Soy Yogurt

People who are lactose intolerant can include soy yogurt (also referred to as soya yogurt) without worrying about the allergic reactions caused due to dairy products. This yogurt is prepared by fermenting soy milk, the same way dairy yogurt is made. Since it does not contain lactose, it is safe for consumption for people who are suffering from lactose intolerance. Since it is made from freshly made soymilk, it has a slightly beany flavor. Soy yogurt can be prepared easily at home using soymilk, commercially it is made by using natural ingredients and live cultures of bacteria. Soy yogurt has all the nutritional benefits of soy protein. Since it is low in fat, when compared to whole milk yogurt, it is quite popular among people who are on a weight loss regimen.

Soy Yogurt Recipe

Ingredients

• Homemade soy milk, 5 cups
• Plain yogurt, 2 tablespoons
• Vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon
• Sugar, 4 to 5 tablespoons

Preparation Method

Take a medium-sized saucepan and heat the soy milk till it becomes warm. Now stir in the sugar and continue mixing till it completely dissolves. Add the vanilla extract to the milk and remove it from the heat. Allow the milk to cool down completely before adding plain yogurt. After the ingredients have been added, pour this mixture into an airtight container and place it in an incubator for about 5 to 6 hours. Check the yogurt for sourness. If you have achieved the desired sourness, place the container in the refrigerator for about 12 to 13 hours before serving.

Soy Yogurt Nutrition Facts

Just like the regular dairy yogurt, soy yogurt contains lactobacillus, a healthy bacteria which lives in the large intestine or colon in humans. There are many advantages of including soya yogurt in your daily diet. Given below are some benefits that can be reaped by eating this lactose free yogurt.

• As this yogurt is made from soy milk, which is extracted from soybeans, it is a rich source of proteins. This is beneficial for the smooth functioning of the muscles in the body.
• Since soy is low in cholesterol and other saturated fats, it is beneficial for heart health. Regular intake of soy products has shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
• As seen earlier, soy yogurt promotes the growth of lactobacteria, which reside in the colon. These bacteria play a major role in the healthy digestion and keep a check on the acid levels in the colon. It also helps prevent the occurrence of colon cancer.
• Soy and its other products also have high levels of calcium. Consuming them ensures proper bone growth and development of the muscles. It also keeps bone disorders like osteoporosis at bay.
• Women who consume soy yogurt have particularly found it to be an effective way to treat the signs and symptoms of menopause.
• Soy yogurt triggers the production of insulin and other enzymes which control the sugar levels in the blood. In a research, it has been observed that people, suffering from type 2 diabetes, who included this healthy yogurt, had a stable blood sugar level. Soy yogurt, particularly soy blueberry yogurt, could effectively trigger the production of enzymes thus, controlling blood sugar.

There are a number of brands, that are available in health stores. Some stores also sell flavored yogurt like mango apricot, strawberry and lemon etc. You can dish out many mouth-watering and healthy recipes by replacing plain yogurt with soy yogurt. The end result will be quite appealing to the tongue.