Soy milk is often consumed by those who have allergies to cow's milk. But considering the benefits soy milk yabundant, actually soy milk can be consumed by anyone, of course with the ideal dose.
Soy milk is made from ground and boiled soybeans. Soy milk is plant-derived and naturally cholesterol-free, low in saturated fat, and contains no lactose.
Benefits of Soy Milk
A study showed that women who drank soy milk daily had a 56% lower risk of osteoporosis compared to women who did not drink it. In addition, soy milk can relieve menopausal symptoms, such as a burning sensation (hot flashes) and sweating at night. Soy is also thought to help cognitive function in women under 65 years of age. While the assumption that soy milk is useful for heart health is still being studied.
Other benefits of soy milk can not be separated from the content in soy. Here are some of the content of soy milk that is good for the body:
- Soy milk contains almost as much protein as cow's milk, but with lower calories.
- Vitamin D is important for bone health. Many soy milks sold have been added with vitamin D.
- Vitamin B12 helps produce red blood cells thereby preventing anemia. Sources of vitamin B12 include eggs and dairy products. However, for vegetarians or those who are allergic to cow's milk, consumption of soy milk can help complement the needs of vitamin B12.
- Soy milk also contains zinc (zinc) which is important for the immune system.
- Soybeans are high in fatty acids, such as omega-3s, which can help reduce blood fat levels (total cholesterol and triglycerides), thereby reducing the risk of coronary heart disease and heart attacks.
Thanks to its diverse nutritional content, soy milk is also good for pregnant women to consume, as long as the amount is not excessive.
The Risks of Consuming Soy Milk
In addition to having content that is beneficial to health, several studies show that consumption of soy products has risks such as the following.
- Consumption of soy as much as 30 grams per day for a month is thought to increase the risk of thyroid function disorders in people
- Isoflavone compounds in soybeans are thought to be associated with decreased sperm count. However, further research is needed to find out the truth of this assumption.
- Soy milk is not necessarily suitable as an alternative to cow's milk for babies with allergies. Thus, before deciding to give soy milk to children, it is necessary to consult a doctor first.
- Soybeans contain phytoestrogens which are naturally produced by plants. For some people, these chemicals can have a negative impact on the body. The body naturally produces the hormone estrogen, while phytoestrogens are almost the same as the hormone estrogen. Consuming excessive amounts of soy milk can cause increased levels of the hormone estrogen in the body.
Actually, soybeans, like other foods, do not cause problems as long as they are consumed in moderation. Consumption of soy milk in sufficient quantities can be beneficial for the body.
Consumption of as much as 10 mg of soy per day can reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence by up to 25%. This is because soybeans contain antioxidants in the form of genistein which can inhibit the growth of cancer cells when consumed in balanced amounts.
Soy consumption in any form, needs to be balanced with a number of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and other protein products. This is because the body needs various types of food, so don't just focus on the benefits of soy milk for the body, but also consume various types of other foods and drinks so that your nutritional needs are met.