Is Soy Milk A Better Alternative To Cow Milk?

Wondering which one should you choose between soy milk and cow’s milk? In case you are a vegetarian, then cow’s milk must be your main source of calcium and proteins. If you are vegan, which means abstaining from all kinds of animal products, then soy milk is your savior. Soy milk is made from soya beans and is an alternative for lactose intolerant people too. But if you can have both, which one should you opt for?

A tough question, isn’t it? Well, read this post and you won’t find it tough anymore!

Soy Milk vs. Cow’s Milk:
Some people believe that soymilk overpowers cow’s milk in nutritional value and in terms of popularity with the growing number of vegans. While some contradict this, the fact remains that both have their own set of benefits and drawbacks. Here is a comparison between the two to help you decide
Reasons To Choose Soy Milk Over Cow’s Milk:

1. Soy milk has proteins, water and oil, as it’s made from crushing soya beans. There is negligible amount of fats and carbohydrates in soymilk. Since Soymilk is high in protein, it is an excellent supplement for growth and development as well as for repair and maintenance of body tissue, muscles and organs.
2. Lactose intolerant people can shift to soy milk as it has no dairy.
3. Low in saturated fat and cholesterol, soymilk decreases bad cholesterol (LDL) and increases good cholesterol (HDL), and thus prevents heart diseases. Heart patients are advised to have soya milk as it is known to prevent atherosclerosis and strokes too.
4. Phytosterols in soy milk improve health conditions such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Soy milk contains 10% dietary fiber, whereas cow’s milk contains nil.
5. Soy contains omega-3 fatty acids that decrease lipid levels and iron that is needed for oxygen absorption in the body.
6. The vitamin B content of soy is higher than that of cow’s milk. Vitamin B plays an important role in cell metabolism.
7. The content of human estrogens mimicking phytosterols in soy prevents prostate cancer in men.
8. Soy milk is an excellent alternative for weight loss. The high fibre content in soy keeps one satiated for longer and suppresses appetite. The fatty acids regulate fat absorption and reduce fat storage.

Reasons To Choose Cow’s Milk Over Soy Milk:

1. Unlike soy, cow’s milk is rich in calcium content, which is needed for the strengthening of bones and teeth. On the other hand, soy milk has no calcium.
2. Vitamin D helps keep skin healthy and glowing and cow’s milk is a great source of vitamin D.
3. The protein and phosphorous content of cow’s milk is higher than that of soy.
4. The only drawback of cow’s milk is high fat and carbohydrate content, but it can be overcome by taking skimmed milk.
5. Cow’s milk contains casein and whey protein required for strong muscles.
6. Soy milk contains high content of phytoestrogens that can cause decreased fertility or hormonal imbalance in people if consumed in excess. Cow’s milk is free of such estrogens.
7. Soy contains oligosaccharides, a type of carbohydrate that is difficult to digest. So children are advised not to be fed with soy milk. With cow’s milk, there is no such restriction.
8. Soy can trigger allergic conditions in children and can be severe in many cases. Cow’s milk is safest and healthiest for children.

If you don’t have a particular reason for drinking soy milk like being lactose intolerant or being a vegan, then you should stick to cow’s milk. It has served humanity for long and will continue to do so for years to come! 

Do you drink soy milk or cow’s milk? Packaged or fresh? Do you face any problems with the milk you drink? Share your views in the comments section below!