Edamame's many health benefits is also something which is worth looking into. The soybean is a complete protein containing all of the amino acid building blocks. It also provides an antioxidant boost from plant chemicals called isoflavones.
Many people are familiar with the soybean, but few have experienced the sweet, nutty taste of the “green soybean” known as edamame. This tasty bean is growing in popularity as a healthy and nutritious snack, particularly among the college crowd – and for good reason. When compared to other snacks, edamame leads the pack in terms of nutritional value.
Edamame refers to soybeans that are harvested and collected when the plant is still young and green. To prepare this tasty vegetable, they’re usually boiled in salt water while still in the pods and served as a snack or side dish. They can also be removed from the pods and added to soups and salads. When eaten as a snack, the pods are usually placed in the mouth and the beans gently squeezed onto the tongue. The pod is then discarded. You can find them served in some vegetarian restaurants on college campuses and in some Japanese restaurants. Unlike mature soybeans that are firm, these young, green soybeans are soft in texture and have more pleasing taste.
Edamame is an excellent source of low-calorie protein which makes it a popular snack among vegetarian athletes. A half-cup of these young beans has eleven grams of protein and is one of the few vegetarian protein sources that have all nine of the essential amino acids the body can’t make. The fat in edamame is the heart-healthy kind, polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats that help to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. Plus, they’re a caloric bargain at only125 calories.
Each half-cup of edamame has four grams of heart-healthy fiber to help lower cholesterol levels and keep you satiated so you won’t reach for a candy bar later on. If you’re like most Americans, you can use the additional fiber boost.The isoflavones found in edamame and other soy products can help to lower the risk of heart disease according to some studies and may also lower bloodcholesterol levels . When edamame is used as a protein source in place of meat, the cardiovascular benefits are further enhanced. The issue of whether isoflavones lower the risk of breast cancer is still under debate, so soy products should be eaten in limited quantity in anyone with a history of breast cancer. Edamame is also a good source of folate and vitamin K which are important for heart health.
Good for bone health too!
25 Seeds.
How to Prepare
(Cooking times may vary on method and container used)
Stove Top
1. Rinse fresh edamame.
2. Put edamame pods into briskly boiling water.
3. Cook to second boil 2-5 minutes or until tender. At this stage, you would normally notice some pods opening up. Do not overcook.
4. Drain water, let cool, sprinkle with salt and serve.
Steamer
1. Rinse fresh edamame.
2. Place edamame pods in steamer basket.
3. Place basket in saucepan with water below basket.
4. Cover, bring to a full boil and steam about 5 minutes.
5. Sprinkle on some salt and serve.
Eating Directions:
Take soybean pod by the stem, place between teeth, strip soybeans from the pod with your teeth and discard empty pods.
