Milk is a source of different nutrients and vitamins. The Food Standard Agency recommends that milk and other dairy products should be a part of the daily diet. Buffalo milk is with high-fat content and to overcome this, low-fat soy milk will be the best alternative source. The production of soy milk for the first time developed in China during 25-220 AD. The first written report of soymilk was seen in chapter 4 Taboos in the AD 82 book Lunheng by Wang Chong. Soy milk is made from soybean which is known as the golden miracle bean and belongs to the leguminous crop. Soy products are popular in Indian states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh. Soy products like soy milk are becoming popular among health-conscious people.1 Let us now look at some soy milk benefits for health.
Nutritional Value of Soy Milk:
The nutritional composition of 100gm soy milk is given below:
| Nutritional Component | Value |
| Water | 90.4 g |
| Protein | 2.6 g |
| Fats | 1.47 g |
| Carbohydrate | 4.92 g |
| Fibre | 0.2 g |
| Sugar | 3.65 g |
| Calcium | 123 mg |
| Magnesium | 15 mg |
| Phosphorus | 43 mg |
| Potassium | 122 mg |
Properties of Soy Milk:
Soy milk may possess the following properties:
- It may protect against cancer
- It may have cholesterol-lowering property
- It may reduce the risk of osteoporosis
- It may improve the heart health
- It may lower the risk of diabetes
- It may be an antioxidant
- It may have properties to manage weight3
Potential Use of Soy Milk for Overall Health:
Some of the potential health benefits of soy milk are as follows:
1. Potential use of soy milk for reducing cholesterol
Soy milk consists of isoflavones and saponins which may have antioxidant properties. Studies have shown that it may reduce bad cholesterol levels and increase good cholesterol levels. Further research on the effect of soy milk on cholesterol levels in humans is required. However, it is essential to check your cholesterol levels and consult your doctor in case of high cholesterol levels.3
2. Potential use of soy milk for atherosclerosis
Consumption of soybeans may improve endothelial function and atherosclerosis is a condition where fats are deposited on the inner wall of the artery. Sub-clinical studies show that soy milk may be beneficial in the case of atherosclerosis by delaying the deposition of fats. However, further clinical studies are required to see the effect of soy milk in the case of atherosclerosis.3
3. Potential use of soy milk for cancer
Soy may possess anti-cancer properties due to the presence of isoflavones. The isoflavones may modify or alter the cell cycle and may cause cell death (apoptosis). Studies have shown that soy milk may reduce the risk of prostate, breast, stomach, lung, and colon cancer. However, further studies are needed to confirm the anti-cancer properties of cancer. Cancer is a serious disease; therefore, you must consult your doctor if diagnosed. You must not self-medicate.3
4. Potential use of soy milk for osteoporosis
Soy milk may reduce the risk of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women, whose bone mineral density reduces due to declining in hormones like oestrogen and hormone replacement therapy. A study showed that isoflavones in soy milk may increase the calcium levels in bones. In addition, the high protein content in soy milk may also benefit bone health. However, more studies are yet to be done to confirm the effect of soy milk.3 If you have any bone-related problems consult the doctor and do not self-medicate.