Edamame, The Most Healthy Snack There Is
Edamame is the term used to denote the immature soybean that is becoming increasingly popular in the U.S. as snacks. Frequent patrons of Japanese and Chinese restaurants might be familiar with the dish of the same name. The soybeans are intact, with the beans still in the pods. The pods are prepared by boiling in water added with salt for about five minutes. They are consumed by squeezing one end of the pod so that the beans go out the other end.
Why should you eat Edamame?
Though non-Asians might find this dish exotic at first, they should be encouraged to eat edamame as often as they could, substituting the usual chips and other non-nutritious snacks. Aside from being rich in vitamins and minerals, as well as tasting good, they also contain more nutrients than processed soy. Soybeans are good source of isoflavones, known to counteract some of the effects of menopause in women, including osteoporosis. Researchers even claim on the contribution of soybeans in preventing breast cancer among women who have not yet reached the menopausal stage. On men, isoflavones contribute to the maintenance of high density lipoproteins or the good cholesterol. All in all, soy proteins can alleviate the symptoms of hypertension and offer an avenue for its treatment. Diabetics can also benefit from the inclusion of edamame into their diet. This food can decrease insulin resistance, and prevent damage to the kidneys, which is one of the main organs that deteriorate as diabetes progresses.
Where to buy Edamame?
If local supermarkets or groceries in your area do not sell edamame, try shops that specializes on Asian foodstuffs. It is often sold in frozen state. If you’re lucky to get fresh edamame, select the ones with bright green color and cook them immediately before you see any yellowing on the skin. Cooked edamame can last for two weeks when refrigerated.
And just to give you a clue on how versatile edamame is, you can incorporate them in several popular recipes. Instead of using meat, add the cooked beans into your favored pasta dishes or noodles. The beans can also be mixed with rice or stir fried along with other vegetables like carrots, cabbage, or broccoli. Its delicate flavor can also add uniqueness to whatever stew or soup you’d like to prepare. However, the most popular and preferred way of eating edamame is direct from the pod, accompanied by ice cold bear or whatever beverage of your choice.
