, relieve 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 circulatory system person;
• Thiamine helps strengthen nerves and normalize metabolic processes in the body;
• Soy milk does not contain cholesterol, which has a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system, but 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 (relatively 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 fats that are unsaturated with 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 cardiovascular system.
• IN small quantities Milk contains microelements: 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 risks men's education large quantity 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 tumors associated with hormones (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 starting to use 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 a wide variety of soy milk dishes, 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. The 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 light shade sweets, rich in useful substances, however, it is recommended to approach the choice of this product with caution.

6,222 Views

Soy milk: benefit or harm?

Soy milk is a product made from plant raw materials - soybeans. It is believed that this culture came from China and gradually won the sympathy of almost the whole world. Soy milk has a pleasant aroma, a slight sweetish taste and resembles cow milk in appearance.

The technology for producing milk from soybeans is relatively simple: first, the beans are soaked until soft and kneaded to a puree consistency using special automatic devices. Then the puree is diluted with water in which the beans were soaked, excess fiber is removed, and the liquid is sterilized by briefly heating to 150 degrees. The product can be easily prepared at home.

Soybeans, from which milk is made

There is a legend that soy milk was allegedly invented by Chinese philosopher, whose name has not survived to this day. Being a caring son, he came up with this method so that his elderly mother could eat well without teeth. Whether this is true or not, in any case it is worth thanking the unknown author of the recipe.

These days, soy milk is most popular in Asian countries, where it is consumed much more often than cow or goat milk. In addition, the population of countries where they are fond of vegetarianism also actively consumes this valuable product - this is America, both North and South, the European south.

Composition and calorie content

Soy milk is simply a storehouse of minerals, vitamins, healthy fats, organic acids with a relatively low calorie content - 37 kcal per 100 g of product. We mean those fats that do not contain “bad” cholesterol. It is perhaps easier to say what is not included in milk than to list what is in its composition.

Table: Composition of soy milk per 100 g

Substance name	Amount (g, mg)
Carbohydrates
Fiber
Essential amino acids (g)
Histidine
Isoleucine
Methionine+Cysteine
Tryptophan
Phenylalanine+Tyrosine
Essential amino acids (g)
Aspartic acid
Glutamic acid
Saturated acids (g)
Palmitic
Stearic
Monounsaturated fatty acids (g)
Oleic
Gadoleic
Polyunsaturated fatty acids (g)
Linoleic
Linolenic
Minerals (mg)
Manganese
Vitamins (mg)

Note that this list could be even longer if it included substances that are found in soy milk in very small quantities, for example, vitamins K and B9.

What are the benefits of milk?

First of all, soy milk can completely replace ordinary milk if there is such a need (fasting, vegetarianism, lactose intolerance, which is found in cow's milk). The only parameter in which soy milk is inferior to regular milk is calcium content. But this problem is completely fixable - product manufacturers have learned to artificially enrich soy milk with this important microelement.

Due to the product's low calorie content and high nutritional value, this dietary product is recommended for obesity. In addition, its use is advisable when there is increased secretion of gastric juice, peptic ulcer stomach and duodenum. Plant proteins contained in soybeans are much better absorbed by the body than animal proteins.

Natural soy milk - source useful substances for the body

For gastritis, diabetes and other diseases

Soy milk is also useful for chronic cholecystitis. Lecithin contained in this product regulates the lipid balance of the liver and has a choleretic effect, preventing congestion from developing in the gallbladder.

The vitamin complex contained in soy milk has a positive effect on the functioning of the circulatory and nervous systems, regulates metabolism, and fights free radicals in the body, thereby reducing the risk of developing cancer and slowing down the process of cellular degradation. Drinking milk has a positive effect on the condition of hair and skin.

The presence of a whole complex of microelements in soy milk allows you to maintain immunity at the proper level, and the presence of iron in soy milk can successfully fight anemia, affecting the level of hemoglobin in the blood.

Dietary fiber ensures the normal functioning of the digestive system - active intestinal motility and regular release of feces. In addition, with the help of fiber, waste, toxins and radionuclides are effectively removed from the body.

According to experts, soy milk is an indispensable component of a therapeutic diet for type I-II diabetes. The combination of a low-calorie product with a high content of easily digestible protein, the absence of cholesterol and, most importantly, a pronounced hypoglycemic effect provide milk with an honorable place in a diabetic’s diet, despite the sugar content in soy.

How does soy milk affect women?

Soy milk contains natural phytoestrogens - plant analogues of the sex hormone estrogen. They act on the body in almost the same way as the hormone produced by the human sex glands. Estrogen is a female hormone produced mainly by the ovaries: while in a woman’s body this sex hormone is maintained at sufficient level, it regulates the activity of the cardiovascular system, prevents the development of atherosclerosis, stimulates metabolism, maintains skin elasticity and hair thickness. As soon as hormone production drops, menopause occurs with the corresponding symptoms:

• tides,
• attacks of suffocation,
• insomnia,
• feeling of sudden heat
• tachycardia,
• osteoporosis,
• vaginal dryness.

Drinking soy milk can reduce the incidence of these symptoms that accompany a woman in menopause.

Is drinking soy milk beneficial during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Despite its usefulness, doctors are wary of consuming soy milk during pregnancy, since isoflavones contained in soy can suppress thyroid function, which leads to hormone deficiency - hypothyroidism, and this is one of the causes of miscarriage.

In addition, soy milk often lowers blood pressure, so it is not recommended for pregnant women suffering from hypotension. Also expectant mother may arise allergic reaction to soy, which will form a similar immune response in the newborn.

The urinary system of a pregnant woman works “for two”, so the load on the kidneys increases significantly. Soy milk, due to its oxalic acid content, can promote the formation of oxalate stones in the kidneys, which will seriously complicate their functioning, especially if a woman is predisposed to urolithiasis.

During the feeding period, a baby may develop an allergy to soy milk, so it is better for a nursing mother to avoid consuming this product.

Effect of the product on the male body

Some experts advise representatives of the stronger sex to refrain from drinking soy milk or, in any case, to consume it in doses, since phytoestrogens can reduce the concentration of sperm, complicating the fertilization process.

Can the product be offered to children?

For feeding infants, there are special mixtures prepared on the basis of soy protein. The basis for using such mixtures for baby nutrition may be the following factors:

• cow's milk intolerance;
• celiac disease is a consequence of disruption of the villous layer of the intestine by gluten;
• galactosemia - a congenital disorder of carbohydrate metabolism;
• lack of lactase in the child's body - a protein capable of breaking down the enzymes of cow's milk.

Transferring a baby to soy formula requires a mandatory consultation with a pediatrician.

In addition to infant formulas, retail networks You can also find soy milk for children over two years of age. It is quite possible to introduce it into a child’s diet, but we should not forget that cow milk must also be present. A complete replacement with soy milk is justified only if the child is intolerant to milk of animal origin.

Does soy milk powder have similar properties?

No, it does not, although it is positioned by the manufacturer as healthy eating. If we pay attention to the composition of this product, we will find the following ingredients:

• dry corn syrup - a product of chemical processing of corn starch with a high sugar content;
• a component of soy, represented mostly by hydrogenated fats - trans fats, harmful to the body;
• soy proteins - only 3.5% of the total mass;
• dipotassium phosphate stabilizer;
• sodium caseinate - cow's milk protein;
• emulsifier E-471;
• Silicon dioxide is essentially sand that prevents the product from caking;
• salt.

This product is not similar in composition to soy milk

Possible harm

Despite a number of beneficial properties, soy milk also has significant disadvantages:

• the product contains phytic acid, which interferes with the normal absorption of iron, zinc, magnesium;
• negative impact of phytoestrogens on the level of sperm concentration in male sperm;
• the ability to cause allergic reactions;
• suppression of the hormonal function of the thyroid gland, which can result in hypothyroidism;
• the presence of oxalic acid, which promotes the formation of oxalate stones in the kidneys.

It is also necessary to take into account the fact that milk can be made from genetically modified soybeans, and this is very harmful, especially for children.

How to choose and store the product correctly

When buying soy milk, carefully study its composition on the label - the product should consist only of soy and water, it should not contain anything else.

If you choose a completely natural product, you can store it in the refrigerator for no more than 3-4 days. It is better to do this in a glass container with a closed lid. Spoiled milk begins to separate.

Video: “Live Healthy” about the benefits of soy milk

Soy milk is a tasty, nutritious and healthy product worthy of your attention. However, it should be used wisely so as not to cause harm instead of benefit. This is especially important when it comes to baby food or the diet of a pregnant woman.

If you have any difficulties or problems, you can contact a certified specialist who will definitely help!