Reason: Since vegetarians do not eat food of animal origin, they may lack some nutrients rich in animal milk, such as protein, calcium, vitamin B12, etc. Soy milk can be a source of high-quality plant protein, and many soy milk products are nutritionally fortified by adding ingredients such as calcium and vitamins to meet the nutritional needs of vegetarians.
Example: Strict vegetarians do not eat any animal products at all, including meat, eggs, milk, etc. For them, soy milk is a good alternative beverage that can provide the protein and other nutrients the body needs. For example, a person who has adhered to a vegetarian diet for a long time supplements protein by drinking soy milk to maintain the normal metabolism and physiological functions of the body.
Ⅱ. People with lactose intolerance
Reason: People with lactose intolerance lack lactase in their bodies and cannot completely digest lactose in milk. After drinking milk, they will experience discomfort symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Soy milk does not contain lactose and will not cause lactose intolerance reactions, while also providing certain nutrition.
Example: Some people will experience rumbling stomachs, increased flatulence, abdominal pain and even diarrhea shortly after drinking milk. This may be a manifestation of lactose intolerance. They can choose to drink soy milk to meet their beverage needs, avoiding discomfort symptoms while obtaining nutrition. For example, a office worker, due to lactose intolerance, chooses to drink a cup of soy milk every morning to replenish energy and start a new day.
Ⅲ. People concerned about cardiovascular health
Reason: The fat in soy milk is mainly unsaturated fat, which is relatively healthy. Compared with saturated fat in animal milk, unsaturated fat helps lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. In addition, soy milk also contains some phytochemicals such as isoflavones, which have antioxidant effects and also have a certain protective effect on the cardiovascular system.
Example: For people with a family history of cardiovascular diseases or those who already have cardiovascular diseases, choosing a healthy beverage is very important. Soy milk can be part of their daily diet to help control blood lipids and lower blood pressure, thereby reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. For example, an elderly person with hypertension, under the advice of a doctor, includes soy milk in their daily diet to help control the condition.
Ⅳ. People who want to control their weight
Reason: Soy milk usually contains lower fat and calories, while being rich in protein and dietary fiber. Protein can increase satiety and reduce appetite, while dietary fiber helps promote intestinal peristalsis, increase satiety, and has relatively slow digestion and absorption, thus helping to control weight.
Example: Many people who are losing weight will choose soy milk as a beverage. For example, a fitness enthusiast will drink a cup of low-sugar soy milk after exercise, which can not only supplement protein to help muscle recovery but also not consume too many calories.