RESEARCHERS from the McGill University in Canada recently conducted a study and found out that soya milk emerged as the best plant-based alternative to cow’s milk, particularly for the lactose-intolerant.
The study was done using the four most commonly consumed types of milk beverages from different plant sources around the world, such as almond milk, soy milk, rice milk, and even coconut milk.
The researchers compared their nutritional values with those of the cow’s milk, where they found out that after cow’s milk, which they said remains the most nutritious, soya milk comes out to be a clear winner.
This development can boost the local producers of soya milk in the country, particularly to the husband-and-wife team of Mer and Mary Ann Layson who has been processing soya milk for the past several years.
Based on a study made by Dr. Gary Sy, the benefits of soya protein include:
* It can be used as a meat protein, and be a good substitute for animal products;
* Soy protein can help to balance the effects of bad cholesterol level without impacting the level of good cholesterol or HDL cholesterol;
* Soy protein will not only help reduce cholesterol over time, but will also add to healthy veins, and improve blood flow to the heart;
* As an energy booster, soy protein contains amino acids that can be used effectively by the body after converting it into energy;
* It can also reduce other health risks because soy protein can apparently prevent colon cancer cells, prostate cancer, and in some cases, cure osteoporosis too;
* It is also useful in controlling hyperglycemia and for losing weight because inclusion of soy protein in the diet can help balance sugar levels in the body;
* For menopausal symptoms, phytoestrogen (plant-base estrogen) acts as synthetic estrogen that protects women from severe bone loss and helps in maintaining a healthy heart. It also contains phytoestrogen that also helps to maintain stronger bones and calcium balance in postmenopausal women;
* Preventing osteoporosis – the phytoestrogen content of soy can increase the calcium absorption by the body and can help in the prevention of bone mass loss;
* For cell growth and regeneration –soy protein can actually nestle inside your cellular structure and help in stimulating the synthesis of collagen and elastin with other proteins. These properties are vital for cell growth and for reversing the formation abnormal cell; and,
* For attaining healthy bones – even men can suffer from weak bones and can gain loads of benefit from consumption of soy. This is useful to maintain stronger bones and also to prevent mineral loss. Soy protein can also help relieve symptoms of arthritis in some cases.
On the other hand, the researchers from the McGill University say that soya milk can have the most balanced nutritional profile.
After all, soya milk is now widely consumed for its health benefits linked to the anti-carcinogenic properties of phytonutrients present in the milk known as isoflavones, and has been as an accepted substitute for cow’s milk for about four decades. (jaypeeyap@ymail.com/PN)
