Is Soy Milk Good For You?
Soy milk is not new, and there is some evidence that it was being produced in China almost 2,000 years ago. It is part of the product of producing tofu, much like milk makes cheese, and so it has been known for, at least, 500 years in the east.
I am a big fan of soy milk myself, especially the chocolate kind you can find in the coolers at my local grocery store. It helps me balance my diet, tastes good, and replaces some less healthy food. It seems like a fairly safe and low calorie to get my chocolate fix every day. Soy milk is high in protein and fiber, and it seems to be filling and reduce other food cravings too.
In my personal experience, it seems to combat some symptoms of menopause too. This is a common cliam that has not been scientifically demonstrated, and not everybody makes the same claim.
Some people report problems when they add this “wonder food” into their diet. Studies have raised questions about long term health issues too. So is soy milk good for us, or does it contain some hidden health dangers?
What’s To Like (or not) About Soy Milk?
- Soy contains phytoestrogen or plant estrogen precursors. So for some women, it may relieve symptoms of menopause, and also provide a hormone boost for post-menopausal women. Now there is some debate on this subject, and some women report feeling worse.
- Soy Allergies- Some people may actually have a food allergy to soy which actually compounds symptoms of other problems. So the benefit of soy is individual. Personally, I find it helps me, but the Mayo clinic lists Soy as one of the top 10 food allergens, along with milk, eggs, peanuts, etc. I am lucky because I really do not have particular food sensitivities, so I did not experience ill effects.
- Heart Healthy - The FDA has approved a heart healthy claim on soy products. The Mayo Clinic also gave soy a pass, and said that most people could improve their health risks and substitute soy for many less healthy foods. It only makes sense to me that you could drink a glass or two of soy milk a day, and take in no cholesterol or saturated fat, and then reduce your intake of some of the less heart healthy foods you should avoid. Keep in mind that some foods that contain soy may also have some ingredients that are not so good for you like salt and sugar.
- Cancer – There has not been any real evidence to suggest that soy use promotes disease like breast or prostrate cancer. In fact, in Asian countries where soy is more popular, these diseases are more rare.
- Soy and Thyroid Problems – There have been some claims that soy can interfere with thyroid funciton, especially with people who already suffer from hypothyroidism. The Mayo clinic advises people on thyroid medications to take their medication at a different time of day than when they enjoy soy based food, but does not believe that people need to avoid soy in normal amounts. Other suggestions were to make sure that people who do consumer soy based products also take care to get plenty of iodine in their diet from supplements, dairy foods, or enriched table salt.
So is Soy Milk Good Food?
Again, my experience with soy milk has been positive. I drink a couple of glasses a day, however, and consider it a part of my diet. Some people with health issues or food allergies may want to consult with their doctors to make sure that the benefits of this popular drink with outweigh any health risks.
If you have any opinions, we’d love to hear them. You can register for free and make comments about your positive or negative reactions to soy milk. You can also join the forum discussion on the benefits of soy milk.
|
Somewhere in Cyberspace
|
Related articles:
I have read some posts that suggest that soy makes people gain weight. Does anybody have any evidence of this – either from research studies or their own lives. And before you ask – I am not that kind of doctor.
More like Dr. Pepper, huh? Kidding.
Anyway, I think it is individual. Some people who already have thyroid problems think that some ingredients in soy may slow down their thyroid function. Most people who have moderate amounts of soy milk never suffer from this. I guess if you have thyroid problems, you should ask your doctor – or just have a moderate amount to see how it affects you.
I probably drink about a cup of soymilk a day (and eat a fair amount of soy because I’m a vegetarian). I do have hypothyroidism, but it’s controlled completely with Synthroid. I do not have problems with my weight at all. I just eat balanced meals, don’t overindulge in fattening foods and workout a few times a week. I read the other day that drinking milk or soymilk right after a workout will also help you build muscle. Just started doing that, so I don’t have anything yet to report!
DrDon, I’ve been drinking soy milk for a long time and have never experienced weight problems with it. I think everyone is different – you just have to try it and see if it agrees with you. I really love it, and being a vegetarian (and sometimes vegan), I find it to be a great alternative to cow’s milk. I also drink almond milk, which I love.
Suzann
http://www.MyMakeupMirror.com/MakeupWithoutCruelty.php