As lactose intolerant people have been shifting from cow milk/ buffalo milk to almond milk and soy milk, there is a new debate erupting between people regarding which is the better dairy-free alternative. Almond milk and soy milk do not have lactose and hence are the go-to options for the lactose intolerant lot. Lactose intolerant people suffer from the lack of an enzyme known as lactase, which is present in the small intestine. Lactose is a form of sugar found in animal-based milk, which requires lactase to break it down further into two simple sugars glucose and galactose. So, people whose small intestine does not make sufficient lactase, suffer from lactose intolerance. Almonds are nutritious and high in vitamin D. Soy milk is a low-fat and a plant-based protein. The question is, which is the better alternative than the other? Both almond milk and soy milk have their own set of benefits. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of both types of milk. A comparison will be made in such a manner that people can choose which milk out of the two meets their health's requirement better than the other.
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Let us look at the common differences between almond milk and soy milk
1. The calories in almond milk are less than those of soy milk. The fat content of soy milk is slightly higher than almond milk.
2. People with nut allergies cannot consume almond milk. This makes soy milk a better option than almond milk for them. On the other hand, people with soy allergies can opt for almond milk.
3. The protein content of soy milk is quite similar to that of cow milk. But, almond milk does not contain as much as protein as soy milk. Soy milk is the closest dairy free alternative to cow milk.
4. Almond milk has more monounsaturated fats for a healthy heart than soy milk. These healthy fats are known to aid weight loss and help reduce the risk of heart diseases.
5. Soy milk contains more polyunsaturated fats than almond milk. These healthy fats are known to reduce bad cholesterol.
Women over the age of 50 can be relieved of postmenopausal symptoms, if they consume soy milk regularly. Men over 50 can reduce the risk of prostate cancer by consuming soy milk. Drinking soy milk is a great way to recover after a workout session because it has prebiotic sugars and riboflavin. Riboflavin converts carbohydrates into adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP helps in producing energy as the body requires it.