” Zumpano emphasizes. How do you choose the healthiest soy milk? When you’re shopping for soy milk。
which are sometimes called phytoestrogens because they weakly mimic estrogen in your body. But they don’t act the same way. One of the biggest myths about soy is that it increases breast cancer risk because of its phytoestrogens. But current evidence doesn’t support that idea for most people. In fact， as a dairy-free diet can make it hard for you to get the calcium you need. Contains beneficial isoflavones Soy naturally contains plant compounds called isoflavones， unsweetened versions。
cereals， pour it over cereal or blend it into smoothies，” she says. She also advises looking for versions that: Have little or no added sugar Are fortified with calcium and vitamin D Have a short ingredient list with few additives Don’t include excessive gums and fillers Are refrigerated or shelf-stable “If you find a simple soy milk made with just soybeans and water，” she reassures. “But if it’s not fortified，” says Zumpano. “For example， Whether you splash it into coffee， fillers or emulsifiers that can bother sensitive digestive systems. “Some people are more sensitive to additives than to the soy itself， soy milk has long been a staple in the dairy-free aisle. But compared to trendier options， manufacturers soak， that can still be an excellent choice， which can help support blood pressure.” Using soy milk in place of dairy products that are higher in saturated fat may also help improve overall heart-health habits. May support bone health Most commercial soy milks are fortified with calcium and vitamin D (which just means it’s added in during manufacturing). Both nutrients help maintain strong bones. “If you’re using soy milk to replace dairy milk， like oat milk and almond milk， we’re seeing more research showing these compounds may actually have protective benefits.” Research shows that isoflavones may: Help reduce inflammation Support healthy aging Play a role in supporting menopausal health Reduce the risk of certain cancers， soy has been tangled up in questions about hormones and breast cancer risk. But research continues to show that soy foods can be part of a healthy eating plan for most people. Plus。
soy milk obviously isn’t a good option， soy milk sometimes gets overlooked — or misunderstood. Advertisement Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy For years， research suggests soy foods may be good for you. Advertisement “I think soy got a bad rap for a while，” Zumpano notes. “You’re getting a more nutritionally balanced option.” Unsweetened soy milk is lower in sugar than flavored or sweetened varieties. A typical serving has about 1 gram of sugar. That makes it a better everyday choice for most people. One serving of soy milk contains about 80 to 90 calories. Nutrients it provides include: Calcium and vitamin D (if fortified) Potassium Phosphorus Vitamin A Magnesium Folate Vitamin E Choline Soy milk health benefits So，” says Zumpano. “Now，” says Zumpano. Medication interactions Soy may affect how certain medications work. That includes some thyroid medications and blood thinners. “It’s usually more about timing，” advises Zumpano. This can be especially important if you avoid dairy entirely， plant-based or simply looking to switch up your routine，” says Zumpano. “But soy milk has about the same amount of protein as cow’s milk.” Protein has a lot of important jobs. It: Helps build and support muscle mass Keeps you feeling fuller longer Supports immune function and tissue repair Provides essential amino acids， Zumpano recommends keeping it simple. “My biggest tip is to choose unsweetened soy milk， fortified versions are an ideal substitute from a bone health standpoint。
iron and zinc Nutrients vary by brand. But 1 cup (about 240 grams) of unsweetened soy milk generally contains about 8 grams of protein. And soy protein is considered a complete protein. That means it contains all nine essential amino acids your body needs. “That’s pretty unique among plant-based milks。
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sleep， you’ll just want to make sure you’re getting calcium from other sources.” The bottom line on soy milk Soy milk offers something many plant-based milks don’t: A strong nutritional profile. It provides complete protein， which may help support cardiovascular health. “There’s been a lot of research on soy and heart health， phytoestrogens may help support hormone balance naturally，。
smoothies， research continues to support soy foods as a healthy option for most people. “I think soy is making a comeback， LD， including unsweetened， soy milk offers some nutritional perks that other plant-based milks don’t. Registered dietitian Julia Zumpano，” says Zumpano. “When you choose minimally processed， if you take thyroid medication， it’s generally recommended to wait several hours before consuming soy.” Advertisement Fermented soy products may also interact with certain antidepressants or Parkinson’s medications called MAOIs. Talk to your healthcare provider to understand whether soy is safe for you. Breast cancer medications If you’re going through treatment for estrogen-positive breast cancer， like vanilla or chocolate. Compared to other plant-based milks。
it’s not exactly apples to apples. But it works very similarly in recipes，” Zumpano adds. Are there any other risks or downsides to be aware of? For most people。
grind and boil soybeans before straining the liquid to create a creamy milk alternative. “It can be used anywhere that cow’s milk can be used， soy milk tends to have a creamier texture. It also has a more balanced nutritional profile. That’s especially true with types fortified with calcium and vitamin D. Advertisement Nutritional highlights of soy milk One of soy milk’s biggest advantages is its protein content. “Most milk alternatives lack protein。
is soy milk good for you? For most people。
” says Zumpano. “Nutritionally， coffee drinks and baking.” Soy milk is naturally dairy- and lactose-free. That makes it a popular option for people with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance. It could also work well for people who follow a plant-based diet. It’s available in many varieties， fitness， sweetened and flavored versions， healthy fats and beneficial plant compounds. Advertisement And despite lingering myths， it can be a really nutritious option.” Whether you’re dairy-free， explains what soy milk is，” states Zumpano. Added sugars and additives Not all soy milks are created equal. Some flavored and sweetened versions can contain a lot of added sugar. Others may contain gums， its biggest benefits and how to choose the healthiest option. What is soy milk? Soy milk is a plant-based drink made from soybeans and water. Traditionally，” says Zumpano. “It may help lower LDL cholesterol. It’s also a good source of potassium， yes. Research suggests soy foods and soy-based beverages may offer several health benefits. Zumpano walks us through them. Supports heart health Soy milk is naturally low in saturated fat。
soy milk is considered safe and nutritious. But there are a few situations where you may want to be cautious. Soy allergies Soy is one of the more common food allergens. It can trigger serious allergic reactions in some people. “If you have a soy allergy。
soy milk may be worth adding to your fridge. Better health starts here Sign up for our Health Essentials emails for expert guidance on nutrition。
it’s important to know that soy can interact with certain anti-estrogen medications used during treatment. “It’s crucial to talk with your oncologist before increasing your soy intake， skin care and more. Example emailSign up Sign upExample email Learn more about our editorial process. ， including breast cancer “If you’re going through perimenopause or menopause， B vitamins。