Soybean Beverage - Ingredients, Variants, Properties, Applications

Soybeans, as legumes, are part of the botanical plant family. The same group also includes lentils, chickpeas, beans, peas, and beans. It is a group of plants that is particularly important from a nutritional perspective and due to the role it plays in agriculture. Legumes provide nutrients such as plant proteins, mineral nutrients, vitamins, and fiber. Protein is a key component of seeds. In Poland, the most protein from available crops is obtained from soybeans (35-42%), which is why it is often used in our country as a food source instead of soy-based soy products.

Soy milk primarily consists of metabolically active albumins and soy globulins that serve as a reserve in our body. Interestingly, the proteins in soybeans are only slightly different in nutritional value from meat protein, chicken egg or cow's milk. Soy milk contains a protein content comparable to that of cow's milk - 3.5%. Soy protein consists mainly of metabolically active albumins and soy globulins that serve as a reserve in our body. Among the plants of the soybean family, the best amino acid composition is found in soybeans. Soy protein is distinguished by a higher share of lysine and threonine. However, the nutritional value of soy milk is limited by an inadequate content of amino acids such as methionine and cystine. It does not significantly differ in terms of the content of other macronutrients, as it contains about 2% fat and 2.9% carbohydrates. Since soy milk, as the name suggests, is made from soybeans, it is characterized by a very high content of fatty acids. The lipid content in seeds ranges from 0.5% to 2%, depending on the variety. Notably, even around 50% of the fatty acids found in soybeans are polyunsaturated linoleic acid. In addition, there is also noteworthy alpha-linolenic acid, which belongs to the omega-3 family. Soybean seeds, and thus also soy milk, also contain phytosterols. Soy milk is also one of the richest sources of phytoestrogens in the human diet. Notable are also the vitamins and elements found in it, such as: - vitamin A, - vitamin B1, - vitamin B2, - vitamin B6, - vitamin B12, - vitamin C, - vitamin D, - vitamin E, - zinc, - potassium, - iron, - iodine, - magnesium, - phosphorus, - calcium. Comparison of the composition of cow's milk with organic soy milk (values given per 100 g of product) 6.67.

Soy milk, as well as soybeans and other soy products, possess a range of health benefits, including: - Due to its high content of linoleic acid, soy milk improves blood lipid profile and lowers the level of unwanted fractions of LDL cholesterol; - The high level of alpha-linolenic acid in soy milk is also recommended for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases; - Scientific studies confirm that phytoestrogens found in soy milk can reduce the risk of cancer; - In Asian countries, where soy and soy products are commonly consumed, there are significantly fewer cases of cancer; - Similar compounds also play a crucial role in reducing the risk of heart and circulatory diseases; - Soy milk does not increase the amount of gastric acid, which can cause stomach and duodenal ulcers in excessive amounts; - The protein found in soy milk can also alleviate symptoms of menopause in women of middle age; - Regular consumption of soy and its processed products, including soy milk, can also reduce the negative effects of increased testosterone levels in men; - Isoflavones found in soy and its processed products can also limit the risk of osteoporosis.

Soy beverage can be utilized as a supplement to coffee, breakfast cereals, muesli, fruit cocktails, edibles, and numerous other products. The application of soy beverage as a replacement for cow's milk is primarily recommended for individuals who are unable to process lactose. This beverage can also be consumed by those adhering to vegetarian or vegan lifestyles, as it is a plant-based product, high in energy, and fortified with full protein and vitamins, thereby reducing the negative effects of deficiencies.

Regrettably, there are also drawbacks to consuming soy milk. Significant quantities of this product can limit the absorption of iodine by the thyroid gland in individuals suffering from hypothyroidism. Nevertheless, no substantial correlation has been discovered in healthy individuals who adhere to a balanced diet. The detrimental impact of isoflavones present in soy milk on the thyroid gland may also be linked to insufficient sodium intake with relatively high intake of anti-friendly compounds, disturbed digestive system operation (impaired absorption), liver issues, and immune system dysfunction. Long-term consumption of considerable amounts of soy can potentially result in allergies. There are also perspectives suggesting that consuming soy products can lead to a substantial decrease in testosterone levels, which can result in reduced fertility, decreased sperm motility, and even damage to their DNA. There is also a possibility of erectile dysfunction. However, these conclusions have not been substantiated by scientific research, hence they should be approached with a degree of skepticism.

The best choice is to independently make homemade soy milk at home. This way, we can ensure that our milk is fresh, natural, and retains as many nutrients as possible. To prepare the soy drink, we need about 0.5 kg of raw soybeans and water. First, the soybeans must be thoroughly washed under cold water and then placed in a bowl and covered with cold water. Make sure that the water covers all the beans, more can be added as the beans will be fully soaked. Let the bowl with the beans sit for at least 12 hours and then drain the excess liquid. Rinse the beans under running water and place them in a pot with 3 liters of water. Cook the mixture for about 30 minutes after the water has come to a boil. Let the mixture cool down. Then blend the beans with water and strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into glass bottles. This way, the homemade milk substitute can be used as a replacement for cow's milk and added to coffee, cereal, pudding, fruit-milk cocktails, and many other dishes.