Soy Milk VS Cow Milk: the Battle Rages
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, one in four US parents are choosing soy formula for their babies. However, the Academy still recommends good old cow’s milk over soy, though they do not claim that soy will cause health problems. Some experts disagree. And so the battle rages over which milk is better. Cow milk vs soy milk. In this article we will compare the nutritional quality of both milks as well as each of their health benefits.
Nutritional value of soy milk
Soy milk comes from crushed soy beans. It is combined with protein, water and oil. The following nutrients can be found in one cup of soy milk:
Soy milk contains high levels of vitamin B6. It also has 10 percent magnesium, phosphorous, and riboflavin. Finally, soy milk has 25 percent thiamin.
Nutritional value of cow milk
While one cup of whole milk contains no dietary fiber, it does have the following nutrients:
- 10 gram of carbohydrates
- 5 grams of saturated fat (about 25% of your 2,000 calorie daily diet)
- 35 grams of cholesterol (10% of daily value)
- 125 milligrams of sodium
- 8 gram of protein
- 30% of daily value of calcium
- 25% of daily value of vitamin D
Comparison of health benefits of soy milk vs regular milk
When comparing soy milk vs milk, it is easy to see that soy milk has no cholesterol, but also no calcium. Soy milk vs skim milk may make a better comparison when it comes to cholesterol since, according the US Food and Drug Administration, 25 grams of soy protein taken daily may lower cholesterol levels noticeably. Other significant benefits of soy milk include low saturated fat, a good amount of dietary fiber (about 10% of daily value), iron, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Cow milk outweighs soy milk in protein and phosphorous; benefits which can be preserved while eliminating the cholesterol with skim or low fat milk. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, regular dairy and calcium may contribute to the fight against colon cancer and osteoporosis.
When it comes to the nutritional value of baby formulas, both soy and cow milk formulas are very similar. Both types of formulas contain vitamins A, D, E, and K. The biggest differences can be found in their levels of protein and sugar.
Ultimately, breast milk is best for babies, but soy is a safe and healthy alternative for children who react negatively to lactose. There are no scientific or developmental reasons to avoid feeding soy milk to babies. Likewise, in adults, soy milk is a great alternative for lactose intolerant individuals, as well as anyone trying to lower their cholesterol. If protein, calcium, and vitamin D are key ingredients to your diet, then cow’s milk remains a premium choice as well.
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Filed under: Diet Tips, Health Tips | Tagged with: cow milk vs soy milk, soy milk vs cow milk, soy milk vs milk, soy milk vs regular milk, soy milk vs skim milk