Soya milk has always been known as a healthier alternative to dairy milk due to the various health benefits it provides. It has been proven to prevent heart diseases and is helpful in alleviating menopause symptoms too. However, a number of studies have shown that extensive use of soya milk can be more harmful than beneficial for the human body!
Soya milk helps boost estrogen levels in the body due to which it works as an effective solution for post-menopausal issues in women. However, this action of soya milk can affect the body’s normal estrogen production. This can lead to an increase in the risk of breast and uterine cancers before women reach menopause.
Soya milk has isoflayones phytochemicals, the same compound that affects the estrogen levels in the female body. In males, this compound affects the level of testosterone, decreasing it drastically. The decrease in the testosterone levels leads to a lowered sex drive in men, which could lead to problems in their reproductive health.
Research has revealed that soya milk consumption can block the production of the enzymes that the body needs for carrying out digestion properly. Soya milk is rich in protein. It also contains substances that inhibit protein digestion. This can lead to troubles like bloating, constipation and indigestion.
The undigested proteins (those from soya milk) in the body, tend to break down into a mucous-like coating on the intestines and eventually makes the digestion process slower. This can also affect the working of the respiratory system as the mucous tends to cover the respiratory tract as well. If this situation continues to persist over a long time, it can lead to troubles like sinus, asthma, colds and irritable bowel syndrome.
Soya milk contains phytic acid, which can prevent the absorption of crucial minerals, such as magnesium, calcium, iron and zinc in the body. The lack of these minerals can lead to serious issues with the passage of time.
According to research, the consumption of soya milk can affect the absorption of iron in the human body. The lack of minerals like iron in the body can lead to fatigue, heightened heart rate, heavy breathing and even anemia.
Soya milk consumption can also affect the functioning of the thyroid gland as it contains isoflayones that can deplete the iodine levels in the body. Lack of iodine affects the functioning of the thyroid gland. This can lead to conditions, such as hypothyroidism. Hence, it is advised to keep a check on the thyroid levels in the body once you start consuming soya milk regularly.
Soya milk is mostly recommended to people who have high cholesterol levels as soya can lower the total and LDL cholesterols. However, there are mixed reviews whether it is really effective in reducing the risk of heart diseases due to this property. While many users found soya milk useful for bringing down their cholesterol levels, there were quite a few others who didn’t benefit from it at all.
Many people feed their babies with soya milk or with soya-based formula milk; however, it can have adverse effects on the babies’ health. Research has revealed that feeding this milk to female babies can lead to more breast tissue by the age of two. It has also been learnt that such female babies can reach puberty at an earlier age and that their menstrual cycles could be longer and painful that those who consume normal dairy milk or formula. This is one of the most dangerous side effects of soya milk consumption that one should beware of.
Soya has high amounts of manganese, which can increase the risk of ADHD and neurological issues in children. Also, those babies who are fed soya-based formula milk are at a higher risk as the high amount of aluminium on soya milk can affect their health adversely.
Soy milk is a blessing for people who are lactose intolerant. But it does not come without a cost! If you are planning on adding soya milk in your diet, think twice, do your research, and don’t forget to discuss with your doctor about soy milk benefits and side effects!
Do you consume soya milk? Have you ever noticed any of these soya milk side effects? Tell us about your experience in the comments section below.