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Pros & Cons of Drinking Soy Milk

Though soy milk has existed for thousands of years, there are still pros and cons when it comes to choosing to drink soy milk. Evaluate for yourself, and see if the benefits outweigh the disadvantages of drinking soy milk.

  1. What Is Soy Milk?

    • Soy milk is a beverage made from soaked, then grinded, soybeans. After the beans are soaked, usually overnight, they are then grinded into "slurry" and boiled for better taste and clearer appearance. The mixture is then cooled. After cooled, the soy milk is ready to drink.

    Nutritious

    • Soy milk is highly nutritious and abundant in protein. Soy milk contains isoflavones (secondary vegetable substances, which can act as estrogens in the body and have protective functions). Soybeans are low in fat and cholesterol free.

      Not only is soy milk nutritious, but it is also contains an abundant amount of protein. According to breast cancer researchers, isoflavones in soy milk take on an estrogen-like quality that is an agent in the fight against breast cancer. Soy milk is not dangerous or harmful when consumed in a diverse and moderate diet.

    Fights Cholesterol

    • In October of 1999 the Food and Drug Administration endorsed and promoted soy as a way to lower cholesterol. However, soy milk must meet certain guidelines to be qualified to as a cholesterol-lowering beverage. For a soy milk brand to make the claim to lower cholesterol, it must have 6.25 g of soy protein per serving.

    Lactose-Free

    • Soy milk is an alternative for persons allergic to cow's milk. It is also another alternative for lactose intolerance. Soy milk gives the proper amount of protein to people who need the nutrients without the consequences of drinking cow's milk.

    Unusual Taste

    • Soy milk has a faint beany flavor that Westerners are not particularly fond of. For that reason, many people drink vanilla-flavored or chocolate-flavored milk to mask the beany taste.

      Because soy milk in no way tastes like cow's milk, it takes some getting used to. It will take time to get used to a particular brand and its flavor. Children especially may resist the taste, when you try to get them to switch to soy milk. Start drinking soy milk at a slow pace and at certain times of the day to see how the body will react to it.

    Less Calcium

    • Soy milk naturally does not have the calcium that cow's milk does. Though there is calcium in soy beans, it is wrapped within the bean and does not release even during the grinding process. An additional calcium supplement might be appropriate if you are switching to soy milk. Soy milk can be purchased with calcium added to it.

      If too much soy milk is taken at once, it can cause stomach problems, such as gas pains. Soy milk may be connected to some thyroid and reproductive systems problems, mostly if drunk from an early age.

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