The increasing awareness of soy milk’s incredible health benefits as a beverage and a dessert has positively affected the global market. Insights show that soy milk’s global market size has been estimated to be USD 11.08 Billion by 2025. As several flavors of soy milk are available nowadays, it has led to increased demand for soy milk among kids and adults. This has also surged the soy milk market demand due to the soy milk consumption in cereals, tea, and coffee.
Also Read: 6 Recipes to Cook with Soy Sauce
What is Soy Milk?
Soy milk is a popular plant-based beverage and a replacement for dairy milk. The milk is extracted in a refined process to acquire high-quality soy milk. The soybeans are soaked in water, ground and the slurry extracted is then boiled and filtered to remove the soy pulp.
During the 20th century, U.S. Soy milk became a popular drink in North America and Europe because of its affluent constituency and taste just like dairy milk. Soy milk is a mixture of water, oil, and protein and a plant-based drink substitute for dairy milk, rice milk, and almond milk. There are several types of soy milk available in the supermarket nowadays. However, the home-made variant is much pure, higher in fat, has a strong flavor, and tastes more delicious than those found in the supermarket.
Nutritional value of Soy Milk
There are different types of soy milk available in the market. However, the amount of added sugar in each soy milk differs from one another. Most of the soy milk available has additional nutrients that make it a rich calcium source. Soy milk is also a significant Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Retinol, Potassium, Magnesium, Iron Folate, and Choline. Following is the nutritional value of one cup serving of soy milk:
- Amount per cup – 243 grams
- Calories – 131
- Total fat – 4.3 grams
- Saturated fat – 0.5 grams
- Monounsaturated fat – 1 gram
- Polyunsaturated fat – 2.3 grams
- Total Carbohydrate – 15 grams
- Sodium – 123.9 mg
- Cholesterol – 0 mg
- Potassium 286.7 mg
- Sugar – 10 grams
- Dietary fiber – 1.5 grams
- Protein – 8 grams
- Vitamin B-6 – 10%
- Iron – 8%
- Calcium – 6%
- Magnesium – 15%
Source: Pixabay
Health Benefits of Soy Milk
Soy milk is an excellent nutritious drink, high in fiber, vitamins fiber, proteins, fatty acids, and minerals. The excellent nutrients supply the body with abundant energy and maintain the body’s functioning at its best. Following are a few health benefits that can be obtained from soy milk.
- Improves blood vessel integrity
Soy milk consists of strong phyto-antioxidants and omega 3 and 6 fatty acids and is highly effective in preventing the blood vessels from bleeding or lesions. The nutrients stick to the blood vessels’ lining and protect it from cholesterol deposits and radical attacks. Additionally, the compounds present in soy milk also increase the blood vessels’ flexibility and fluidity, helping them be resilient enough during blood pressure changes.
- Protects from Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a disease related to age and hormones. Soy consists of phytoestrogens, which is immensely helpful in absorbing calcium quickly by the body. To acquire the most benefit, ensure consuming soy milk with an extra amount of vitamin D and calcium.
Source: Pixabay
- Improves heart health
Soy milk consists of essential nutrients that are beneficial in maintaining cholesterol levels and also prevents heart diseases. It is instrumental in supporting the cardiovascular system and enhancing plasma lipid levels, which minimizes the risk of heart diseases during old age. Rich in minerals and vitamins, soy milk is also useful in maintaining overall heart health.
- Prevents skin issues
Soy milk is beneficial in treating acne breakouts and also has rich anti-aging properties. The compounds present in soy are effective in reducing hyperpigmentation.
Homemade Soy Milk Recipe
Homemade soy milk is highly nutritious, beneficial for health, and the best alternative to other milk types. The homemade variant recipe is easy- gather the ingredients and mix-match it into a tasty glass of homemade soy milk.
Ingredients you will need:
- One cup of yellow soybeans
- 3 cups of water to soak
- 4 cups of water to blend
- Sweetener to taste (optional)
Instructions :
- Rinse the soybeans and drain the water.
- Try removing the skins of the soybeans.
- Now add the soybeans to the blender and 4 cups of water and blend smooth (add water depending upon your required milk consistency).
- Strain the mixture with a fine weave cloth and squeeze out the milk.
- Boil the strained milk for 20 minutes in medium heat and stir in between to prevent the milk from burning.
- Cooldown the milk at room temperature and enjoy.
Source: Pixabay
Conclusion
Soy milk is an excellent substitute for dairy milk and is vegan. As soybeans are a healthy, nutritious diet for vegans and non-vegans alike, the milk acquired from them is equally beneficial too! One can have soy milk in different ways to give it a new flavor to the taste buds- enjoy soy milk by adding it to smoothies, cereals, coffee, tea, cakes, curry, bakery and acquire great health benefits.