SoyMilk Crossroads

Mothers of young babies often worry about what is best for the young ones. We know that breastfeeding is the healthiest choice for infants, but sometimes it’s not possible to breastfeed. Many mothers are torn about what to do instead. Is a milk-based formula better for baby, or is soy-based formula healthier?

Milk or Soy: Which is Healthier?

Milk-based formulas are undoubtedly more popular, but soy-based formulas are just as nutritious. Both contain the nutrients necessary for baby to grow big and strong. The main factors in this decision are baby’s tolerance of milk and the parents’ preferences.
 

Since dairy is a very common allergen, many babies have trouble digesting milk-based formulas. Soy-based formulas are then used as an alternative and are usually tolerated very well.

More Mothers are Choosing Soy

Some mothers use soy-based formula as a first choice, though, and this school of thought seems to be growing. There are new studies nearly every year about the harmful hormones in dairy and how they find their way into our children’s bodies. Parents are taking notice and keeping their children away from dairy in record numbers.

Life-long Benefits

Nutritionally, dairy and soy formulas are very close. Babies will not suffer drinking one formula over another. But some preliminary studies suggest that baby girls who are fed soy formula grow up into women who have a lowered incidence of breast cancer.
 

No matter what your reason is for choosing soy formula over dairy formula or breastfeeding, you can rest assured that your baby will thrive. You’re doing something positive for your baby today and you may even be setting him or her up for a lifetime of good health and sound nutritional choices.

If you’re counting calories these days and need to knock off some inches around the waist, you may want to take a look at soy foods.
 

A typical 8-ounce serving of tofu contains only 147 calories.  That’s 3 times less than an equal weight of eggs and about 5 times less than an equal weight of beef.

Calorie to Protein Ratio

One of the important factors that we need to look at when choosing foods for healthy dieting is the ratio of calories to protein.  Except for soybean sprouts, tofu has the lowest ratio of any other known plant food.  There are only 12 calories for each gram of usable protein in tofu.
 

If you prefer eating meat, the only animal foods with a lower ratio are certain fish and sea foods.

Counting Carbs

Are you counting carbs?  Tofu is also great for the starch-restricted diet.  That 8-ounce serving contains only 5 grams of carbohydrate.  That’s less than 7.5% of the daily recommended amount for adults.  At the same time, that serving will provide you with 27% of your daily protein requirements.
 

After comparing the numbers, you may want to start watching for some simple soy recipes.
 

Here’s a simple way to beef up some dressing and turn a boring diet lunch salad into something more substantial.

Salad with Tofu Dressing Recipe

• Block of Tofu
• Salad Dressing
• Lettuce leaves (the darker green, the higher in calcium)
• Tomatoes
• Cucumbers
• Sunflower Seeds
 

Mash up a small block of tofu in a bowl.  (If you’re new to this and haven’t starting making your own yet, you can buy a block in most health food stores.  Use only part of it, unless you want to make a large batch of dressing.  It’ll keep in the frig for a week.  We dieters eat lots of salads.)
 

Combine with the tofu some of that low-fat Caesar or Bleu Cheese dressing that you can find in any store; mix it well.  Note: Let this mixture chill for a while in the frig and the tofu will take on the flavor of the dressing.
 

Build a salad with lettuce leaves of your choice, some tomato wedges and cucumber slices, and then top it with your new tofu-dressing mixture.  For some added protein crunch, sprinkle raw sunflower seeds on top.
 

Now you have a low calorie, low carb, high protein, and vitamin packed salad for lunch.  Enjoy.

So you’ve decided to make the move to a healthier diet. You’ve cut out dairy and started eating more fresh fruits and veggies. You’ve even replaced the red meat in your diet with beans and tofu for plenty of protein and sustained energy. The only problem: your kids aren’t so easily convinced.

Start with the Familiar

You aren’t the first parent to lament their kids’ stubborn refusal to try tofu or anything else that looks remotely healthy. If you’re hoping to get them into the habit of eating better but need to start slow, try adapting recipes that they already know and love to include tofu.

Tofu Can Stand in For Yogurt

Smoothies and fruit dips can easily be made with tofu instead of yogurt. Blend together a block of silken tofu, some fresh strawberries, a dash of cinnamon, and a generous drizzle of maple syrup to make a delightful dip for apples and grapes. Or simply replace the yogurt or milk in a fruit smoothie with tofu (and a bit of water or soymilk if that makes it too thick).

Not-So-Sloppy JOes

To make sloppy joes, either mix up a homemade batch of sloppy joe sauce (if you’re lazy like me, you use thick spaghetti sauce) or purchase a can of the commercially-prepared stuff. Mash a block of tofu and fry it up with some onions and chopped bell peppers - maybe even some rice if you’ve got some sitting in the fridge - then combine with the sauce and serve on buns. It’s simple, fast, and if you’re lucky your kids will prefer the taste of tofu to greasy hamburger.

Grilling is a very simple but great way to enjoy tofu.
 

You’ll want to use firm tofu for grilling.  So when preparing the tofu in the mold make sure to use a fairly heavy weight.  Then allow it to set longer than usual under the weight.
 

Cut the finished tofu into 2″ thick pieces and press them again in towels, removing more liquid.
 

Marinate the tofu for 30 to 60 minutesin Teriyaki or your favorite steak sauce.  Grill the tofu slowly, basting it with the marinate.
 

Serve the grilled tofu topped with a Ketchup-Worcestershire Sauce.  (made by mixing 2 Tbsp Worcestershire Sauce with 1/4 cup ketchup)

By now you’ve learned plenty about the health benefits of soy and the great things that consuming soy milk and tofu can do for your body and mind. But if you’re feeling a little adventurous or just need a change, why not let your Soyabella soymilk maker give you a new experience?

Almond Milk Has a Long, Tasty History

Almond milk is just as easy to make as soy milk. And it’s not some new radical health food fad; its creamy, nutty taste has been prized for hundreds of years. Almond milk has fewer calories than soy milk or cow milk, making it ideal for those who are watching their weight. It can be made in a variety of flavors, but it tastes just as delicious when you drink it plain.

It’s Simply Delicious

Because almonds are high in calcium, almond milk is an excellent source of this important dietary element. Almond milk is also a great source of Vitamin E and is rich in protein. Using roasted almonds gives your almond milk a deep and toasty flavor. If you adhere to a raw foods diet, delicious almond milk can be made from raw almonds!

Use it in Place of Other Milks

Almond milk can be substituted for soy milk or dairy milk in just about any recipe. It’s very thin, so it may not be best for recipes that require a thick milk. Almond milk also tastes amazing poured over your cereal or into your morning coffee.
 

If you have a soy sensitivity of just want to try something new, almond milk is one of the most nutritious and tasty choices out there. And it’s so easy to make - you just can’t beat that!

The most common skin disease in the United States is acne.  An overwhelming 85% of all teens will find themselves dealing with acne at some point in their young life, and 20% of adults will continue to have active acne.
 

Acne seems to attack everyone, leaving no stone unturned.  It doesn’t matter if you’re male, female, or any color of the rainbow; odds are acne will visit you sometime in your life.  The cause for acne is an excess production of oil in the sebaceous glands. Although acne is treatable, only 11% of Americans actually seek some type of help. 

The Link between Food and Acne 

There is a studied link between the foods you eat and acne.  Refined carbohydrates and sugar both lead to a surge in insulin; this, in turn, leads to an increase in hormone levels.  This will then cause an excess in sebum or oil production in the glands.  Another culprit is caffeine, which will increase stress hormones and, in turn, increase sebum and bacteria growth.

Dairy and Red Meats

However, the most compelling evidence regarding diet and skin problems, and more specifically, acne, is the intake of dairy and red meats.  Ever heard the old saying, “you are what you eat?”  Well, the condition of the skin can ultimately be determined by the condition of your internal organs. 
 

Research has shown that one of the easiest ways for the body to relieve itself of harmful substances is through the skin.  It’s the body’s way of saying, “Yuck!”  Harmful animal proteins and fats that are hard to digest are basically discarded through the body’s defense mechanism resulting in acne. 

Soy and Skin… 

Soybeans and soy products are foods that are healthy and contain no cholesterol and very little fat.  The plant proteins in soy foods are very digestible and have been proven to actually aid the body in digestion, rather than prohibit it. 
 

Many people may experience a soy reaction when they first start eating soy foods and as a result sometimes acne or skin rashes may occur.  This is a natural reaction in people’s bodies and must not be confused with soy actually causing acne; just the contrary. 
 

When soy is taken for the first time, the body will activate its immune system and antibodies will be formed.  Therefore, the next time you eat soy, you will most likely not experience skin irritation.
 

In old Chinese folklore it was said that the women workers in the tofu industries always had the most beautiful skin, shiny and radiant, giving them their porcelain glow.  Even in the “Traditional Chinese Medicine Encyclopedia,” a naturalistic book of healing that is used in many countries; soybeans’ therapeutic benefits include smooth and healthy skin appearance. 

Skin care Products

Today, many cosmetic companies use soybean proteins, soybean oils, and soy lecithin in their skin care products.  These soybean compounds have been proven to condition the skin.  Studies show that the proteins and isoflavones found in soybeans help in inhibiting milanosome transfer, which is a direct cause of pigment reduction.
 

The health properties of the soybean seem to be boundless.  Whether you choose to eat soy foods for their healthy benefits or use a skin care line with soy proteins for the added glow, most evidence does support the fact that soy products are great for long-term health, and even your skin.

Heart disease is an ailment which afflicts millions of adults from all over the world. You do not need to be a medical expert to know that cholesterol is the number one culprit of heart disease – and this is exactly what soymilk will help you fight against.
 

In the mid-1990’s, clinical studies were performed which showed that soymilk helps lower your blood cholesterol level.  As a result, it helps reduce the risks of heart disease as well.
 

Since soymilk is made from soybeans which are the main source of soy protein – your LDL or ‘bad cholesterol’ level will be reduced.  To experience this health benefit, you should at least consume 40 grams of soy protein in one day. 
 

This may sound like a lot, but if you combine tofu, soymik and soy burger – you will get to have this many number of grams of soy protein in your diet.  If drinking a tall glass of soymilk is all that you can manage – that is still better than nothing. 
 

Remember that heart disease is a ‘traitorous’ ailment and every little bit of information about how it can be prevented helps.  If this means taking advantage of the health benefits of soy, then be it. 
 

I’ll go and grab my soymilk maker now and make myself a cup of rich, fresh tasting soymilk.

(photo source)
 

In the past several years it’s become common to hear news reports about the health benefits of dairy. It’s said to help you lose weight and build strong bones. Reports like that are so common, in fact, that many of us are worried about switching over to a non-dairy diet. We don’t want to develop osteoporosis or get fat, so should we all keep eating dairy to avoid these fates?

No Reason to Worry

Fortunately, avoiding dairy isn’t as dangerous as some would make it seem. In fact, it is perfectly possible - and even likely - to live a healthy and vibrant life with absolutely no dairy at all in your diet.
 

Here we’ll look at just a few of the advantages soy milk has over its dairy counterpart.
 

1. There are no artificial hormones in soy milk. In order to increase milk production, cows are given recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBGH). This substance finds its way into the cows’ milk - and eventually into your body. We don’t have to tell you that drinking bovine growth hormone isn’t exactly the most healthy thing you can do for yourself.
 

2. Soy milk can lower cholesterol and your risk of heart disease. By adding just 25 grams of soy protein per day to your diet, you may lower your bad cholesterol by up to 10 percent! This leads to a decreased risk of heart disease - which, you may have heard, kills more Americans each year than any other disease.
 

3. There is no lactose in soy milk. Approximately 75 percent of all people in the world cannot properly digest dairy. A “healthy” diet beverage that only one quarter of us can stomach? That doesn’t sound like health food. Only approximately one-half of one percent of the population is diagnosed with a soy allergy, making it much more easily tolerated than dairy.
 

4. The isoflavones in soy milk deliver a powerful health punch. These compounds can protect us from certain types of cancer, ease menopause symptoms, and increase bone health.
 

5. Soy milk contains the prized omega-3 fatty acids, which are credited with increased brain function. Preliminary studies have shown that soy foods may even help to slow the onset or worsening of Alzheimer’s symptoms.
 

6. It’s a kinder environmental choice. If you are concerned with the environment or the welfare of animals, soy is an obviously superior choice to dairy.
 

Now that you know all of the amazing things soy can do, get out there and drink your soy milk! Making your own at home is easy and affordable, and you’ll be doing a fantastic favor for yourself.

It’s well-known that diet is the largest controllable factor in being and staying healthy. The foods that we choose to eat go a long way toward improving or degrading our health. A diet that is rich in whole foods, fresh fruits and vegetables, and low in saturated fat and cholesterol can help to prevent many diseases.
 
Adding soy to your diet is a great way to increase your dietary fiber, get a dose of healthy soy protein, and improve the health of your digestive system. Although more long-term studies are needed, preliminary studies have shown that consuming soy products can reduce the risk of some types of cancers.

The Role of Diet in Colon Cancer

Today, colon cancer is the third most prevalent type of cancer. Doctors believe that part of the reason for its high incidence is the lack of roughage in our diets. Most of us don’t eat enough fiber, so the harmful substances we eat sit in our intestines longer than they should.
 
Cancer-causing substances can leach into our systems from there. The solution is to eat a diet that is high in fiber and soy products. Fiber helps flush out the negative substances, and soy protein provides valuable protection against colon cancer. Studies have shown that diets rich in soy protein are likely to cut down on the incidence and/or severity of colon cancer.

One Simple Step to Reduce Your Risk of Colon Cancer

Adding soy to your diet is such a simple thing to do. And adding just one soy food per day may have a measurable effect on your colon health. Whether it’s a serving of tofu, a glass of soy milk, or a handful of soy nuts, the soy protein that you eat today could lead to improved health and a smaller risk of colon cancer tomorrow.

Soy milk is fast becoming the milk of choice for the more health-conscious generation of today. 

Soy Milk Fans 

Now, if you are a fan of this health drink, how can you do your share in helping save the environment while drinking soymilk? You can buy your very own soymilk maker and do your share in the ‘clean and green’ campaign with the following:
 

• First, you can stop buying soymilk from cans, plastic and cardboard containers.  When you have your very own soymilk maker at home, all you need to have is the raw ingredients and a tall glass or a big mug to pour your soymilk in!
 

•  Second, you can recycle the byproduct of soymilk which is the pulp – by converting it into a baking ingredient that is also high in fiber.
 

• Third, soybeans – the mother product of soymilk – replenish the Earth’s soil instead of depleting it. 
 

• Finally, you can help with the world’s growing problem of food shortage by producing your own milk –all with the help of a nifty kitchen gadget called the soymilk maker.