There has been a lot of debate about the health benefits of soy milk over the past few years. It can help some cases and may have risks in others, but here at Health Fitness Revolution, we want to show you the potentials of soy milk so you can decide whether or not to give it a try!
- Prevent Prostate Cancer: Soy milk is a rich source of phytoestrogen, a unique plant hormone that can inhibit the production of testosterone in men. Reduced testosterone levels can significantly cut the risk of prostate cancer (studies have shown that men who eat a soy-rich diet are less likely to develop prostate hypertrophy or prostate cancer).
- Aid in Weight Loss: Soy milk is naturally lower in sugar content than regular milk. Cow’s milk has about 12 grams of sugar per cup as opposed to only 7 grams in soy milk. Additionally, the monounsaturated fatty acids in soy milk can inhibit your intestinal absorption of fat.
- Ease Pre-Menopausal Symptoms: Two phyto-serms (selective estrogen receptor modulators) in soy, the isoflavones genistein and daidzein, have estrogen-like qualities, which can aid with the symptoms of menopause.
- Osteoporosis: Soymilk and other soy foods contain high concentrations of isoflavones. Studies have provided evidence that isoflavones promote bone health because the protein content in soy is also lower in amino acids which contain sulfur, compared to animal proteins. Sulfur amino acids raise production of sulfates in the urine, which blocks calcium from being reabsorbed back into the blood by the kidneys.
- Heart Health: Soy protein achieve this heart health benefit by acting to reduce LDL (bad cholesterol) levels, leaving HDL (good cholesterol) levels unaffected. The FDA has stated that consuming 25 grams of soy protein per day, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce heart disease by reducing cholesterol in the blood. Various studies have shown that soy can reduce cholesterol levels by 15% to 20%.
- Eye Health: New research shows that the isoflavone genistein, which is found abundantly in soy, protects against x-ray induced cataract formation in rats. This means it’s good for human eye health as well!
- Diabetes and Kidney Disease: A number of research studies indicate that soy foods may help with diabetes and kidney disease. Soybeans and soy milk have a very low glycemic index, making them an important component of a healthy diabetic diet. The fiber in soy apparently helps to slow absorption of sugars so that it is easier for the body to handle.
- Improve Lipid Profile: The most important attribute of soy milk is its ability to improve your blood lipid profile. Unlike dairy milk, which is high in saturated fat and cholesterol, soy milk fat is mostly unsaturated with zero cholesterol. Studies have shown that regular intake of soy can significantly lower you blood concentrations of triglyceride and bad cholesterol (LDL) and raise the level of good cholesterol (HDL). This combined effect makes soy milk an ideal drink if you have high cholesterol or have a family history of coronary heart diseases.
- Lower Chances of Breast Cancer: The December 2010 issue of the “The Journal of Nutrition” reports that women consuming moderate amounts of soy throughout their life have lower breast cancer risk than women who do not consume soy.
- Strengthen Blood Vessel Integrity: Soy Milk contains levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids as in conjunction with strong phyto-antioxidants. These compounds help your blood vessels from being exposed to lesions and hemorrhaging by attaching themselves onto the lining of your blood vessels and effectively defend the lining of your cells from free radicals and cholesterol deposits.
- Mental Health: Mayo Clinic lists suicide as the 7th leading cause of death among men. Soy milk may help to reduce your risk, as it contains a number of micronutrients (magnesium, Vitamin B, high levels of Vitamin D) with mental health benefits.
