Soy Supplement

Major difference

The great difference between the two of them is that soy milk is obtained from a plant, while cow milk comes from… you guessed, an animal.

Lactose-free Cow Milk and Soy Milk

Some people have lactose intolerance, thus they’re switching to lactose-free milk. The trouble with doing so is that it isn’t really all that lactose-free to begin with. Actually, it contains an ingredient that breaks down natural sugar, thus leaving the milk just 70 or 99% lactose free. Soy milk clearly takes the lead here, as it is 100% lactose free.

Mineral and vitamins differences between Cows milk and Soy milk

Calcium

Calcium can be hardly found in natural soy milk. Fortified formulas have added in calcium, yet still it falls about 100mg short – per 8 ounce glass – than cows milk.

Phosphorus

Soy milk has about half of the phosphorus found in cows milk. Phosphorus is essential for all living cells and despite it being present in practically all the cells of our bodies, 85% is found in teeth and bones. Since Americans are believed to be taking in too much phosphorus, the lower amount that soy milk contains is beneficial.

Vitamin A

While just cows milk contains vitamin A, it’s not to be found there naturally, it was added in. The dairy industry likes to show this as an asset, but in fact, Americans can easily obtain enough vitamin A from their diets and/or vitamin supplements.

Riboflavin

Cows milk has about twice as more riboflavin (B2) than soy milk does. Riboflavin is a substance that is water soluble and thus must be continuously replenished. For obtaining Riboflavin, cows milk is a great source and so are nuts, green leaf vegetables and whole grains.

Saturated fat, fatty acids

This is a huge argument – cows milk has close to nine times more saturated fats than soy milk does. What’s even more, soy milk has ten times more fatty acids (which help protect the heart) than cows milk, making it preferred by people that have cardiac issues.

General health benefits of Soy over Cows milk

Soy contains flavones. These, along with exercise and a healthy diet help lower the LDL type cholesterol, which is in fact raised by cows milk. This makes soy milk a great alternative for people suffering high cholesterol.

Another edge soy milk has over cows milk is that plant proteins are far easier to digest on most people’s systems. Soy milk is very poor in Sodium, which elevates blood pressure, making soy milk ideal for people with high blood pressure levels and anyone on a low sodium diet.