Myth: Soy beverages aren’t as good for you as cow’s milk
Reality: Fortified soy beverages such as Silk® have many of the same important nutrients as cow's milk including calcium, vitamin D and protein. In addition, unlike many types of cow's milk, soy beverages are very low in saturated fat and cholesterol-free.
The Healthy Eating guidance in Eating Well with Canada’s Food Guide, asserts that fortified soy beverages like Silk can be used as an alternative to dairy milk every day:
“Having milk or fortified soy beverages every day provides the nutrients that you need for healthy bones and optimal health.” – Canada’s Food Guide
Find out more about the benefits of Silk vs. milk.
Myth: Soy is a major cause of food allergy
Reality: Soy protein is one of the eight most common food allergens: a list that also includes proteins In milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish and wheat. If you know or suspect you are allergic to soy, consult your doctor for dietary guidelines and always read labels with care.1
Myth: Minerals are not absorbed when soy is consumed
Reality: Soybeans—like other legumes and whole grains—contain phytate; a naturally occurring plant compound that may reduce the absorption of some minerals such as calcium and iron. However, research shows that calcium from fortified soy beverages can be absorbed similarly to calcium from cow’s milk.2,3 In addition, research indicates that soybeans can be a good source of nutritional iron.4
Myth: Soy protein is inferior because it comes from a plant
Reality: Soy protein has all of the essential amino acids- the building blocks of protein and it is similar in quality to animal protein.5
Myth: All soy is the same
Reality: Whole soybeans have protein, fibre, good omega-3 fats called alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and a variety of vitamins and minerals such as folate and potassium. All Silk soy beverages offer these omega-3 fats. However, not all foods made from the soybean provide all of these components. Soy drinks made from whole soybeans, soynuts, tempeh and edamame are examples of whole soyfoods which better preserve the nutritional attributes of the soybean. Most processed products such as soy supplements and isolated soy protein do not.
Myth: All soy beverages are the same
Reality: There are two types of soy beverages commonly found on the market: those made from whole soybeans, and those made from isolated soy protein. Whole bean soy beverages, such as Silk, are made by crushing the bean and removing the indigestible fibrous portions, then blending the resulting “base” with water, flavouring, vitamins and other ingredients. This whole bean process preserves not only the protein, but also other important components of the original soybean including isoflavones and essential fatty acids, including an omega-3 fat. Soy beverages made from isolated soy protein are highly processed, made by chemically extracting the protein from the bean, then reconstituting the isolated protein with water and other additives.
Myth: Soy upsets your stomach
Reality: While any food can cause sensitivity in some people, clinical studies don’t show soy causes more gastrointestinal disturbances than other commonly consumed foods. Furthermore, fortified soy beverages are a delicious milk alternative for those who can't drink milk due to lactose intolerance. If you know or suspect you are allergic to soy, consult your doctor for dietary guidelines and always read labels with care. Find out more about Silk vs. milk.