Soy Milk Superfood Supreme: 7 Most Practical Reasons This Vegan Milk is Better than Cow’s Milk

Soy milk may not be the most popular daily milk option for everyone on the planet these days. But if you peel the overhyped marketing and look at the health essentials, this plant-based milk alternative would give cow’s milk a run for the money — especially true if you’re lactose-intolerant.

Off the bat, you can call soy milk an omnipresent superfood. Not only does the vegan drink come in just about every flavor or form we deem fit (as a miso soup base, a crunchy snack, and a go-to meat alternative) but also, it’s filled to the brim with nutrients. Truth be told, it would put every other dairy milk alternative - from almond and rice to coconut milk -  to shame when it comes to essential nutrients. 

But soya milk shines even brighter than that. In this post, we will explore seven reasons soy milk is the healthier, more practical option than the dairy milk you may have been drinking daily. 

Soya Milk: The Best Non-dairy Alternative

A Little Backgrounder

If ever you’re wondering what soya milk is made of, a little backgrounder. Soya milk, also called soy milk, is a plant-based soybean drink used for thousands of years from around 22 to 220 AD in China. You might find it funny to know it’s a by-product of tofu or bean curd, the popular solid white blocks you get when curdling soya milk, a technique similar to making cheese from milk. 

Tofu is an Oriental product, but it’s fast becoming a culinary feast in America and the West, with millions incorporating the high-protein ingredient in their pizzas, stir-fried and Popeye-styled fried chickens, to name a few. 

NOTICE: Of course, to each his own. Even though soya milk has become a health sensation worldwide, the courts in the European Union have ruled that soy milk should not be called “milk” at all, reserving the term for dairy.

As Asian as soy milk is, it’s very must a Western commodity now. It was marketed aggressively by the US government in the late 19th century. So much so that the legendary Henry Ford, founder of Ford Motors, became soy milk’s most ardent champion. 

Today, the United States is leading the way in soybean production. The superpower nation is the world’s largest soybean producer and the second-biggest soybean exporter, data from the USDA confirms. 

A Super Nutritious Treat

Soy milk isn’t the only plant-based alternative to cow’s milk. Their number may surprise you. Some of the not-so-common ones to have entered the scene are: 

• Potato milk: made from peeled potatoes
• Oat milk: milk from oats/ ideal for people with a nut allergy
• Hemp milk: fantastic option for smoothies
• Hazelnut milk: good for puddings and cupcakes
• Sesame milk: sesame seed-based milk
• Banana milk: another nut-free milk alternative made from bananas

But, of all non-dairy alternatives, soy milk reigns supreme when discussing nutrients. Here’s a comparison of the vegan drink with the most popular alternative choices these days. 

Table 1: Non-dairy Milk Nutrition in a Cup (USDA data)

An almond milk latte may win your appetite over as the drink is noted to be delicious, but soy milk wins hands down regarding the nutritional profiles of non-dairy alternatives. 

A study published in the Journal of Food Science and Technology detailed how other popular dairy alternatives lacked essential nutrients in soy milk. 

What’s more astonishing, soya milk has a lot of distinct advantages that would put cow’s milk down. Below are seven of them. 

7 Reasons Soy Milk Is Healthier than Cow’s Milk

Truly, soy milk has become increasingly popular as a dairy alternative in recent years. As more people seek plant-based options for health, ethical, and environmental reasons, soy milk has emerged as a top choice. Indeed, it’s a better option than dairy milk.

1. Lactose-Free 

One of soy milk's most significant advantages is its lactose-free. Lactose, a sugar in dairy milk, can cause digestive issues for lactose-intolerant people. This intolerance affects a large portion of the global population, causing symptoms like bloating, gas, and diarrhea. Soy milk is an excellent alternative for those who are lactose intolerant or simply seeking to reduce their lactose consumption. 

Now, if you’re unsure how many people would benefit from lactose-free soya milk, here’s a revelation. 

 Table 2: Lactose Intolerance in the Population (Source: Wiki)

It can be an ugly sight. People who take up dairy may suffer a host of health complications: bloating, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. Worse, they may not know it’s all because of milk.  

Indeed, switching to soya can alleviate this predicament quickly. 

2. High in Protein

Soy milk is known for its high protein content, making it an excellent option for vegetarians, vegans, or anyone looking to incorporate more plant-based protein into their diet.  

A single cup of soy milk contains approximately 7 grams of protein, which is comparable to the amount found in a cup of dairy milk. Moreover, soy protein is a complete protein containing all nine essential amino acids the human body needs.

3. Lower in Saturated Fat 

Soy milk contains less saturated fat than dairy milk, making it a heart-healthy choice. Consuming too much-saturated fat can increase the risk of heart disease and other health issues. 

While dairy milk, especially whole milk, can be high in saturated fat, soy milk typically contains only around 0.5 grams of saturated fat per cup. By choosing soy milk, you can better manage your saturated fat intake and reduce your risk of heart disease.

It’s no joke. Over 600,000 Americans succumb to heart disease daily. Every year, about 800,000 Americans suffer from a heart attack. 

If you think you’re not consuming dairy or cow’s milk, think again. Here are some foods that harbor it. 

• milk.
• butter.
• cheese.
• cream.
• yogurt.
• ice cream.

4. Cholesterol-Free

Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in animal-based products, including dairy milk. High levels of cholesterol can contribute to the development of heart disease and other health problems. 

Soy milk, being a plant-based product, is naturally cholesterol-free, making it a healthier choice for those looking to lower their cholesterol levels or maintain a heart-healthy diet.

Now, if you’re serious about heart health, don’t you think it’s time you switch to a superfood non-dairy alternative that is soy milk? 

5. Environmentally Friendly

The production of soy milk has a lower environmental impact than dairy milk production. Dairy farming is associated with significant greenhouse gas emissions, water usage, and deforestation for feed production. 

Soy farming, on the other hand, requires less land, water, and resources to produce the same amount of protein. By choosing soy milk, you're making a more environmentally friendly choice and contributing to the fight against climate change.

6. High in Essential Nutrients

Soy milk is not only high in protein but also rich in essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals. Soy milk is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin D, and calcium. 

Many soy milk brands are fortified with vitamins B12 and riboflavin, essential for maintaining a healthy nervous system and producing energy. Additionally, soy milk contains isoflavones, antioxidants that may have various health benefits, including reducing the risk of heart disease and certain cancers.

7. Cruelty-Free 

Lastly, choosing soy milk over dairy milk is a more ethical choice, as it does not involve the exploitation of animals. Dairy farming often subjects cows to inhumane living conditions and practices. These questionable acts include: 

• continuous impregnation
• painful mutilation
• dehorning
• separation o mother cows from their calves, 
• and premature culling.  

To a large degree, this is animal exploitation in plain sight. A good example under investigation is a UK farm, a major milk supplier for big companies such as British Airways and Amazon Fresh. The lapses include beating/kicking a cow in the face/stomach, violent twisting of tails, and hitting the animals with sharp objects. 

In contrast, soy milk helps the environment and is kind to animals. You support a cruelty-free option and promote animal welfare by opting for soy milk.

Wrapping Things Up

In conclusion, soy milk offers numerous benefits over dairy milk, including being lactose-free, high in protein, low in saturated fat, and cholesterol-free. It's also environmentally friendly, rich in essential nutrients, and supports a cruelty-free lifestyle.  

As more people recognize these advantages, the popularity of soy milk is expected to continue growing, making it an increasingly accessible and appealing choice for those seeking healthier and more sustainable alternatives to dairy products. 

Indeed, if there’s a supreme milk superfood, it has to be soy milk in all its glory.  

FAQs on Soy Milk

What are the advantages of a vegan diet?

Studies show a vegan diet provides more nutrients such as fiber, antioxidants, and plant compounds compared to an omnivorous diet. It is also good for the heart as it’s lower in cholesterol than dairy. 

What is the difference between a vegan diet and a vegetarian diet?

A vegan diet is the ultimate plant-based diet while a vegetarian diet allows certain animal products. A vegan restricts eating all forms of animal products, including seafood and dairy, while a vegetarian also shuns meat and caters to plant-based food and dairy products such as eggs.

Is soy milk vegan?

Soy milk is totally vegan as it’s a by-product of soybeans. The traditional way to process soy milk from soybeans includes soaking them in water overnight and grinding them afterward. 

Is it good to drink soy milk daily?

Regular drinking of soy milk can be a great way to improve cholesterol levels and reduce high blood pressure. Plus, it can help you fight inflammation and to manage your weight better. In fact, it’s best to drink it 30 to 1 hour after exercise for the best slimming effect.