Edamame or immature green soybeans have been used in cooking in Asian countries for a long time.

Edamame beans are the green-colored young version of soybeans. Generally, edamame is sold in the pods, which should be removed before eating. According to historians, people in China have been consuming edamame since the 2nd century BC. Nowadays, they are available in the supermarket in frozen or shelled versions. Just like other plant-based products, edamame beans are enriched with essential nutrients. Go through this article to know some amazing benefits of edamame.

The nutritional profile of edamame:

Edamame is one of the best sources of plant-based protein. Apart from that, iron, folate, and calcium are obtained in large quantities. A half cup of edamame provides 65 calories, 5 grams of carbohydrates, and 4 mg of sodium. One major advantage of consuming edamame is the absence of cholesterol.

Edamame is a must for diabetic patients:

Edamame has a low glycemic index, thus decreasing the sugar spike in the blood after the meal. Some isoflavones identified from edamame have been clinically proven to be beneficial to decrease blood sugar levels. So, if you have diabetic patients in your house, suggest then having edamame daily.

Edamame reduces the risk of cancer:

Few recent studies have confirmed that regular consumption of edamame is linked to the reduction of cancer, especially breast cancer. This property is mainly due to the presence of high folate along with anti-cancerous phytochemicals.

Edamame decreases bad cholesterol  concentration:

A high concentration of LDL cholesterol (also known as bad cholesterol) increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases promoting ischemic heart disease, stroke, and so on. Edamame, enriched with soy protein and isoflavones reduces the concentration of LDL, thus improving heart health.

Edamame promotes bone health:

Enriched with calcium, edamame maintains bone health. Regular consumption of soy protein like edamame lowers the risk of bone fractures. Some recent studies have shown that edamame decreases the pain associated with osteoporosis. It restores bone density for middle-aged people.

Edamame improves digestion:

This is one major benefit of edamame due to the presence of a high amount of fiber. Around 8 grams of dietary fiber is obtained from 1 cup of edamame. This fiber provides the feeling of fullness along with improving bowel movement. If you are suffering from bloating or constipation, daily consumption of Edamame is recommended.

Edamame improves skin health:

Tiny Edamame can protect your skin from sun exposure and free-radical-related damage due to the presence of antioxidants. The phytochemicals repair skin damage and delay the appearance of wrinkles. A recent study has shown that soy-based isoflavone genistein improves skin elasticity to prevent skin cancer.

Due to a large number of health benefits, edamame can be considered a healthy snack option.