Edamame: A Popular Type of Soybean

Asians have incorporated the soybean into their diets for many thousands of years as the soybean is a great source of protein and offers many health benefits. Americans are beginning to realize the health value of soybeans as well as they can be used to make a variety or different dishes. Vegetarians rely heavily on foods made of soybean today to replace meat products in their diets. In addition soybeans are used to make a milk substitute for those who are lactose intolerant that is called soymilk.

However, there is another form of the soybean that is very popular today. This is Edamame. The name Edamame means "twig bean" becaues the soybean has a twig or stem that the pod is attached too while growing. Edamame is made from soybeans that are harvested before they are fully matured. This prevents the beans from advancing to their hardened state. After these very young soybeans are harvested they are then boiled and frozen so as to retain their freshness. These soybeans are grown in the countries of China as well as Japan.

When soybeans are harvested before they fully mature they take on a different taste. This taste is a nuttier and sweeter taste than that of fully matured soybeans. Edamame have high levels of protein, abscisisic acid, and sucrose as well as vitamins A and vitamin B. The amount of these nutrients is higher than that of fully matured soybeans.

This soybean is a good food source for those who suffer from diabetes, as the edamame will help naturally control blood sugar levels. It is thought that edamame will reduce the risk of heart attacks as the bean helps to lower cholesterol. In addition, it is believed by some, that the soybean has positive affects on lowering the risk of breast cancer.