The Power

Pic by Sharon

The Power of Edamame
What is Edamame?
Edamame is the Japanese name for soybean and means “beans on branches”. Found within the pod of the young soybean plant, a single bean is looks like a typical lima bean. It is slightly sweeter and nuttier than the standard soybean and has a smooth texture with a slight crunch.
It can be eaten as an appetizer, a vegetable entree, in soups, or processed into sweets. As an appetizer, the pods are boiled, lightly salted, and then the seeds are squeezed from the pods into the mouth with the fingers.

Health Benefits
Soy is a plant-based protein that can be a healthy substitute for high- saturated fat sources of protein. Soy is cholesterol free, low in fat, and contains heart-healthy fats.
A complete protein , containing all 9 essential amino acids, soy helps to build and maintain lean muscle mass, which can help improve recovery time and reduce post-exercise fatigue.
Supports heart health. Most studies suggest that 25 grams of soy protein daily (along with a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol), may reduce LDL (bad) Cholesterol and reduce the risk of Coronary Heart Disease (CHD). [FDA]
Soy contains a higher protein to carbohydrate ratio than any other vegetable.
The high protein and fiber content helps you to feel less hungry and helps you to feel full longer.

How to Eat More Edamame
Edamame can be found in freezer section of at the grocery store. If you can’t find it, just ask!
Steamed or blanched, in or out of the pod, (just pop them out), and served with spicy sauces of soy, sesame oil, ginger, garlic.
Add to fresh salads for extra crunch and nutrition.
Add to pasta dishes, soups (during the last 10 minutes of cooking), shepherd’s pie, or other traditional dinner favorites.
Add to white or brown rice for added protein, fiber, and flavor. Try steamed edamame with quinoa, olive oil and a dash of salt and pepper.

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