Studies indicate that consuming soy milk may lower the likelihood of developing heart disease.

A recent study suggests that soy milk may positively impact heart health.

A study from the University of Toronto discovered that consuming soy milk can decrease blood pressure and blood lipids, both of which are associated with an increased risk of heart disease.

The research, published in BMC Medicine and funded by the Soy Nutrition Institute Global and the United Soybean Board, examined 17 randomized control trials and 19 outcomes to establish the health effects of soy consumption.

The study found that soy milk led to a moderate decrease in non-HDL cholesterol, which is commonly referred to as "bad" cholesterol, as well as lower blood pressure and milder inflammation.

Cow's milk and soy milk did not differ in terms of other health-related outcomes such as glycemic control and kidney function.

According to an SNI press release, most soy milk is classified as "ultra-processed" and has been criticized for containing added sugar.

The analysis showed that soy milk with added sugar had similar health benefits to soy milk without added sugar, according to the release.

According to lead study author Madeline Erlich, PhD, this discovery was the most surprising to the research team.

The analysis results indicate that both sweetened and unsweetened soy milk can enhance heart health in adults by reducing blood pressure and cholesterol levels without impacting inflammation markers, as stated in an email to Planet Chronicle Digital.

Can soy milk, a nutrient-dense, plant protein food, be included in a heart-healthy diet despite being categorized as "ultra-processed"?

Despite the lack of scientific consensus on the definition of ultra-processed foods, one in three Americans is now acquainted with the term.

"Numerous ultra-processed foods are highly acclaimed by various global food classification systems."

Ilana Muhlstein, a registered dietitian and nutritionist based in Los Angeles, believes that soy deserves a better reputation.

Soybean oil, which is genetically modified and heavily processed in America, is mass-marketed in ultra-processed foods that can increase the risk of inflammatory diseases and diabetes, as she stated in a conversation with Planet Chronicle Digital.

Edamame, organic tofu, tempeh, and unsweetened soy milk are all excellent sources of plant-based protein for a healthy diet, according to Muhlstein.

She stated that none of these foods are ultra-processed because they are all nutrient-dense with protein, fiber, calcium, and phytonutrients.

Soy milk has been found to have cancer-preventative properties, according to Muhlstein, although the latest research emphasized its heart-benefiting features.

Soy milk vs. cow's milk

Dr. Mark Messina, SNI's global director of nutrition science and research, emphasized the importance of comprehending the health effects of plant-based milks, as their composition varies.

According to a recent analysis, soy milk, whether with or without added sugar, offers benefits for cardiometabolic health, as stated in a message sent to Planet Chronicle Digital.

He stated that soy milk is the only plant milk that can serve as a suitable substitute for cow's milk, in accordance with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

Soy milk has comparable levels of protein, calcium, and vitamin D to cow's milk, and it contains less saturated fat, according to SNI.

According to the institute, the total sugar content in most soy milks is approximately 60% lower than in cow's milk.

Soy milk is the "only nutritionally suitable alternative to cow's milk" that can provide "high-quality protein similar to animal protein," as Erlich agreed.

The amount of soy protein in a cup of soy milk is comparable to that in cow's milk, she pointed out.

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), consuming 25 grams or more of soy protein per day as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol has been linked to a reduced risk of coronary heart disease.