Itsun Housewares Industrial Co., Ltd

What is Soy Milk?<br />
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Soy milk is a protein-rich drink made from soy beans that is often used as an alternative to cow's milk in Western countries and is also consumed throughout Asia. Soy milk is also called soya milk, soy drink, soy juice adn soybean milk. The drink is made by soaking cooked soy beans in water and then grinding and pressing the soy beans into liquid form.<br />
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History<br />
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Soy milk dates back to ancient China, where depictions of the beverage are found in art. According to Chinese legend, Liu An, a Chinese prince who lived from 179 to 122 B.C., created soy milk for medicinal purposes. Historians say evidence of this tale does not exist, although they agress that soy milk did originate in China. Soy milk has become widespread in the West and is especially popular with vegetarians. It is often used as milk substitute.<br />
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Types<br />
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Soy milk commonly comes in chocolate, vanilla and original(plain) flavors. Soy milk can be sweetened or unsweetened and is also available in a salty form in China. It is often used as a milk substitute for coffee drinks and health shakes. <br />
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Features<br />
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Soy milk is high in protein and iron and is a creamy liquid that can be substituted for cow's milk in recipes adn when drinking. Some people give soymilk to infants instead of cow's milk, but soy milk does not contain the high amount of calcium-fortified formulas. Soy milk can be curdled to make tofu, which is similar to the process of using milk to maker cheese.<br />
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Benefits<br />
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Many people drink soy milk as an alternative to cow's milk becasue they are lactose intolerant, and many others drink soy milk for the health benefits. Because it is made form beans, soy milk is high in protein and fiber and also isoflavones, which offer many health benefits. Isoflavones are antioxidants that help prevent cancer, heart disease and osteoporosis. Soy milk also contains some fat (slightly more than 2 percent cow's milk), but it is not high in cholesterol like cow's milk. <br />
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Theories/Speculation<br />
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Soy milk does not contain as much calcium as cow's milk, so consumers should include calcium in other areas of their diets if they are drinking soy milk instead of dairy milk. Another potential health risk of soy is that it may cause thyroid problems. The isoflavones in soy impact thyroid functions, but to what extent is still under debate. Some studies, such as one study conducted by Cornell University in New York on infants exposed to large amounts of isoflavones, have fo-und that too much soy can damage the thyroid and cause autoimmune disease.