HEALTH FOOD SPECIAL...... THE MILK THAT ISN’T

THE MILK THAT ISN’T

If you’re lactoseintolerant or in need of protein, try soy milk

THOUGH IT’S widely used in China and Japan, India hasn’t cared much for soy milk so far.

Perhaps that’s because soy milk is not really dairy. It is the liquid form of the soy bean, made by heating and pureeing. The trypsin inhibitors that exist in the raw bean are neutralised via heat treatment. This makes soy milk digestible and palatable. 

NUTRITIONAL VALUE 

Soy beans contain minerals and vitamins like sodium, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron and the Vitamin B group (thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, etc). They also have several amino acids that together make soy – uniquely among plants – a complete protein.

HEALTH BENEFITS

Good for the

lactose intolerant: Soy milk does not contain lactose, a kind of sugar that needs certain enzymes to be digestible. As we grow, many of us lose these enzymes and feel gassy and bloated for a few hours after drinking milk. This makes soy milk a good replacement for dairy.

Source of protein: For menopausal women and vegetarians who predominantly eat flour and potatoes, soy milk can be highly beneficial. Athletes drink soy milk when they

need to balance their meals with vegetarian options.

Good for nerves and bones: A deficiency of B vitamins leads to a burning sensation in the hands and soles of the feet. Vitamin B-rich soy milk can help alleviate this problem, particularly when supplemented with other Vitamin B-rich foods like fruits. Natural soy bean does have calcium, but unfortunately, the calcium is bound to the bean’s fibres and hence is not available for absorption by the human body. However, soy milk products are fortified with calcium. NOT FOR EVERYONE 

Some people may be intolerant to soy products, so be careful if you’ve never tried them before. The intolerance shows in uneasiness and allergies.

In some cases, soy products give rise to constipation, gas and indigestion.

Children under five years old should not be given soy products.

Women with cancer, specially oestrogen-related cancer, should avoid soy products.

People with liver problems or kidney failure should consult their physicians before consuming soy products.

• SHIKHA SHARMA HT1MAR15