2025.04.13

The surprising relationship between soy milk and depression risk!

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In recent years, the demand for plant-based milk has increased rapidly. This is due to the growing health consciousness and the improvement of environmental awareness. In particular, soy milk is attracting attention as an alternative to animal milk. The market continues to expand, and its popularity among consumers is increasing due to the addition of diverse options such as oat milk and almond milk. On the other hand, there is room for debate, such as research reports that the consumption of plant-based milk may increase the risk of depression.

Article Contents

The popularity of soy milk and its nutritional value
- Relationship between soy milk and depression risk: New research results

The popularity of soy milk and its nutritional value

What are the key nutrients in soy milk?

Soy milk is known for its high nutritional value. It is rich in mainly vegetable protein, as well as essential nutrients such as iron, calcium, B vitamins, and soy isoflavones. As a result, it is expected to have effects such as alleviating the symptoms of menopause and preventing osteoporosis. It also contains less cholesterol and saturated fatty acids than animal milk, which may contribute to a reduced risk of heart disease and other conditions.

Differences from other plant-based milks

There are many different types of plant-based milks besides soy milk. Oat milk is rich in dietary fiber, which helps to regulate the intestinal environment. In addition, almond milk is low in calories and rich in vitamin E, which is said to have a beauty effect. On the other hand, soy milk is distinguished from other plant-based milks by its high protein content. In addition, it is characterized by the fact that it contains soy isoflavones, and is especially recommended for maintaining women's health.

Background to the growing health consciousness and the position of soy milk

In today's society, there is a growing movement to review dietary content amid increasing health consciousness. The trend to reduce the intake of animal products and switch to plant-based foods also reflects the growing awareness of environmental issues. In this context, soy milk is positioned as an important alternative to animal products. Especially for lactose intolerant and vegan people, soy milk is a convenient source of nutrition. However, on the other hand, attention is also required to pay attention to the mental health risks associated with excessive dependence on plant-based milk intake.

Relationship between soy milk and depression risk: New research results

Summary of highlighted research

Recently, there has been a lot of attention on the impact of plant-based milks on the risk of depression. A large study, particularly using the UK Biobank database, included 357,568 people and followed them for 13.5 years. The study showed that plant-based milk consumption may increase the risk of depression by 14%, shocking some scientists and consumers. On the other hand, it was also found that the consumption of pure cow's milk or semi-stapped milk may reduce the risk of depression by up to 17%.

Effects of Soy Isoflavones on Mental Health

Soy milk is rich in isoflavones, which are components derived from soybeans. This ingredient is known to have an action similar to that of female hormones, which can help prevent osteoporosis and reduce menopause. However, some researchers have expressed a negative view of the effects of isoflavones on mental health, stating that under certain circumstances they can affect hormonal balance and increase mood swings and increased sensitivity to stress. However, these effects vary depending on the individual's constitution and intake, so further research is needed.

Patterns of risk shown by research data

In the UK Biobank study, an association with depression was observed in plant-based milks as a whole, especially because they are considered part of over-processed foods. Plant-based milks often contain emulsifiers and artificial additives, which can trigger an inflammatory response in the body and negatively affect mental health. The survey data also showed that people who frequently consume plant-based milks tended to get enough of other effective sources of nutrition. On the other hand, moderate consumption of milk and dairy products has also been shown to contribute to the reduction of anxiety and the stabilization of mood.

Views and opinions of experts

Experts say that while the relationship between plant-based milk and depression risk is interesting, it is too early to draw definitive conclusions. While emphasizing the benefits of consuming plant-based foods, many experts point out that a balanced diet is key. In addition, it is important to choose a product with few additives and excellent nutritional balance when choosing plant-based milk. Some researchers take into account the mental health effects of ultra-processed foods in general and recommend that you choose the right foods, not just plant-based milks. In addition, in order to maintain mental health, it is necessary to review not only diet but also the entire lifestyle.

How to consume soy milk in a healthy way

Indications for appropriate intake

While soy milk is becoming increasingly popular as a plant-based milk, you need to be careful about your intake. Studies have shown that excessive plant-based milk consumption may increase the risk of developing depression. Therefore, it is recommended to take in about 1~2 cups of soybean milk per day. It is also important to avoid an unbalanced diet and to get the necessary nutrition in a balanced manner from other sources.

What to look out for to avoid the risk of depression

Studies have shown that plant-based milk may increase the risk of depression. In particular, there is a concern that excessive intake will lead to the accumulation of the effects of additives, emulsifiers, etc. Therefore, try to choose additive-free soy milk and organic products, and choose those that are less processed. It is also effective not to rely solely on soy milk, but to combine it with foods and dairy products that contain the right amount of vitamin D.

The importance of a balanced diet

In order to stay healthy, it is essential to try to eat a balanced diet overall, rather than consuming only certain foods. In seasons such as spring, when there are many changes in temperature and living environment, it is easy to lose physical and mental condition due to stress, so be aware of a diet that includes a wide variety of vegetables, legumes, and fruits. Soy milk can be incorporated as part of this to efficiently replenish nutrition, but care must be taken to ensure that other food groups are also incorporated.

Other health benefits of soy milk

Soy milk is rich in vegetable protein, which is effective for muscle growth and maintenance. In addition, the isoflavones contained in soybeans have antioxidant properties, so they are expected to contribute to regulating the hormonal balance of women and alleviating menopausal symptoms. In addition, it contains less fat and lactose than cow's milk, making it a suitable beverage for lactose intolerants. However, other risks can be minimized by adhering to the dosage and avoiding overdose.

How to make use of scientific knowledge, summary and future issues

What consumers need to know

Recent studies have shown that plant-based milk consumption may affect the risk of depression. For this reason, it is important for health-conscious consumers who choose plant-based foods to also understand the challenges and risks behind them. For example, plant-based milks such as soy milk and oat milk may seem healthy at first glance, but they may also contain additives and emulsifiers, and you should pay attention to how these affect your health. At the same time, it is necessary to make choices that are suitable for one's lifestyle and health condition, taking into account the differences from animal products, including milk.

The need for further research

Current research suggests that plant-based milk may increase the risk of depression, but the reality is that there are many unexplained aspects of the mechanism and causal relationship. In particular, further research is needed to clarify which ingredients, such as soy isoflavones and additives, contribute to the risk. There is also room to dig deeper into the differences in eating habits in different regions and cultures, as well as the extent to which individual constitutions play a role. The enhancement of scientific evidence will lead to the dissemination of more reliable health information.

The Future of Plant-Based Foods and Lifestyles

From the perspective of environmental considerations and animal welfare, the trend of plant-based foods attracting attention is expected to continue in the future. However, it is necessary to be aware of the risks and issues in terms of health when making choices. Not only plant-based milk, but also other plant-based foods, it is necessary to be aware of a balanced diet while checking the food ingredients and the degree of processing. By raising this awareness, it will be possible to establish a sustainable and healthy lifestyle.

Points to keep in mind when choosing soy milk

When choosing soy milk with health in mind, it is necessary to pay attention to the excessive content of additives, emulsifiers and sugars in the product. Choosing products that use organic or non-GMO soy is another way to reduce the burden on your body. In addition, it is important to avoid biasing only in plant-based milk and to try to eat a diverse diet that includes milk and other sources of nutrition. And as new research results are published one after another, it is also important to flexibly review options while incorporating scientific knowledge.

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