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Will Soy Milk Make You Fat?

Soy milk is a beverage made from soybeans. It is produced by soaking the dry soy beans in water and grinding them with water. It contains about the same amount of protein as cow's milk.

  1. Fat Content

    • Soy milk usually has 2 to 4 grams of fat per serving. Whole cow's milk has 8 grams, but skim cow's milk has close to 0 grams. However, the fat in soy is not saturated. While excessive fat intake of any kind can make you gain weight, small doses of polyunsaturated fats can help lower your cholesterol and aid in the absorption of minerals, which can actually benefit your metabolism.

    Calories

    • Soy milk has 100 to 140 calories per serving. Whole cow's milk has 150, and skim cow's milk has 80. Drinking soy milk will give you more calories per cup than skim milk, but if you drink slightly less, then the calories will be equal. As long as you don't drink too much, you will not gain weight.

    Protein and other Nutrients

    • Soy milk contains more protein per serving than cow's milk (10 grams versus 8). Protein helps you feel full, which can help you eat less overall. Protein is also good for your digestive tract, and soy protein helps maintain your lean muscle mass - a key component to burning fat at rest - because it contains all the amino acids your body needs. Soy also contains a significant amount of calcium, and according to the British Journal of Nutrition, increased calcium intake can actually help you lose weight if you do not already consume enough calcium.

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