Rice Milk Vs. Soy Milk

People often resort to dairy milk alternatives, for various reasons. While some people are lactose intolerant, some others are allergic to milk. There are some, who need a vegan substitute for milk or are simply averse to milk. Most of them are found to opt for dairy milk substitutes like almond milk, soy milk, rice milk, etc. As the name suggests, almond milk is made from almonds, soy milk is from soy beans and rice milk is from rice. As we all know, almond milk is the best, but, can be expensive. Then, which is better - rice milk or soy milk?

Differences Between Rice Milk and Soy Milk

Soy milk is made from soaked soybeans that are pureed and boiled with water. This mixture is filtered and used as soy milk. Rice milk is prepared through a special pressing process. Rice, especially, brown rice is passed through a mill stream, where it is pressed and rice milk is strained out. Rice milk is thinner than soy milk with an almost translucent consistency. While, soy milk is available in a wide range of flavors, in both sweetened and unsweetened versions, unsweetened rice milk is the commonly available form. This is the basic difference between rice milk and soy milk. But, you may not be able to choose between them, with the help of this information only. So, here are some guidelines.

• As in case of dairy milk that can cause health problems in people with milk allergy or lactose intolerance, soy milk can also result in similar problems, in people, who are allergic to soy products. Allergic reactions are very rare in case of rice milk consumption.
• As far as the nutritional values are concerned, soy milk is much more valued than rice milk. Even though, both contain very low amounts of fat and no cholesterol, rice milk has almost zero amount of protein, as compared to soy milk.
• Even though, it is fortified with calcium and certain other vitamins, rice milk cannot be an ideal substitute for daily milk, as far as the nutritional values are concerned. But, both are not recommended as a substitute for dairy milk in babies, especially, those below the age of two.
• Rice milk being high in carbohydrate levels, is not suitable for those who are on a low carbohydrate diet. Both soy milk and rice milk are said to be effective in lowering high cholesterol levels.
• However, there are some health concerns about the use of both rice and soy milk. Most of the brands are found to have high sugar content. Another contention is that ready-made soy milk and rice milk is found to have polyunsaturated vegetable oils, that are said to cause an imbalance of essential fatty acids in the body. You must also try to understand more about soy milk and rice milk dangers.
• The effect of soy estrogen on the body is a much debated topic, as health experts have divided views over its so-called benefits and disadvantages. According to some researchers, soy milk estrogen is beneficial for women with hormonal imbalance and menopause symptoms. But, on the other hand, it has also been claimed that this estrogen can play havoc with the hormonal balance and is linked with conditions like hypothyroidism and breast cancer.

Now, you have a basic understanding about the various aspects of rice milk vs. soy milk. While both are good options as alternatives to dairy milk, you may not get the required nutrients from the former. If you are someone with soy allergy, then, rice milk is perfect for you. If you have milk allergy or lactose intolerance, then, rice milk or soy milk can be used. But, rice milk has only traces of protein, so, you must include other sources of protein in your diet. To conclude, soy milk side effects and benefits is still a much debated subject. There is no such controversies with regard to rice milk. But, it is said that commercial rice milk contains traces of arsenic that is not healthy for babies, if given in large amounts. If you can afford, almond milk can be the best alternative to both soy milk and rice milk (as well as dairy milk). Otherwise, you may also use both rice milk and soy milk alternately. If you have enough time, go for homemade soy milk and rice milk. You may also seek the opinion of a health expert, regarding these products.