Dairy milk has been an integral part of Indian households for generations, whether in tea or in desserts; it is, in a way, synonymous with a daily diet. In recent years, however, more and more Indians have started veering towards soy milk for drinking. It can be for health reasons, ethical concerns, or changes in lifestyle, but the demand for soy milk in India is increasing.
Before going into the reasons that are making the pay switch and comparison of soy milk against dairy, let us understand what soy milk is.
What is Soy Milk?
Soy milk refers to a drink produced from soybeans. It involves soaking beans, grinding them, boiling them, and finally straining everything, resulting in smooth liquid soy milk. It is one of those plant milks, which is usually consumed as a substitute for dairy, mostly consumed by people who are allergic to lactose or choose a vegan diet.
Soy milk is rich in protein and contains almost all essential nutrients in good amounts, such as calcium, iron, and vitamin B12. Soy milk is mildly nutty flavored and is available in sweetened and plain varieties. With some brands, it is also fortified by the addition of other nutrients to make it as wholesome as possible, like dairy milk.
Why Do More Indians Prefer Soy Milk?
Lactose Intolerance is Quite Common among Indians
Lactose intolerance is a condition in which the body is unable to properly digest lactose, the sugar in dairy. Many Indians face symptoms like bloating, stomach pain, and indigestion when they consume dairy products. Soy milk contains no lactose, thus making it an easy and healthy option for people suffering from this condition.
More Healthy Choices for Many
Soy milk is a healthy drink as it is cholesterol-free by nature and has less saturated fat than dairy milk. A heart-friendly drink, it helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels and has often been adopted by many people for the soy dose, rich in protein, which promotes the growth of muscle and overall health.
Good for Vegan and Plant-Based Diets
Ethical and environmentalist reasons are inspiring a growing number of Indians to use plant-based diets. Since soy milk comes straight from plants, it is a proper substitute for dairy for vegans. In addition, it is in accordance with Ayurvedic principles that promote plant-based eating for better digestion and health as well.
Environmentally Friendly Choice
Soy milk proves a much lesser environmental impact while coming up with production vis-a-vis dairy milk. More land, more water, and more resources are needed by dairy for producing milk than it does for soy. Houses greenhouse gas emissions, too, from the dairy industry. Thus, using soy milk helps lessen the carbon footprints of consumers and promotes sustainability.
Nutritional Comparison: Soy Milk Versus Dairy Milk
Soy milk and dairy milk have their own benefits. However, let's compare them according to their nutrition-related health effects.
Protein Content
Soy milk is as rich as dairy milk, though plant-based protein is usually more easily digested by some people. Soy milk provides about 7-8 grams of protein in one cup, just as dairy milk does.
Calcium as well as Bone Health
Dairy milk has a large amount of naturally occurring calcium, important for strong bones and teeth. Some brands of soy milk available in India are fortified with calcium, which makes them as effective as dairy milk for enhancing bone health.
Fat and Cholesterol Levels
Dairy milk, particularly full-cream milk, contains saturated fats along with cholesterol and is sometimes accused of causing heart disease after a while. Soy milk, on the other hand, has no cholesterol and possesses the healthy type of unsaturated fats; thus, it is a better option for the well-being of the heart.
Hormones and Allergy
Most people pay great attention to the hormonal effects of dairy milk in the area of commercial farming practices. Some of these dairy animals are given hormones to increase milk production, and these are believed to have some effects on humans. On the contrary, soy milk is free from added hormones. On this note, some people are allergic to dairy proteins; however, they can consume soy milk without any issue.
To Wrap Up
Many Indians have ditched dairy milk for soy milk nowadays for various reasons: health benefits, environmental concern, and personal dietary preference. Soy milk proves to be very healthy and resource-friendly and also fits the busy modern lifestyle. Being lactose intolerant, vegan, or just looking for a healthy option, soy milk is good for all.
For the best soy milk in India, choose 1.5 Degree. Their premium quality plant-based soy milk contains top-notch ingredients. They make their soy milk high in protein and fortify it with nutrients and not any kind of unsafe additives. Switch to a healthier lifestyle today with 1.5 Degree soy milk!
