Soybeans lower the risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer
The image of these once lowly beans has changed and has now earned the prestigious title, King of beans. It is also known as the miracle bean, the meat of the fields, the Cow of China, and the marvelous China.
The soybean plant is used in many different ways. Like the coconut tree, soybeans are used as food, gasoline, and even ink. Soybeans can be eaten as cooked legumes. Or they can be made into a variety of products such as tofu, soybean sprouts, soybean oil, tempeh, tau-pi, tau-kee, tim-kee, miso, and soy sauce.
Soy is viewed as functional food (foods that provide health benefits that provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition) because of its numerous health benefits. Packed into each soybean is a variety of plant chemicals that are beneficial to health because they lower the risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer, alleviate menopausal symptoms, and enhance bone health. Soybeans also contain major nutrients carbohydrates, proteins, fats, minerals, and fiber.
But sometimes the benefits of soybeans are overemphasized. Soybeans should not be eaten alone, but with a variety of foods a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and all other components that add up to an excellent diet.