Proteins are made of building blocks called amino acids. Out of many, there are nine essential amino acids that our bodies cannot make and must come from food. These are histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan and valine.
Most plant foods lack one or two of these essentials, but soy is special. Soy protein is “complete” — it contains all nine, making it similar to animal protein in quality. Only one, methionine, is slightly lower, but still present. This makes soy milk a valuable source of protein for both children and adults.
Many mothers report that their breast milk supply increases when they drink soy milk. Why? The explanation is likely threefold. First, soy milk provides high-quality protein and extra nutrients the mother needs to make milk. Second, soy naturally contains compounds called isoflavones, which gently mimic estrogen and may support the hormones that regulate lactation. Third, soy milk also contributes hydration, since milk production partly depends on fluid intake.
Not every woman will have the same response, but for many, a glass of soy milk daily can be a nutritious and helpful addition to their diet.
Takeaway: Soy milk is not only good for everyday health, it may also give a gentle boost to mothers’ milk supply — another reason to celebrate this humble bean
