Skim Milk Vs. Soy Milk

Soy milk's recent popularity is attributed to it being the preferred choice for people who are lactose intolerant or those suffering from milk related allergies. However, do we really understand what is soy milk and its benefits over skimmed cow's milk. Well before we can launch into a great debate of skim milk vs. soy milk, let us understand what each of them actually mean.

Soy Milk
Soy milk is extracted from soybeans. These commonly used soy product is made by soaking soybeans and then grinding them with water. The resulting fluid after straining is called soy milk which is actually a stable emulsion of oils, water and protein. Most people can try doing it at home with simple kitchen tools or can purchase a soy milk machine. Having originated in China, this milk has a weird "beany" taste which can be removed by correct processing. In western markets there is a prevalence of vanilla and chocolate flavored soy milk which is believed to be fortified by extra vitamins and calcium. Soy milk has been found to be beneficial to people who are lactose intolerant and also been known to contain less saturated fats. In addition to this, soy milk is also known to prevent cancer, heart disease and osteoporosis.

Skim Milk
Skim milk is actually cow milk from which fat has been removed by a process known as skimming. This is done by letting the milk settle and then skimming off the fat from the surface. The residual product is believed to be high in proteins and virtually fat free. The modern process of skimming involves using centrifuges in which the milk is spun around inside a big stainless steel tank which process helps separate the fat which is then drained off. Also labeled as fat free milk, skim milk has less than 0.5 percent milk fat. The low-fat variant of semi-skimmed milk contains 1 to 2 percent of fat (Whole cows milk has around 3.5 percent fat in a 1 cup serving). In contrast to the 91 calories in skim milk, whole milk contains around 147 calories.

Difference Between Soy Milk and Skim Milk

Vegan Considerations: Since soy milk is a complete plant-based extract and does not come from an animal it is a good supplement to a vegan diet in place of milk. It is thus a good substitute for milk in a vegan diet and helps provide the appropriate protein and calcium.

Lactose Intolerance: For people who suffer from lactose intolerance, Soy milk is a good substitute as it is easily digestible and contains no lactose.

Nutrition: It is believed that 1 cup of soy milk contains approximately 80.85 calories:

• 42.12 from fat
• 4.68g total fat
• 29.4mg sodium
• 345.45mg of potassium
• 4.43g of total carbohydrates
• 6.74g of proteins

There is no cholesterol in soy milk. In contrast to that 1 cup of skim milk contains 85.53 calories:

• 3.97 from fat
• 0.441g total fat
• 4.41mg cholesterol
• 126.18mg sodium
• 405.72mg potassium
• 11.88g carbohydrates
• 8.35g of proteins

Since soy milk does not naturally contain Vitamin D or calcium the beverage must be fortified with the vitamin and mineral. However, it does contain the organic chemicals, isoflavones that may possibly be beneficial for preventing heart disorders and other health problems. Skim milk on the other hand is high in nutritional proteins and calcium and naturally low in calories and cholesterol. It is also a good source of riboflavin and vitamin B12 and contains no saturated fat.

Now that you have gained an insight from this skim milk vs. soy milk debate, it is up to you to decide what is the best for you. Take into considerations the benefits of soy milk and the soy milk dangers before you choose to go for it.