Is Soy Milk Really Better Than Cow's Milk?

The debate over whether soy milk is healthier than cow's milk will likely go on for a long time. Many people who drink soy milk are lactose intolerant, and they see soy as being the alternative to cow's milk. Soy milk isn't exactly "milk", though, since it comes from a bean. The "milk" is just what is squeezed out of the bean. Some people drink soy milk because they are vegetarian, and it is a way to stay away from dairy. Lots of people choose to drink soy milk now mainly due to its health benefits, regardless of if they are lactose intolerant or vegetarian.

Soy milk does indeed have many benefits that cow's milk does not have. For one, it is high in fiber due to being made from beans. It is also high in protein. One of the largest benefits is that it has isoflavones, which prevent heart disease, osteoperosis, and many cancers.

Soy milk does not have any cholesterol like cow's milk, and it actually helps to lower LDL, the bad cholesterol. Cow's milk raises LDL. Yet another benefit is that soy milk contains 42 times more manganese than cow's milk, which is important for forming strong bones. It is also packed with phytochemicals which help your heart.

One downfall of soy milk is that it has more fat than 2% milk, however, it has 9 times less saturated fat than cow's milk, and 10 times the fatty acids. Most of you know these are the "good" fats.

People will argue that cow's milk has calcium, unlike soy milk, however, the overall health benefits of soy milk largely outweigh those of cow's milk. Should you make the switch? I'm not saying you should, but it's always good to know what's out there, and what it is you're putting in your body. I will probably continue to use cow's milk in things like my cereal and coffee, but I will add some soy milk (a glass or so a day) to my diet. If it's got so many great nutrients, it can't hurt to have it in my fridge. Also, soy is somewhat known for being eco-friendly. In my attempt to become eco-friendly, and to learn as much as possible about eating so that my body will function well and age gracefully, I might as well jump on the soy band-wagon.