Soya milk - the health answer as 68% of milk in India adulterated

New Delhi: Sunday 28 October 2012: Over 68 per cent of milk in India does not conform to the standards set by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India as per the govt. in a statement to Supreme Court. 

According to the FSSAI's 2011 survey, the most common adulterant was found to be the addition of water, and the main reason for deviation from the standards was addition of glucose and skimmed milk powder.  Addition of water will reduce the nutritional values and if contaminated can cause health hazards. It also found that in some samples, detergent was mixed.

A PIL alleged that synthetic and adulterated milk and milk products are prepared using urea, detergent, refined oil, caustic soda and white paint which, according to studies, are "very hazardous" to human life and can cause serious diseases like cancer.

These adulterants are hazardous and cause irreversible damage to the organs. As per ICMR detergents in milk causes food poisoning and gastrointestinal complications. Other synthetic compounds cause impairments, heart problems, cancer and even death. The immediate effect of drinking adulterated milk with urea, caustic soda and formalin is gastroenteritis but the long term effects are known to be far more serious.

The health answer is to shift to soya milk, said Padma Shri and  Dr B C Roy National Awardee Dr KK AggarwalPresident Heart Care Foundation of India. Dr Aggarwal said that the forthcoming MTNL Perfect Health Mela will focus on health benefits of shifting to soya. During festive season, especially Diwali as non adulterated milk is often used to prepare sweets it is impossible to get pure milk to drink. At least during these days it is safe to shift to soya milk.

Some facts about soya milk

 1, Soy milk (also called soya milk, soymilk, soybean milk, or soy bean juice and sometimes referred to as soy drink/beverage) is a beverage made from soybeans.

2.  It is produced by soaking dry soybeans and grinding them with water.

3. Soy milk contains about the same proportion of protein as cow's milk: around 3.5%; also 2% fat, 2.9% carbohydrate, and 0.5% ash.

4. Soy milk can be made at home.

4. The coagulated protein from soy milk can be made into tofu, just as dairy milk can be made into cheese.

5. The American Academy of Paediatrics considers soy milk a suitable alternative for children who cannot tolerate human or cow's milk, or whose parents opt for a vegan diet.

6. It is associated with a reduction in low-density lipoprotein ("bad cholesterol") and triglycerides.

7. It is good for women undergoing menopause.

8. Soy affects bone mineral density.

9. Gout sufferers limit consumption of soy products.

10. It is good for the health of the thyroid gland.