RESEARCHERS from the McGill University in Canada found out that soya milk emerged as the best plant-based alternative to cow’s milk, particularly for those lactose-intolerant.
Under a study, the researchers used the four most commonly consumed types of milk beverages from different plant sources around the world, like almond milk, rice milk, coconut milk, and soy milk.
They found out that after cow’s milk, which is claimed most nutritious, soya milk comes out to be a clear winner.
They say that soya milk can have the most balanced nutritional profile.
It can be noted that 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.
In the Philippines, it is unfortunate to note that 90 percent of the soybean requirement of the country is imported, and only about 10 percent is produced locally.
But Mer Layson of the KKK business venture was able to cultivate soya locally and organically.
“There is a strong possibility that we will no longer import soybeans from other countries, which are mostly genetically modified organism (GMO),” Layson emphasized.
He can produce soya milk steadily because he has a source of raw materials from his own farm at Sitio Minangan, Barangay San Patricio in Mexico, Pampanga.
Layson says that soya milk contains protein and has the same amount of protein as cow’s milk, which can replace animal protein and other sources of dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Unlike cow’s milk, soya milk has little saturated fat and no cholesterol.
Soybean is also a good source of protein, fiber, calcium, lecithin, Omega-3, potassium, zinc, Vitamins C, B1, A, and E, and other health giving properties.
Soybeans can also be used in other dairy product substitutes like soya milk, soya ice cream, soya ice candy, and many more.
Benefits of soya protein also include, among many others:
* Can be used as a meat protein, and a good substitute for animal products;
* Soy protein can help 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;
* 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,
* Soya is useful to maintain stronger bones and also to prevent mineral loss. Soy protein can also help relieve symptoms of arthritis in some cases./PN
