Many go into great detail to prove their case while others seem to have no reasoning other than a certain food looks healthy or that it's a common doctor recommendation.
I've done a lot of research on food nutrition.
Any "Best For You Food List" that places one food as the top food is usually exaggerating. In some cases, the published list that places one food in a top spot is compensated for making that "#1" claim. Truth is, eating anything in moderation can be healthy. There just so happens to be a few foods that are particularly healthy to eat on a regular basis.
ATLIBERTYTOSAY.COM is taking a look at 10 of the best foods to eat. These are foods that you should in any way possible integrate into your diet and make a habit of eating on a regular basis. The foods listed will be presented in no particular order.
2. Soybeans
Soybeans, in general, are a great source of protein.
But ... why are soybeans, in particular, the better bean?
From the FDA Website:
Soy protein products can be good substitutes for animal products because, unlike other beans, soy offers a 'complete' protein profile. Soy protein products can replace animal-based foods—which also have complete proteins but tend to contain more fat, especially saturated fat—without requiring major adjustments elsewhere in the diet.
Soybeans are in soy milk - if you're lactose intolerant - soy milk is a great alternative that's just as good for you. Most soy milk is fortified with the same vitamins and minerals (such as calcium) as regular dairy milk.
Tofu is also a great source of soy protein. Tofu comes from the curdled oil that is skimmed from the top of soy milk.
Tofu is high in protein, low in salt and calories, and has no cholesterol. Tofu by itself is bland in taste but it picks up the flavor of other foods that are cooked with it. It's the perfect addition to light soups - chopped into very small cubes.
Many don't realize that soy sauce is essentially "soybean wine" - derived from fermented soybeans. Using low sodium soy sauce is an excellent means as a salt alternative.
Soybeans are a perfect way to add protein to a salad.
Soybeans contain significant amounts genistein and daidzein.
These are what is known as isoflavones.
These isoflavones are primarily good as antioxidants.
The antioxidant genistein counteracts tissue damage caused by aging.
It has been shown that genistein makes some cells more receptive to various methods of cancer treatment.
Studies have also found genistein to be useful in combating leukemia and that it can be used in combination with certain other leukemia combating drugs to improve their efficacy.
My favorite way to eat soybeans is in the form of Edamame.
These are essentially "high heat boiled" soybeans left in the "shell" and then lightly salted with coarse sea salt.
These make a great appetizer to most any meal.
I particularly like to eat them with sushi.
Most Japanese restaurants that serve sushi - serve edamame.
You can also find frozen edamame at Ingles in the freezer section.
Because it's a fun food, my son loves to "de-shell" them and eat them.
My son also likes soy milk - although I'm not a big fan of it.
Notes:
The proper spelling is using one word, "soybean" not two; like "soy bean".
I couldn't find the resource for a claim that I had heard when I was first discovering sushi around 1999. I had read or heard somewhere that eating 20 or so pods of soybeans was the equivalent of eating two steaks as far as protein is concerned.
Soy has been used in China for 5,000 years primarily to add nitrogen (and other nutrients) into the soil as part of crop rotation and not necessarily for edible purposes.
Soy is also used in the creation of biodegradable plastics.
Buying soy products is also a small way of supporting US Agriculture.
The main producers of soy are the United States (32%), Brazil (28%), Argentina (21%), China (7%) and India (4%).
I don't want to cheat by saying this ... but I won't cover another "bean" in this series. All beans are good for you ... but most must have a "quality carbohydrate" and "quality green" to go with it to make it completely healthy for you.
Recently, I've gotten into eating pinto beans with collard greens and corn bread all mixed into a bowl. Everyone in my family enjoys this. It's a very inexpensive meal that doesn't weaken as a leftover. I usually put a little mayonnaise in the bowl - mixing everything together. This is yet another thing my wife taught me is tasty that I, at first, thought "yuck" to.
The miraculous thing about the soybean is that it gives you the benefit of eating all of the above ingredients in one - the pinto beans, corn bread, and collard greens.
Resources:
http://www.fda.gov
http://www.soynutrition.com
http://www.wikipedia.com
Please take a look at the other articles in this series:
Healthy Living
2 COMMENTS / Make your own:
I wonder if soybeans are easier on your tummy?
Unagi in Easley is a great place to get Edamame and Sushi. If you've never had sushi before, they offer $1 nigiri (raw) and $2 rolls on Monday. You can try several things and not cost an arm and leg. You only have to buy a soft drink, tea or bottled water.
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