Soy Milk in Winter: Warming the Stomach, Energizing the Body, and Nourishing the Skin
Soy Milk in Winter: Warming the Stomach, Energizing the Body, and Nourishing the Skin
It is often said that drinking beverages can be harmful to health. However, one “beverage” in traditional Chinese cuisine offers numerous benefits, so much so that even prestigious international medical journals have praised it. This drink is soy milk, and it is especially beneficial during winter.
Soy Milk: A Beverage That Promotes Longevity
Soybeans, often referred to as "plant meat," are among the most revered foods in TCM due to their nutrient-rich composition. Products made from soybeans, including soy milk, are considered highly beneficial for overall health.
Benefits of Drinking Soy Milk in Winter
Energizing and Nourishing the Skin
Soy milk is a health-promoting beverage suitable for all seasons. In autumn and winter, it is particularly effective in "replenishing energy and moisturizing the skin" (as noted in the ancient text Shiliao Bencao). It also helps alleviate dryness of the mouth and nose while reducing discomfort from lung heat.A Natural Cholesterol Buster
Soy milk contains no cholesterol and is rich in soy saponins and unsaturated fatty acids, which improve lipid profiles and regulate cellular metabolism. It acts as a “cleanser” for blood vessels. Additionally, its plant-based compounds, such as soy isoflavones, can help prevent coronary heart disease and stroke.Prevention of Fatty Liver
Soybeans, the main ingredient in soy milk, are rich in choline, which aids in expelling fat from the liver in the form of phospholipids. This helps prevent fatty liver, boosts memory, and promotes brain development.Strengthening Bones and Immunity
Soy milk is rich in high-quality protein, calcium, and vitamins. Its protein content is twice that of pork and 2.5 times that of eggs, making it an excellent source for enhancing immunity and bone health. In TCM, soy milk is said to strengthen tendons and bones and nourish bone marrow.
Recommended Soy Milk Recipes for Winter
Sesame Peanut Black Soy Milk
Ingredients: 10g peanuts, 80g black soybeans, 15g black sesame seeds.
Preparation: Soak peanuts and black soybeans, then blend with sesame seeds in a soy milk maker.
Benefits: Ideal for women, it promotes hair health, nourishes the skin, supports liver and kidney health, and improves blood circulation.
Five-Bean Soy Milk
Ingredients: Yellow soybeans, black soybeans, green soybeans, peas, and red beans in a 3:1:1:1:1 ratio.
Preparation: Wash and soak beans for 6–10 hours, then blend with water in a soy milk maker.
Benefits: Rich in nutrients, this soy milk helps lower cholesterol and supports conditions such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, coronary heart disease, arteriosclerosis, and diabetes.
Red Date and Goji Berry Soy Milk
Ingredients: 50g yellow soybeans, 15g red dates, 10g goji berries.
Preparation: Wash and soak soybeans for 6–10 hours, then blend with dates and goji berries in a soy milk maker.
Benefits: Enhances energy, nourishes the blood, and supports kidney health, making it ideal for those with qi and blood deficiencies.
Lily and Peanut Soy Milk
Ingredients: 80g yellow soybeans, 50g peanuts, 30g lily bulbs.
Preparation: Wash and soak soybeans and peanuts for 6–10 hours, then blend with lily bulbs. Add honey if desired.
Benefits: Moisturizes the lungs, soothes dryness, nourishes the skin, and calms the mind. Ideal for people recovering from illness or with weak constitutions.
Walnut and Sesame Soy Milk
Ingredients: 80g yellow soybeans, 30g walnuts, 30g black sesame seeds.
Preparation: Wash and soak soybeans for 6–10 hours, then blend with walnuts and sesame seeds.
Benefits: Nourishes the liver and kidneys, supports brain health, and promotes healthy hair.
Olive and Longan Soy Milk
Ingredients: 80g yellow soybeans, 10g olive flesh, 10g longan flesh, 5g goji berries.
Preparation: Wash and soak soybeans, then blend with the other ingredients. Add rock sugar if desired.
Benefits: Nourishes the blood and yin, improves skin health, and promotes beauty.