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Benefits of soya milk

As the taste of commercial soya milk improves, more and more people are drinking it as a treat. But many people drink soya milk for the added health benefits. So what are the benefits of drinking soya milk compared to cow's milk?

Benefit 1: Soya milk contains only vegetable proteins

Vegetable proteins have the advantage of causing less calcium loss through the kidneys. It is well known that a diet rich in animal (and dairy) proteins increases the risk of osteoporosis.

Benefit 2: Soya milk is lactose-free

About 75 per cent of the world's population cannot tolerate lactose. Some ethnic groups are more affected than others. For example, 75 per cent of Africans and 90 per cent of Asians are lactose intolerant. As an added benefit, soya milk contains the prebiotic sugars stachyose and raffinose. These prebiotic sugars boost immunity and help reduce toxic substances in the body.

Benefit 3: Fewer people are allergic to soya milk

Only 0.5 per cent of children are allergic to soya milk, while 2.5 per cent are allergic to cow's milk.

Benefit 4: Soya milk reduces cholesterol

The saturated fats in cow's milk are unhealthy and raise your cholesterol. The protein in cow's milk has no cholesterol benefits. Soya protein can lower cholesterol. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration of the US) confirms that soya protein, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, can significantly reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. The FDA recommends that you include 25g of soya protein in your daily diet.

Benefit 5: Soya milk does not contain hormones

Cow's milk contains natural hormones (from the cow) as well as synthetic hormones that can interfere with the way our bodies work. The synthetic hormone rBGH (recombinant bovine growth hormone) increases milk production by up to 20 per cent.

Benefit 6: Soya milk does not cause insulin-dependent diabetes

Although there is no general consensus among scientists, some studies have shown a link between drinking cow's milk early in life and the development of insulin-dependent diabetes. This association does not exist for soya milk.

Benefit 7: Soya milk is rich in isoflavones

The presence of isoflavones is the most important and unique benefit of soya milk. Each cup of soya milk contains about 20 mg of isoflavones (mainly genistein and daidzein). Cow's milk contains no isoflavones. Isoflavones have many health benefits, including lowering cholesterol, relieving menopausal symptoms, preventing osteoporosis and reducing the risk of certain cancers (prostate and breast). The incidence of these cancers is very low in countries with high consumption of soy products, including soya milk. Isoflavones are also antioxidants that protect our cells and DNA from oxidation.