Why is soy milk the best milk of all?

A new study analyzes the four most commonly consumed types of plant-based milks around the world. Almond milk, soy milk, rice milk and coconut milk. Compare all its nutritional values ​​with those of cow’s milk. The researchers compared the sugar-free versions in all cases and the figures below are based on a 240 ml serving.

Soy milk – the most balanced nutritional profile

• It has many health benefits related to the anti-cancer properties of phytonutrients known as isoflavones.
• It has been a substitute for cow’s milk for 4 decades.
• Concerns, however, are the taste and the presence of antinutrients. These are substances that reduce nutrient intake and digestion.

Rice milk – sweet taste and relatively little nutrition

• A great alternative for patients with soy or almond allergy problems.
• Concerns apart from the high carbohydrate content, is that consumption of rice milk without proper care can cause malnutrition, especially in babies.

Coconut milk – no protein and few calories, but most of them come from the fat it contains

• Widely consumed in Asia and South America
• Its consumption can help reduce levels of low-density lipoproteins (bad cholesterol) that are associated with cardiovascular diseases.
• Nutritional values ​​decrease if stored for more than 2 months.

Almond Milk – Needs complementary food sources to provide essential nutrients

• Almonds are high in monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) which are considered useful for losing weight and/or controlling it. MUFA also helps reduce low-density lipoproteins (bad cholesterol).

Cow’s milk

• A complete and healthy food that provides all the main nutrients, such as fats, carbohydrates and proteins.
• It can help provide a wide range of defense proteins because it has many antimicrobial effects. (For example, one study shows that, for babies, drinking cow’s milk significantly reduces the risk of fever and respiratory infections.)
• But the presence of various pathogens such as Salmonella spp and Escherichia coli O157: H7 in milk has been associated with disease outbreaks around the world. After cow’s milk, which is still the most nutritious, soy milk turns out to be the best plant-based option. The researchers add that more work needs to be done to understand the effects of various processing methods on the nutritional profile, flavor and texture of these alternative milks. And yet, with this research we have more recommendations for our patients.