Health Benefits of Edamame: Should Edamame Be Included in Your Diet?

Edamame is a Japanese dish of immature green soybeans in their pods. It’s a legume that is just one type of soybean. Edamame is referred to as vegetable-type soybeans. In essence, these are young soybeans that are harvested before they ripen or harden, and edamame may be served with salt or other condiments. Due to the beans’ rich nutrition, which is going to be discussed in this article, it has become popular across the world.

5 Health Benefits of Edamame Which Prove That it is More Than Just an Appetizer

1. Edamame is a great source of plant-based protein: This means that if you don’t eat meat, eating this veggie can give you all the protein you need without having to eat any animal sources of protein, including but not limited to chicken, beef, pork, etc. The same thing goes for other soy products like tofu.
2. Edamame is a rich source of vitamin K: Vitamin K plays a crucial role in blood clotting, helps maintain a healthy metabolism, and regulates calcium levels. It’s full of this vitamin. A cup of edamame covers 41% of our daily vitamin K needs. In order to really reap the benefits, it is best if you pair edamame with olive oil, avocado, or any other healthy fat. It’s a fat-soluble vitamin, so eating some fat with the beans will help absorb more of it.
3. Packed with fiber: One cup of edamame has 6 grams of fiber, which is a fourth of your recommended daily intake. Fiber helps keep the digestive system healthy and also prevents constipation, which makes edamame a great choice if one wants to have a more comfortable bowel movement.
4. It is an excellent option for weight loss: Edamame can help you keep feeling full and satisfied for hours. This in turn makes it one of the best foods for weight loss.
5. Edamame has calcium: Edamame does not just have Vitamin K, which helps regulate calcium levels. There’s also calcium itself in this vegetable, making it a double-win for the bones.

Are there any downsides of eating edamame?

Unless you’re allergic to soy, edamame is likely safe for consumption. Some people experience mild side effects, like diarrhea, constipation, and stomach cramps. This is most likely to happen if you’re not used to eating fiber-rich foods on a day-to-day basis. Edamame may also hinder absorption of vitamins and minerals as it contains some antinutrients. It contains compounds that can impair thyroid function by preventing iodine absorption. Digestive issues can happen if this vegetable is consumed raw or undercooked or in excess.

Bottom line: Edamame is a healthy vegetable which definitely should be included in your diet. Despite all the downsides, enjoy this vegetable in moderation and not too much. You can still eat it daily.