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Soy Yogurt Health Benefits

Soy yogurt is simply yogurt that has been developed using soy milk. Like regular yogurt, soy yogurt contains healthy lactobacteria, which helps promote the growth of healthy bacteria in your colon. Soy yogurt is also generally lower in fat than regular yogurt made from whole milk.

  1. Heart Health

    • Eating products with soy, such as soy yogurt, has been shown to have some health benefits for your heart. According to researchers from a 1993 American Journal of Clinical Nutrition study, participants experienced a 12 percent decrease in cholesterol levels when consuming 20 to 25 grams of soy protein and fiber per day. After this study, the American Heart Association released a health claim that stated, "Diets low in saturated fat and cholesterol that include 25 grams of soy protein a day may reduce the risk of heart disease."

    Type 2 Diabetes

    • Soy yogurt may also have benefits for people with type 2 diabetes. In 2006, researchers from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, conducted research on plant compounds such as soy that impact enzymes targeted by diabetes drugs and discovered that soy yogurt can help regulate enzymes that affect blood sugar levels for people with type 2 diabetes. Soy blueberry yogurt, in particular, had a strong effect on the enzymes.

    Gastrointestinal Benefits

    • Soy yogurt contains healthy lactobacteria, which can help keep your colon and digestive system healthy and can lower your risk of colon cancer. Lactobacteria found in yogurt promotes the growth of healthy bacteria in your colon and reduces the amount of cancer-causing acids in the colon. These types of healthy bacteria essentially block harmful substances before they can become cancer-causing in your body.

    Menopause Benefits

    • In Japan, where foods made with soy are common, women are only 33 percent as likely to complain of menopausal symptoms as they are in countries such as the United States and Canada.

    Bone Health

    • Many foods containing soy, especially soy yogurt, are naturally high in calcium, which can protect your bones and help prevent conditions such as osteoporosis. An article published in 2005 from the Archives of Internal Medicine reported that consuming soy foods was associated with a lower risk of bone fracture.

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