Soy milk provides excellent nutrition that is high in protein and carbohydrates, but low in fat and cholesterol. Soy milk is made by pressing harvested soy beans in water and removing the insoluble fiber. Vitamins, minerals, and natural flavorings are usually added to the beverage. Soy milk is also a great milk alternative for people who are lactose intolerant. The beverage contains the same amount of protein as a glass of milk. Below you will learn more about soy milk's nutrition and its benefits.
Rich in Protein and Vitamins
A cup of soy milk usually contains about 8 grams of protein and significant amounts of vitamins A, D, B1, B2, and calcium. The benefits of these vitamins are endless. Vitamin A promotes healing and cell growth while vitamin D helps with the absorption of calcium. Vitamin B1 and B2 aid in heart and nervous system health. They also fight stress, help digestion, and improve cell reproduction.
The complex carbohydrates in soy milk results in a beverage with a low glycemic index. A low glycemic index means that the beverage will not overstimulate blood sugar levels. This characteristic makes soy milk a great beverage choice for people with diabetes. Unlike milk, soy milk also has 2 grams of fiber.
A cup of soy milk is very low in saturated fat and only has 90 calories. The beverage also has omega-3 fatty acids, a type of unsaturated fat that improves memory, brain development and heart health. Omega-3 fatty acids are also known to lower bad cholesterol and decrease the negative side effects of arthritis.