Soymilk is one of the most popular alternatives to cow’s milk. As well as being rich in fiber, soy is a great source of protein and contains all 20 essential amino acids. Soy also contains lecithin and isoflavones such as genistein and daidzein, which are believed to have estrogen-like properties.
Five Health Benefits of Soymilk
- Menopausal Health: During menopause, women’s estrogen levels plummet. This sudden drop results in a wide range of health issues. Postmenopausal women are at a greater risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. They are also susceptible to mental health disorders, including depression and insomnia.According to research, soy may relieve some of the symptoms of menopause because it is rich in phytoestrogen, an estrogen supplement. In fact, one recent study showed that consuming 60 grams of soy protein per day significantly reduced the occurrence of hot flashes in postmenopausal women. However, soy has not been shown to work as effectively as hormone therapy (estrogen).
- Bone Health: The effect of soy on bone health is a novel and promising area of research. Researchers are motivated to learn more due to the fact that soy isoflavones are similar to estrogens, which can reduce the risk of osteoporosis by accelerating calcium absorption in the body. To get the greatest benefit, make sure to purchase soymilk that contains extra calcium and vitamin D.
- Heart Health: One of the primary benefits of soy protein is that it can reduce the levels of LDL cholesterol (“bad cholesterol”) and increase HDL cholesterol (“good cholesterol”). This joint effect makes soymilk a great option if you have high cholesterol or a family history of high cholesterol and/or heart disease.Soy isoflavones also have several antioxidant properties and protect LDL cholesterol from being oxidized. The omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in combination with the phyto-antioxidants in soy work to strengthen your blood vessels, making them more resilient to changes in blood pressure and protect them from attacks by free radical and cholesterol deposits.
- Weight Loss: Soymilk has less sugar and fewer calories than cow’s milk. Furthermore, the unsaturated fatty acid in soymilk may inhibit the absorption of fat in your intestine, working to accelerate weight loss.
- Cancer Prevention: Soy has been shown to lower the risk of developing breast and endometrial cancer in several studies. Furthermore, soymilk is rich in phytoestrogen, which inhibits testosterone production in men. Reduced levels of testosterone can reduce the risk of prostate cancer.