You Should Be Eating Edamame!
By Sara Butler
Soybeans are one of the most versatile crops in the world, and they’re used to make a variety of healthy products such as tempeh, tofu, and miso. You can also eat soybeans whole, a delicacy called edamame. Edamame has made a name for itself in the United States over the last several years, and if you haven’t tried it yet, then here are some reasons why you should!
They’re Packed with Protein
Soybeans are a great plant-based source of protein, which makes edamame a protein powerhouse! If you’re vegetarian or vegan, then you need to make sure you’re getting enough protein in your diet to stay healthy. One cup of edamame has almost 20 grams of protein. Plus, soybeans are a great source of complete protein, which means they provide essential amino acids your body needs to function optimally. Other plant-based proteins can’t boast that.
They Don’t Raise Blood Sugar
Eating a lot of highly processed carbohydrates like sugar on a regular basis is a great way to set yourself up for developing a chronic disease. Beans, just like edamame, don’t cause your blood sugar to spike like sugar does, so it makes it a great snack for people with diabetes.
They’re High in Minerals and Vitamins
Edamame may be small, but they pack a lot in a small package. Edamame contains:
- Vitamin K1
- Folate
- Thiamine
- Iron
- Copper
- Riboflavin
- Manganese
They are especially high in Vitamin K and folate. Just one cup has about 52 percent of your recommended daily allowance of Vitamin K and 100 percent of your folate!
They Might Reduce Bone Loss
As you grow older, you’re at risk for developing brittle bones. That’s because you stop adding bone mass when you’re young, which makes it important as ever to make sure you’re eating for bone health after about the age of 30.
Soy products contain isoflavones, which have been found in a few studies to help lower the risk of developing osteoporosis (brittle bones) in women after menopause. Isoflavones have been found to help increase bone mineral density and reduce bone loss.
You can find edamame in the freezer section of your grocery store. They’re easy to prepare, often just requiring a quick zap in the microwave to steam them. Once cooked, simply remove the bean from the pod and eat them!
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic.