Edamame

Just recently i have rediscovered edamame. I have had these green veggies in the past but refound them in my life as an afternoon snack. I was too frequently snacking on fruit and decided I was getting in too much sugar. I bought the edamame frozen, they come in and out of the pods. So what are these delishious things---SOYBEANS. From Asia and frequently found in japanese restaurants along with your sushi (mine vegan with miso always). The word Edamame means "Beans on Branches," and it grows in clusters on bushy branches. In Asia, the soybean has been used for over two thousand years as a major source of protein. It is a complete protein containing all 8 amino acids not produced by the body. Proteins have also been shown to stabilize blood sugar, and omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to combat depression
Edamame are also a fiber-rich food with a higher levels of abscisic acid, sucrose, protein than other types of soybean. They also contain a high source of vitamin A, vitamin B and calcium and the magic word isoflavones.Although still debated about the benefits of soy- certain proteins in soy protect against cancer, heart disease, and osteoporosis
Here's what you'll find in a half-cup serving of shelled edamame (or 1 1/8 cup edamame in the pods):

120 calories
9 grams fiber
2.5 grams fat
1.5 grams polyunsaturated fat (0.3 grams plant omega-3 fatty acids)
0.5 gram monounsaturated fat
11 grams protein
13 grams carbohydrate
15 mg sodium
10% of the Daily Value for vitamin C
10% Daily Value for iron
8% Daily Value for vitamin A
4% Daily Value for calcium
Pick some up today!