Soy Drink Research Articles

Removal of raffinose and stachyose from soy-based beverages using soluble and immobilized MelA α-D-galactosidase from Lactiplantibacillus plantarum WCFS1

The hydrolysis of α-galactose-carbohydrates in soy-based beverages using the enzyme MelA α-D-galactosidase (Lp_3485) from Lactiplantibacillus plantarum WCFS1 is presented. MelA is a highly unstable trimeric enzyme whose activity and stability are strongly dependent on the dilution and polarity of the reaction medium. Considering this, the enzyme was immobilized and stabilized using different immobilization protocols. Post-immobilization techniques consisting of cross-linking with different polyfunctional polymers were used. The optimal derivative was used to hydrolyse different oligosaccharides of the raffinose family (raffinose and stachyose) present in soy drink preparations. Remarkably, MelA showed specific activity and high hydrolytic efficiency towards RFOs in soy-based beverages at a relatively low temperature (20 °C). Therefore, these results suggest that this enzyme could be preferentially used in the early stage of soybean processing to remove RFOs from soy-based beverages and soy-derived products, thereby improving their nutritional value.

Effects of Replacing Cow's Milk with Plant-Based Beverages on Potential Nutrient Intake in Sustainable Healthy Dietary Patterns: A Case Study.

More consumers are replacing cow's milk (CM) with plant-based drinks (PBD), but data indicating the nutritional impact are limited. This theoretical study aims to assess the effect of substituting CM with PBD sold in Italy on nutrient intake within two dietary patterns: one aligned with the EAT-Lancet Commission reference diet adapted to Italian food habits (EAT-IT) and another one in line with the Italian Dietary Guidelines (IDG). Nutrition information from 368 PBD were collected and categorized according to their descriptive name and their fortification or not with calcium (Ca- and nCa-fortified). The substitution of CM with each PBD category in both dietary patterns was conducted, and an analysis of nutrient content and adequacy was performed. Substituting CM with all PBD resulted in reduced protein intake, except for nCa-fortified soy drinks, decreased saturated fat and vitamins B2 and B12, and increased fiber intake. Replacing CM with nCa-fortified PBD within both diets decreased Ca intake. Following the substitution of CM with Ca-fortified PBD, variations in vitamin D intake depended on the PBD category. The main risk of nutritional inadequacy was observed in Ca and vitamin D levels, which may even be amplified considering the different bioavailability based on the source of nutrients. This study highlighted the important role of CM in meeting calcium requirements and the potential unintended consequences of substituting CM with PBD without considering their nutritional differences.

A comparison of the quality of UHT milk and its plant-based analogs

The aim of this study was to compare selected physical (density) and physicochemical (color, pH, titratable acidity) properties and the fatty acid profile of dairy UHT milk and its plant-based analogs, i.e., almond, soy, rice, oat, and coconut beverages. Ten products of each type were analyzed in each group. UHT milk was characterized by higher values of color lightness (L*) and titratable acidity than all plant-based milk alternatives, higher yellowness (b*) than rice drink, higher density than almond drink, and higher pH than rice and coconut drinks. In comparison with UHT milk, all plant-based beverages were characterized by higher redness (a*), soy drink was characterized by higher values of b* and chroma (C*), and almond and soy drinks had higher pH values. In the group of non-dairy beverages, the values of b* and C* were highest in soy drink, and the value of a* was highest in almond drink. Almond drink had the highest pH value, and soy and coconut drinks had the highest titratable acidity. Rice drink had higher density than oat, soy and almond drinks. The indicators characterizing the nutritional value of fat were considerably lower in coconut drink and dairy milk than in the remaining products. The values of UFA/SFA, MUFA/SFA, and DFA/OFA ratios and the indicator of nutritional value were highest in rice drink. The PUFA/SFA ratio and the total content of EFAs were highest in soy drink, and the n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio was highest in almond drink.

Characterization of the nutritional profile of three plant-based drinks

This study aimed to analyze the nutrient composition of plant-based drinks (oat, almond, soy) available on the German market, focusing on 36 samples, representing non-fortified and unsweetened products. Due to the absence of standardized legal specifications, macronutrient variations within each category were observed. Besides this, distinct differences especially in macronutrients were identified among oat, almond, and soy drinks. This can be observed in the varying fat contents from 1.01 (oat) to 2.16 g/ 100 g (almond). Soy drinks exhibited the highest levels of minerals (e.g. potassium: 131.99 mg/100 g), trace elements (e.g. copper: 116.51 µg/100 g), vitamins (e.g. thiamine: 44.02 µg/100 g; folate: 9.7 µg/100 g), and protein (3.23 g/100 g).The presence of phytates found in all plant-based drinks, particularly the high concentrations in soy drinks (up to 81.5 mg/100 g) could negatively affect the bioavailability of essential elements like zinc, iron, and calcium. The study noted generally low concentrations of water-soluble (e.g. 8.25 µg/100 g riboflavin in oat) and fat-soluble vitamins (e.g. 0.35 mg/100 g vitamin E in soy) in the drinks. The insights gained from this research are expected to contribute to the enhancement of the German nutrient database Bundeslebensmittelschlüssel (BLS), facilitating better evaluation of dietary intake studies and dietary counseling.

A comparative nutritional life cycle assessment of processed and unprocessed soy-based meat and milk alternatives including protein quality adjustment

Efforts towards sustainable food systems have stimulated the development of plant-based alternatives to meat and milk. However, the debate on the nutritional quality of (processed) plant products compared to animal products remains unresolved, and combined assessments are needed to assess the benefits and trade-offs of these products in future diets. Using life cycle assessment (LCA) combined with nutrient density measurements and the Digestible Indispensable Amino Acid Score (DIAAS), this case study evaluates different processing stages of soy-based products, including cooked soybeans, tofu, soy drink, and a processed soy-based meat analogue (SBMA) produced in Switzerland. The nutritional LCA (n-LCA) showed that the environmental impact of all soy-based meat alternatives was 4–20 times lower than that of beef, especially when locally sourced soy was used. The differences were smaller when compared to chicken meat. All soy-based products showed lower DIAAS compared to animal products, but the results from the combined n-LCA were always less favourable for animal products in this case study. Contribution analyses showed that despite the high level of processing, the raw materials contributed significantly to the environmental footprint of SBMA, exceeding 50% in some environmental impact categories. Moreover, comparisons within the soy-based alternatives revealed a lower environmental impact of the minimally processed products. The higher protein quality and quantity of the processed SBMA were not sufficient to offset its higher environmental impact in this case study. SBMA also contained highest level of sodium and saturated fatty acids, highlighting the need for careful food formulation. Overall, this study showed the potential of soy-based alternatives to meat and milk to reduce the environmental impact of food production whilst highlighting the importance of considering their nutritional quality and the role of processing. Overall, this research provides insight into the potential of plant-based alternatives to meat and milk for sustainable diets amid the global challenge of climate change and changing dietary patterns.

Effects of extrusion conditions on the morphological, functional, and sensory properties of soy press cake extrudates

Abstract: We developed and applied 4 extrusion regimens (moisture content between 30 % and 60 % and temperature from 110 °C to 120 °C) with twin-screw extruder for valorising soy press cakes, byproduct of soy drink (Soyd) and tofu (Soyt) manufacturing processes, by varying physical conditions of extrusion for improving their morphological, functional, and sensory parameters. The valorised soy press cakes were compared to their respective control samples (Soyd or Soyt) both before and after extrusion. Two quantities (3%–6%) of untreated and extruded soy press cakes were utilised to develop meat analogues. Extrusion introduced striations and reduced flakiness on the surface of extruded press cake samples. Press cakes extruded at higher moisture indicated improved water holding and oil holding capacity. Interestingly, the same press cake samples also scored higher for positive indicators (e.g., juiciness) during sensory assessment. Compared with meat analogue control matrix, all meat analogue samples containing varying amounts of extruded press cake exhibited reduced chewiness, with other parameters relatively unchanged. Our results indicate that extrusion of soy press cakes of both Soyd and Soyt origin at 120 °C with 60 % moisture results in improving the morphological, functional, and sensory properties of press cakes, making them suitable for development of meat analogues.

Dynamic sensory evaluation of selected sensory attributes and food‐related emotions during consumption of plant‐based milk alternatives applying temporal dominance of sensations and temporal dominance of emotions methods

AbstractDespite milk's rich nutrient profile, a growing number of consumers are opting for plant‐based beverages due to health, ethical, and ecological concerns. However, knowledge about the temporal aspects of sensory attributes and consumption‐evoked emotions in these milk alternatives remains limited. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the temporal characteristics of oat, almond, and soy drinks in comparison to conventional cow's milk from three Austrian brands. Employing temporal dominance of sensations (TDS) and temporal dominance of emotions (TDE) methods, 43 consumers assessed the dominance of selected sensory attributes and product evoked emotions over an evaluation period of 60 s for each test sample. The results reveal distinct patterns in sensory profiles and emotions associated with plant drinks, contributing to a better understanding of dynamic sensory perception in the evolving landscape of milk alternatives.Practical applicationsThe presented study offers valuable insights into the temporal sensory characteristics and emotional sensations associated with oat, almond, and soy drinks compared to traditional cow's milk. Utilizing the temporal dominance of sensations and temporal dominance of emotions methods, we identified distinct sensory patterns in milk alternatives and dominant product‐specific attributes and emotions. This research underscores the intricate interplay between sensory characteristics and consumption‐evoked emotions, which ultimately influence product acceptability. As the global shift towards plant‐based beverages gains momentum, future studies should delve into understanding evolving consumer preferences and exploring innovative formulations to enhance the sensory appeal of milk alternatives.

Sustainability Evaluation of Plant-Based Beverages and Semi-Skimmed Milk Incorporating Nutrients, Market Prices, and Environmental Costs

Developing a reliable method to compare food sustainability is gaining traction, with efforts like those by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). This research aims to contribute to a comprehensive scientific comparison of food categories based on CO2 emissions linked not to weight but to their primary function: nutrient availability and uptake in the consumer’s body. The study utilizes a multi-criteria evaluation for sustainability, incorporating the Nutrient Rich Food (NRF) score, protein digestibility, and essential amino acid content. A case study compares one serving of semi-skimmed milk (SSM) with various plant-based beverages (oat, soy, rice, coconut, and almond), considering their carbon footprints in relation to nutrient content and environmental costs. The analysis integrates protein quality through essential amino acid proportion and digestibility. Findings reveal that achieving an NRF11.3 score of 50 requires more servings of unfortified plant-based beverages than semi-skimmed milk, resulting in higher carbon footprints, except for soy drink. However, when considering emerging farm management measures, semi-skimmed and soy drinks show comparable carbon footprints for a given NRF score. Fortified plant-based beverages (soy, oat, and almond) exhibit lower footprints relative to the calculated NRF scores. Yet, when converting carbon footprints to euros using the European Union Emissions Trading System and adding them to retail prices per kilogram, semi-skimmed milk emerges as the option with the lowest “societal costs” (environment and consumer costs). The research underscores that understanding a food product’s nutritional value requires more than knowledge of its composition; uptake into the body maintenance and potential synergistic effects of other components in the food matrix play crucial roles.

The Nutritional Value of Plant Drink against Bovine Milk—Analysis of the Total Concentrations and the Bio-Accessible Fraction of Elements in Cow Milk and Plant-Based Beverages

Four types of non-dairy (plant) drinks—almond, oat, rice, and soy—as well as cow milk with varying fat contents (1.5%, 2.0%, and 3.2%), were examined and compared in terms of the total concentrations of Al, As, B, Ba, Ca, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Na, Mn, Ni, P, Pb, Sb, Se, Sr, and Zn using inductively coupled optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES). Additionally, in vitro gastrointestinal digestion was used to determine the bio-accessible fraction of selected elements, evaluating the nutritional value and risk assessment involved with the consumption of these beverages. A significant difference in the mineral profile was observed depending on the type of plant drink, with the highest content of elements noted in the soy drink and the lowest in the rice drink. Except for Ca and P, the soy drink appears to be a much better source of essential nutrients, including Cu, Fe, and Mn, than cow’s milk. A similar Ca content in plant beverages can be obtained only by adding calcium salt at the stage of its production. Interestingly, by using the multivariate data analysis, the average content of the selected elements (Cu, K, Na, P, and Zn) can be used both to differentiate dairy and non-dairy milk samples according to their type and to distinguish plant drinks from milk of animal origin. The bio-accessibility of essential elements (Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, P, Zn) in cow milk was within 8.37–98.2% and increased with an increase in its fat content. Accordingly, by drinking 1 L of this milk daily, it is possible to contribute to the recommended dietary intakes of Ca, P, Cu, Mg, and Zn between 5.6–68%. Although the bio-accessibility of elements in the rice drink was the highest (9.0–90.8%), the soy drink seems to be the best source of nutrients in bioavailable forms; its consumption (1 L/day) covers the requirements of Cu, Mn, Mg, Ca, P, and Zn in 7.0–67%. Unfortunately, both groups of beverages are not important sources of Fe (plant drink) and Mn or Fe (cow milk) in the human diet. On the other hand, potentially toxic elements (Al, B, Ba) were found in them in a relatively inert form.

Bioaccessibility and Digestibility of Proteins in Plant-Based Drinks and Cow's Milk: Antioxidant Potential of the Bioaccessible Fraction.

During the last years, a strong increase in the sales volume and consumption of plant-based drinks was observed, which were partly used as an alternative to cow's milk. As milk is a relevant protein source in many countries, we have investigated the protein bioaccessibility and digestibility of soy, almond, and oat drinks in comparison to milk using the tiny-TIMsg gastrointestinal model. The relative protein digestibility of all products was between 81% (soy drink) and 90% (milk). The digestible indispensable amino acid score (DIAAS) in vitro method was used to estimate the protein nutritional quality. The highest DIAAS values were obtained for milk in tryptophan (117%) and soy drink in sulfur containing amino acids (100%). Oat drink was limited in lysine (73%), almond drink in lysine (34%) and the sulfur containing amino acids (56%). Additionally, the antioxidant activity of the bioaccessible fractions was analyzed using Trolox equivalent antioxidative capacity and oxygen radical absorbance capacity assays, revealing a higher antioxidative potential of milk and soy drink compared to oat and almond drink.

Consumer willingness to pay for pesticide-free food products with different processing degrees: Does additional information on cultivation have an influence?

Pesticide-free agriculture is an innovative form of land use, characterized by the abandonment of synthetic chemical pesticides and the use of mineral fertilizers. One significant factor in establishing such a land use system is, that consumers are willing to pay for the products it produces. The objective of this study was to assess the willingness to pay for four pesticide-free products (lettuce, wheat flour, soy drink, wheat roll) with different processing degrees using the contingent valuation method. In addition, the extent to which additional information on cultivation as well as socio-demographic characteristics have an influence on the willingness to pay was examined. By means of an online questionnaire, 597 German consumers were surveyed. The analyses show an additional willingness to pay for pesticide-free versus conventional products ranging from 38.3% to 93.7%. When additional information on synthetic chemical pesticide alternatives was given, there was a positive effect on the willingness to pay for unprocessed products and basic processed products that require cooking/preparation. Information on the regional cultivation on the other hand had no direct effect. For the socio-demographic characteristics, only individual effects on the willingness to pay could be proven. The findings indicate the possibility of positioning pesticide-free products in the middle market segment. Implications regarding the relevance of pesticide-free agriculture and food for the food chain actors can be derived from the results.

Food allergy - New risks through vegan diet? Overview of new allergen sources and current data on the potential risk of anaphylaxis.

A vegan diet is increasingly en vogue, i.e., a diet based on plants, in which animal products are completely avoided, often for health and environmental reasons. The menu is supplemented with pulses (e.g., soy, lentils, peas), nuts (e.g., cashew, macadamia, almond, pecan, para, walnut) and seeds (e.g., chia, flaxseed) or pseudo-grains (quinoa, buckwheat). Indeed, the product range is expanding to include vegan foods such as milk alternatives (e.g., oat, almond, soy drinks) and cheese or meat substitutes (e.g., soy-based). Food allergies are also on the rise, with an increasing prevalence worldwide. It is worthy of note that the main allergens of anaphylactic reactions to food in adults are predominantly of plant origin, mainly pulses and nuts - the very foods that form the main source of protein in the vegan diet. In this context, allergies to storage proteins (e.g., Gly m 5 and Gly m 6 from soya beans) can lead to severe anaphylactic reactions, while highly processed substitute products containing plant protein isolates (e.g., pea flour) in concentrated form continue to be of particular concern and may therefore be allergologically problematic. In this article, we aim to provide an overview of allergens and emerging allergen sources in vegan foods and highlight the anaphylaxis risk of the vegan diet.

Innovative Fermented Soy Drink with the Sea Buckthorn Syrup and the Probiotics Co-Culture of Lactobacillus Paracasei ssp. Paracasei (L. Casei® 431) and Bifidobacterium Animalis ssp. Lactis (Bb-12®)

The area of functional drink is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the world, be it that it is made from plant-based or non-dairy milk. Sea buckthorn syrup is a source of functional ingredients, with a large spectrum of healthy compounds. The study aimed to investigate the suitability of sea buckthorn syrup as a substrate for Lactobacillus paracasei ssp. paracasei (L. casei® 431) and Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis (Bb-12®) development and fermentation in vegetal soy drink and to evaluate the fermented product (at 30 and 37 °C) in terms of bacterial viability, pH, tithable acidity during fermentation and storage period, water holding capacity, antioxidant capacity, total phenolic contents, sensory analysis and in vitro bio-accessibility. During fermentation, a bacterial concentration around of 109–1010 CFU·mL−1 was found in the soy drink with sea buckthorn syrup and L. casei® 431 and Bb-12®. Antioxidant capacity significantly improved after the fermentation of the soy drinks. On the other hand, through the digestibility of the drinks, the bacterial viability significantly decreased for L. casei® 431 and increased for Bb-12®. Further investigation is required on the concentration of sea buckthorn syrup and probiotic encapsulation methods to comprehend the components responsible for the efficient delivery of bacteria across the gastrointestinal tract.

Perception, knowledge, and insights on the Brazilian consumers about nut beverages

ABSTRACT “Plant-based beverages,” “plant-based milk” and “milk alternatives” are terms commonly used to refer to drinks made from plants, such as legumes, cereals, pseudocereals, and nuts. This study aimed to evaluate the perception and consumption of nut-based beverages by Brazilian consumers. An online questionnaire was prepared with socioeconomic and consumption questions and disseminated in digital media following established ethical standards. The almond beverage was the drink most consumed by the respondents and the Brazil nut beverage was the one that most aroused the most interest among the respondents. Nut beverages were elected as the healthiest, most sustainable, and nutritionally best beverages in comparison with soy beverages and cow’s milk. Fruits such as strawberries and bananas were cited as alternatives for flavoring these beverages. Consumers considered the possibility of fully and partially replacing cow’s milk and soy drinks with nut beverages. Interest in these along with plant-based milk was not restricted to the vegan segment, and these products were indicated as having strong potential for inclusion in the diets of omnivorous consumers. More studies on buying, purchase intention, acceptance, knowledge, and neophobia among Brazilian consumers are necessary for the development of these beverages, especially with more representative samples of society.

How are milk substitutes labelled in the UK? Should the term ‘milk’ be added to milk substitute labelling?

Abstract Existing regulation in the UK states that the term ‘milk’ can only be used in labelling to describe products that originate from animals. We conducted an observational study, which surveyed the availability and labelling of milk substitutes in UK supermarkets, and an online experimental study, which assessed the impact of using the term ‘milk’ on milk substitute labelling. In the experimental study, 352 UK adults were randomised to one of the two conditions where they saw milk substitutes that were either labelled with UK regulations (e.g., soya drink) or using the term ‘milk’ (e.g., soya milk). Our primary aims were to assess whether adding the term ‘milk’ to labels would (1) more accurately communicate the uses of milk substitutes or (2) confuse consumers about which products come from an animal source. In our observational study, milk substitutes were readily available and labelling varied significantly. In our experimental study, labelling products with the term ‘milk’ increased understanding of the product's use. However, participants who saw the term ‘milk’ on milk substitute labelling misidentified more milk substitutes as coming from an animal source. Future policy should consider the clarification of such labelling.

Development of a Fermented Beverage with Chlorella vulgaris Powder on Soybean-Based Fermented Beverage.

The area of functional beverages made from plant-based or non-dairy milk is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the world. The microalgae Chlorella vulgaris is a source of functional ingredients, with a large spectrum of healthy compounds, such as canthaxanthins, astaxanthins, peptides, and oleic acid. The study aimed to investigate the suitability of C. vulgaris biomass as a substrate for Lactobacillus fermentum and Lactobacillus rhamnosus development and fermentation in vegetal soy beverages and to evaluate the fermented product in terms of bacterial viability, antioxidant capacity, and in vitro bio-accessibility. During fermentation, a bacterial concentration of 8.74 log10 CFU/mL was found in the soy beverage with C. vulgaris and L. rhamnosus, and 8.71 log10 CFU/mL in beverage with C. vulgaris and L. fermentum. Polyphenol content and dietary antioxidant capacity significantly improved after fermentation soy drinks. On the other hand, through the digestibility of the beverages, the bacterial viability significantly decreased. To comprehend the components responsible for the efficient delivery of bacteria across the gastrointestinal tract, further investigation is required on probiotic encapsulation methods.

Perceptions toward Plant-Based Milk Alternatives among Young Adult Consumers and Non-Consumers in Denmark: An Exploratory Study.

The objective of this study was to determine associations among plant-based milk alternatives (PBMAs), sources of information on the PBMAs used, and the consumption of PBMAs among Danish young adult consumers and non-consumers of PBMAs. An online survey was conducted in May 2019. A total of 341 participants (consumers: n = 171; non-consumers: n = 170) aged 16-35 years old completed the survey. Most consumers drank less than one glass of PBMAs per week, and oat drink was the most frequently consumed PBMAs. Oat drinks were primarily consumed with coffee/tea or porridge, while soy drinks were preferred to be consumed alone. Participants who perceived PBMAs as natural, good for health, tasty, or nutritionally equal to cow's milk were more likely to be consumers of PBMAs. Additionally, participants who perceived PBMAs as highly processed or artificial were less likely to be consumers of PBMAs. For consumers, the most used sources of information on PBMAs were package labeling, followed by social media. The study´s results can help to improve marketing campaigns concerning the Danish retail of PBMA, whereby nutritional and sensory characteristics of PBMAs are highlighted through social networks and marketing strategies with product package labeling.

Complete Spirit, Soul and Body Health Production in Kenya: Application of Principal Components Analysis and Path Analysis

In Kenya, three disease domains namely communicable diseases, non-communicable conditions and violence/injuries continue to contribute to the high disease burden; and the total disease incidences reported increased by 31.2 percent from 2017 to 2018, with the three leading causes of morbidity being diseases of the respiratory system, Malaria and diseases of the skin (including ulcers). In addition to asharp decline observed in the three dimensions of financial health namely the ability to manage the day-to-day needs, cope with shocks and invest in livelihood and future. The objective of this study was to establish the production of complete spirit, soul and body health in Kenya through application of the principal components analysis and path analysis techniques. The study established that bad report deteriorates individuals’ health; conversely, good report improves their health. Male individuals have worse health compared to their female counterparts and individuals residing in rural areas have worse health compared to their counterparts in urban areas. Consumption of white ugali prepared using refined / sifted maize flour makes individual’s health deteriorate but their health improves with the consumption of brown ugali; and/ or white ugali prepared using coarse loose maize taken with dried/smoked fish and traditional vegetables. In addition, an individual’s health improves with the consumption of groundnuts, sweet potatoes and other roots and tubers including cooking banana, arrow roots, and yams; and consumption of sugarcane, pears, and soya drink. Individuals’ health also improves due to consumption of fried githeri; consumption of pasta and taking candies, however, consumption of tinned proteins like meat and beans; taking flavoured fresh milk, lard, preserved fruits and other berries; and taking nicotine products makes individuals’ health deteriorate. Based on the findings, the study recommends that the government ought to devise more ways of encouraging individuals /households to be deployed by providing financial education and increasing the financial services like the hustler fund project; the government and both local or/and international NGOs should collaborate in giving a helping hand whenever it calls for a response to severe water shortage/ drought or flood; every individual/household ought to have a spiritual authority for seeking spiritual help especially due to chronic illness such as the corona virus to cushion the individuals/households from separation experienced through death shocks; more concerted efforts on health education ought to be put in place and promoted to improve the health of individuals, especially males in the rural areas; individual’s need to improve their health by chewing sugarcanes in the morning, taking soya drink or tea prepared using sweet potato leaves with either groundnuts, sweet potatoes, cooking banana, arrow roots, and/or yams for breakfast; and/or in addition to consumption of fruits specifically pears; individuals and households ought to be encouraged to consume brown ugali prepared using cassava, sorghum, and millet grain/wimbi flour; and/ or white ugali prepared using coarse loose maize taken with dried/smoked fish with scales and traditional vegetables especially during lunch time; and they need to consume fried githeri prepared using a mixture of loose maize grain, beans, salt, onion leeks, and cooking fat for their supper or even pasta/spaghetti.

In vitro protein digestibility of different soy-based products: effects of microstructure, physico-chemical properties and protein aggregation.

This study investigates the effects of protein structure and food microstructure on the in vitro protein gastrointestinal digestibility of different soy-based products, such as soy drink, reconstituted soy drink powder, firm tofu, and yuba. The results of the chemical cross-linking analysis showed that hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions were the main forces driving protein aggregation in (reconstituted) soy drink powder and firm tofu, whereas disulphide bonds were significantly more important for soy drink and yuba. The β-sheet content of soy drink (36.5%) was lower than that of yuba (43.3%), but significantly higher than those of soy drink powder (23.2%) and firm tofu (29.8%). The in vitro protein digestibility decreased in the order of firm tofu > reconstituted soy drink powder > yuba > soy drink. Principal component analysis showed that protein gastrointestinal digestibility was positively correlated with the surface SH content and soluble protein content released by SDS + urea (SB-SA) but negatively correlated with the disulphide bonds and β-sheet content for the four soybean products.

Soy beverages and women's health: evidence review and experts opinion

Soy drinks are an increasingly consumed option within the Western diet. However, there are concerns about potential endocrine disruptor effects and possible impact on women's reproductive health. This review evaluates scientific documents in gynecology and obstetrics under an evidence-based medicine approach. All methods adhered to PRISMA 2020 declaration guidelines. The evaluated studies do not support a positive association between soy intake and early puberty or breast cancer; instead, a protective effect against such neoplasm was observed. Transplacental passage of soy isoflavones and their presence in breast milk has been reported without any maternal-fetal complications nor congenital malformations. Exposure to soy-derived products appears to have a neutral effect on body weight and bone health. Studies performed in adults indicate that soy may promote a minimal increase in thyrotropin (TSH) in subjects with subclinical hypothyroidism. The impact of soy-based foods on gut microbiota appears favorable, especially when consuming fermented products. Many of the human studies have been conducted with isoflavones supplements, isolated or textured soy proteins. Therefore, the results and conclusions should be interpreted cautiously, as these are not entirely applicable to commercial soy beverages.