An unexpected relationship between soy milk and the risk of depression!

The popularity of soy milk and its nutritional value

　In recent years, demand for vegetable milk has been growing rapidly. The reasons behind this include increasing health consciousness and increasing environmental awareness. Soy milk in particular is attracting attention as an alternative to animal milk. The market continues to expand, and its popularity is increasing among consumers with the addition of a variety of options, such as oat milk and almond milk. On the other hand, there is controversy, with research reports showing that intake of plant-based milk could increase the risk of depression.

What are the main nutrients found in soy milk?

　Soy milk is known for its high nutritional value. It is rich in plant-based proteins, and contains essential nutrients such as iron, calcium, B vitamins, and soy isoflavones. This is expected to have the effect of alleviating symptoms of menopause and preventing osteoporosis. Furthermore, since it does not contain cholesterol or saturated fatty acids compared to animal milk, it may also contribute to reducing the risk of heart disease and other diseases.

Differences from other vegetable milk

　There are many different types of vegetable milk besides soy milk. Oat milk is rich in dietary fiber and helps to improve your intestinal environment. Almond milk is also low in calories and is rich in vitamin E, making it a beauty product. On the other hand, soy milk's high protein content makes a distinctive difference from other vegetable milks. Furthermore, it is characterized by its presence of soy isoflavones, and is especially recommended for maintaining women's health.

The background to increasing health consciousness and the position of soy milk

　In modern society, as health-consciousness increases, there is a growing trend to rethink food content. Trends such as reducing animal food intake and switching to plant foods also reflect growing awareness of environmental issues. In this context, soy milk is positioned as an important alternative to animal foods. Soy milk is a highly convenient source of nutrition for people with lactose intolerance and vegans in particular. However, attention is also required to be paid to the mental health risks of overdependence in plant milk intake.

Relationship between soy milk and depression risk, new research results

Overview of the research that has been attracted

　Recently, attention has been gaining attention on the impact of plant milk on the risk of depression. In particular, a large-scale study using the UK Biobank database included 357,568 people and followed up for 13.5 years. The study has shown that plant milk intake could increase the risk of depression by 14%, shocking some scientists and consumers. However, it has also been revealed that consumption of pure milk or semi-tape milk can reduce the risk of depression by up to 17%.

Impact of soy isoflavones on mental health

　Soy milk is rich in isoflavones, a soy-derived ingredient. This ingredient is known to have similar effects to female hormones and is said to help prevent osteoporosis and reduce menopause. However, some researchers have expressed negative views about the effects of isoflavones on mental health, claiming that under certain circumstances it can affect hormonal balance, increasing mood swings and sensitivity to stress. However, these effects vary depending on the individual's constitution and intake, and further research is needed.

Patterns of risks shown by research data

　The UK Biobank study found a link to depression across plant milk, especially due to it being considered part of overprocessed foods. Vegetable milk often uses emulsifiers and artificial additives, which can cause an inflammatory response within the body and have a negative effect on mental health. The survey data also showed that people who frequently consume plant milk tended to not be able to fully consume other effective sources of nutrition. On the other hand, moderate consumption of milk and dairy products has also been found to contribute to reducing anxiety and stabilizing mood.

Experts' views and opinions

　Experts say that while interesting, it is too early to draw a definitive conclusion about the relationship between plant milk and depression risk. Many experts highlight the benefits of intake of plant-based foods, but point out that a balanced diet is key. Also, when choosing vegetable milk, it is important to choose a product with few additives and a good nutritional balance. Some researchers have recommended that you choose the right foods, not just plant-based milk, taking into account the impact of ultra-processed foods on mental health. Furthermore, in order to maintain a mental health, it is necessary to review your overall lifestyle, not just your diet.

Healthy ways to consume soy milk

Appropriate intake guide

　While soy milk is becoming more popular as a vegetable milk, you need to be careful about your intake. Research has pointed out that excessive vegetable milk consumption can increase the risk of developing depression. Therefore, we recommend incorporating soy milk at around 1-2 cups a day. It is also important to avoid unbalanced diets and to inhale the necessary nutrients from other nutritional sources in a balanced way.

Things to be aware of to avoid the risk of depression

　Research has published finding that plant milk can increase the risk of depression. In particular, there is a concern that excessive consumption may result in the accumulation of additives and emulsifiers. Therefore, be sure to choose additive-free soy milk or organic products, and choose products with fewer processing. It is also effective to use foods and dairy products that contain the appropriate amount of vitamin D, rather than relying soy milk alone.

The importance of a balanced diet

　To maintain a healthy health, it is essential to ensure that you have a balanced diet rather than just eating certain foods. In seasons where temperatures and living environments are changing a lot, stress can make your body and mind more likely to get sick, so be aware of a diet that contains a wide variety of vegetables, beans, and fruits. By incorporating soy milk as a part of it, you can efficiently supplement your nutrition, while also taking care to ensure that other food groups are fully incorporated.

Other health benefits of soy milk

　Soy milk is rich in vegetable protein, which is effective in growing and maintaining muscle. Furthermore, isoflavones contained in soybeans have antioxidant properties, so they are expected to help regulate the hormonal balance in women and relieve menopausal symptoms. Furthermore, it is less fat and less lactose than milk, making it a drink suitable for people with lactose intolerance. However, by keeping the right amount and avoiding overdose, you can minimize other risks.

How to utilize scientific knowledge and summarise and future challenges

What consumers should know

　Recent research has pointed out that plant milk consumption may affect the risk of developing depression. This is why it is important for consumers who choose plant foods that are health-conscious and that they also understand the challenges and risks behind this. For example, vegetable milks such as soy milk and oat milk may seem healthy at first glance, but they also contain additives and emulsifiers, so be careful about how these affect your health. At the same time, you will be required to choose a product that suits your lifestyle and health, taking into account the differences between them and animal foods, including milk.

Need for further research

　Current research suggests that plant milk may increase the risk of depression, but the reality is that there are many unknown aspects of its mechanism and causal relationship. In particular, further investigation is needed to clarify which ingredients contribute to the risk, such as soy isoflavones and additives. There is also room for deep dive into differences in dietary habits in different regions and cultural spheres, and the extent to which individual constitutions affect them. Enhanced scientific evidence will lead to more reliable health information.

The future of plant-based foods and lifestyles

　From the perspective of environmental considerations and animal welfare, it is expected that the trend of plant-based foods to attract attention will continue in the future. However, it is necessary to make sure you are aware of the risks and challenges of health. Not only plant-based milk, but other plant-based foods are also required to be aware of a balanced diet while checking the food ingredients and the degree of processing. Raising this awareness will enable you to establish a sustainable and healthy lifestyle.

Things to keep in mind when choosing soy milk

　When choosing soy milk with health in mind, you should be careful about the excessive content of additives, emulsifiers and sugars contained in the product. Another way to reduce the burden on your body is to choose products that use organic or non-GMO soybeans. Furthermore, it is important to avoid biasing towards plant-based milk alone and to focus on a diverse diet, including milk and other nutrient sources. And as new research results are being published one after another, it will be important to flexibly review your options while incorporating scientific knowledge.

Shokey Hayashi

Exorcist/Radionics Technique Researcher

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Born in Aomori Prefecture in 1965, he has been suffering from troubles, illnesses and injuries caused by spiritual phenomena since childhood. However, one day, when he was 20 years old, he attended an event, had a mysterious experience at the venue, and was hit by lightning energy from the heavens, as if piercing the spinal cord from his brain, and his psychic abilities blossomed. He then began studying psychology and psychiatry, and now he has combined psychiatry and consciousness engineering. Established "Radionics exorcism" using our own radionics techniques. "It's possible to treat your fortune" beyond exorcism, memorial service, and healing.