Soybeans – actually, beans in general – are not much of a dietary staple in the western world. But traditional soy foods – like tofu, miso and tempeh – have formed the basis of the diet in East Asia for centuries, where they’re valued not only for their versatility, but also for the healthy nutrition they offer.

Soy is nutrient-packed as per Ms.Susan Bowerman, MS, RD, CSSD.

While all beans provide protein, soybeans top the list when it comes to protein quality. Proteins are made up of small building blocks called amino acids. And some amino acids are termed essential – which means that we have to get them from foods, because our bodies can’t make them. A protein that contains all the essential amino acids is termed ‘complete’ – and soy is one of the few complete proteins in the plant world.

Soybeans are also low in saturated fat and, like all plant foods, are naturally cholesterol-free. Soybeans also offer up calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and B-vitamins, along with omega-3 fats.

If you are trying to get more plant protein into your daily diet, you might want to give soy a try.

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