Blend yourself a fruity Soy milk smoothie!
However, experts have found that fasting rules are observed in the reverse, resulting in people putting on weight during the period, instead of eating healthy. Unnecessary weight gain is surely one of the diseases the Hadith is talking about. During the period of Ramadan, we must also eat right to maintain the beneficial weight and […]
However, experts have found that fasting rules are observed in the reverse, resulting in people putting on weight during the period, instead of eating healthy. Unnecessary weight gain is surely one of the diseases the Hadith is talking about. During the period of Ramadan, we must also eat right to maintain the beneficial weight and to reduce the harmful ones too. To achieve this, experts recommend including soya milk in our diets.
Dr. Maryam B. Alhassan, a dietician, told Weekend Magazine that most often, the benefits of soya milk elude many who believe it is unaffordable. “I will advise people to reduce their intake of cow’s milk and substitute it with soya milk, especially during this period of Ramadan. Soya milk contains a lot of natural ingredients when compared to processed cow milk which goes through chemical treatments, introducing some artificial properties. These are not usually healthy for the body,” she said.
Dr. Alhassan went on to say the Chinese are usually given credit for the discovery of soya milk and the cake made from soya beans known as ‘tofu’. “They make it a tradition to include a cup of warm soya milk in any of their meals of the day. One can tell from the appearance of the Chinese that they are some of the healthiest people in the world. Soya milk has proven its relevance globally. It helps lower cholesterol levels, contains a lot of protein, protects the heart, helps in weight loss, it is rich in fiber, folic acid and contains constituents which help in reducing the risk of cancer.” She also said the milk is a good for vegetarians.
Similarly, Dr. Ibrahim Kana, a Consultant Ophthalmologist, said the milk is extracted from soya beans, a variant of the normal beans we eat. “However, soya is a complete protein, rich in vitamins and minerals including folate, potassium and in some cases fibre. The fact that it contains fibre has a particularly important role during fasting. Soya has properties beyond nutrition as ongoing research in the past 15 years has shown. Soya has a cholesterol-lowering effect,” he said.
Recently, research has shown that taking 25grams of soya daily may reduce the risk of heart disease especially with its low saturated and trans fat, according to Dr. Kana. “Research also suggests that soya may lower risk of prostate, colon and breast cancers as well as osteoporosis and other health problems and alleviate hot flashes that is commonly associated with menopause,” he added.
Dr. Kana told Weekend Magazine that while people wonder if, why and how soya milk is better than cow’s milk, he would answer thus: “Of course. The fact that soya is an extract from beans gives high yield natural protein unlike cow’s milk; the fact also that soya contains fiber makes it even better than cow’s milk, not to talk of its higher nutritional composition.” But some researchers say excessive intake of soya can actually lead to health issues, too, reducing the body’s ability to take in minerals.
Ever the versatile crop, soya beans can be made into a powder used for preparation of various kinds of foods and drinks for people of all ages, babies included. It can also be added to tea, soups and many other beverages. “When mixed with various family meals, the taste is fantastic as it contains a lot of essential nutrients,” said Mrs. Rakiya Mohammed, a Kaduna-based housewife. “Soya milk is best taken warm, in its natural form and with as little sugar as possible,” she added. “Preferably, substitute the sugar with ground dates.” So, this Iftar, settle for a cup of smooth, soothing soya milk and savor its richness of flavour.