The Facts
Edamame is a way of preparing soy beans left in the pod. Edamame uses immature soybeans that you can steam and garnish with herbs and salt. People typically eat Edamame with their hands, pinching the beans out of the pod into their mouth. Edamame is usually a snack or appetizer, however you can also incorporate it into a meal. A cup of prepared Edamame contains 189 calories.
Fiber
Edamame’s high fiber content may help you lose weight. A cup of Edamame contains 8g of fiber, which is 32 percent of your recommended daily amount. High-fiber foods help you to lose weight because they make you feel fuller, according to Mayoclinic.com. High-fiber foods also take longer to digest, so a cup of Edamame as a snack will help keep hunger away longer. If you tend to overeat at meals, have a cup of Edamame as an appetizer to feel full sooner.
Protein
The high protein content of Edamame may also help you lose weight. A cup of edamame contains 17g of protein. A 2008 article in the journal “Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Obesity” states that diets with slightly higher amounts of protein and lower amounts of carbohydrates can improve your body weight. So, choosing edamame over a low-protein high-carbohydrate snack may increase your changes of long-term weight loss.
Cardiovascular Health
You can also improve your overall cardiovascular health by choosing Edamame instead of meat as a source of protein in your diet. The American Cancer Society states that soy products such as Edamame can lower your cholesterol and blood pressure. The low saturated fats in Edamame relative to meats may also lower your risk of heart disease. Being overweight puts you at greater risk of heart disease, so including Edamame in your diet can be your first step to improving the health of your heart.
 
Ingredients: Soybeans