Reviewed by최연승대표원장
Does drinking soy milk really help with weight loss? I'd like to know the mechanism behind how it works.
Soy milk is an excellent snack or meal replacement for busy individuals. To prevent fat storage, it is vital to choose options with low sugar content to avoid spiking insulin levels. From the perspective of Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), soybeans strengthen the Spleen to treat Spleen Deficiency (Biheo) and help eliminate internal Dampness (Seup). If you often feel bloated or heavy, soy milk can support weight management while boosting your vital energy.
When dieting, it’s crucial to check the sugar content of soy milk, as low-sugar options help stabilize blood glucose and prevent insulin from converting excess energy into fat. Its high protein content also helps combat 'false hunger.' In TKM, we emphasize 'Spleen Deficiency' (Biheo) as a primary cause of obesity. When the Spleen’s digestive function weakens, water metabolism stalls, leading to the accumulation of waste products like 'Phlegm-Fluid' (Dameum) and 'Water-Dampness' (Suseup). This is often the culprit behind stubborn 'middle-age weight' and chronic bloating. Soybeans possess the ability to 'Strengthen the Spleen' (Geonbi) and 'Promote Diuresis' (Iseup), effectively flushing out stagnant dampness to lighten the body. For busy professionals in their 30s to 50s who suffer from weakened digestion due to stress, soy milk provides an easy-to-digest protein source that supports Spleen function better than extreme fasting. However, ensure you choose 'unsweetened' products, as many commercial varieties contain high amounts of high-fructose corn syrup which can hinder your progress.