Superfood Research Paper: EdamameEdamame is a traditional Japanese food that is grown and consumed in many Asian countries such as China, Japan and Korea. An important legume in Asia, demand for edamame has increased in the United States with the popularity of Asian cuisine. This nutritional superfood is part of the legume family and can be purchased at a local grocery store or grown domestically. Although grown primarily in Asia, soybeans are not only imported as they are also grown in the United States. Particularly in the South, states like Kentucky and Arkansas have become ideal countries for growing edamame because they have both ideal climate and soil (Kaiser). Since soybeans are a warm-season crop, they are best grown when the soil is at least 60 degrees. The plant is usually harvested by hand to avoid damage to the stems and leaves. Green soybean pods are picked before they are fully ripe and therefore taste sweeter at this stage because they contain more sucrose than soybeans picked later in the growing season. Once the pods are picked, they can be sold in local supermarkets and are usually purchased frozen. Preparing edamame bean is simple. The pods can be boiled in water, steamed or microwaved. When boiled in water, edamame can be cooked for about 3 to 5 minutes or until bright green. The beans are then drained and usually sprinkled with salt for added flavor. Beans can also be used as an ingredient in many recipes, such as edamame hummus, edamame-avocado dip, and edamame-cilantro pesto. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why violent video games should not be banned”?Get the original essayEdamame is a nutrient-rich legume and therefore has countless health benefits, such as being a source of protein and of high-quality fiber, having high levels of vitamin K and folate, and containing low levels of saturated fat. Unlike most plant proteins, edamame provides all the essential amino acids the body needs and is therefore an excellent source of protein for vegan diets. The high source of protein may also help reduce insulin resistance, kidney damage, and fatty liver in people with diabetes (Arnarson). Edamame is rich in vitamins and minerals such as iron, copper, riboflavin, and especially vitamin K and folate. One cup of these soybeans will contain about 52% of the daily value of vitamin K, which helps build strong bones and prevent heart disease. One cup of edamame also provides more than 100% of the daily value of folate, which aids DNA synthesis and repair (Magee). Additionally, edamame contains isoflavones, which are natural estrogenic compounds found in soy. A study from the Chinese University of Hong Kong showed that isoflavones in soy significantly reduced overall cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, while increasing HDL cholesterol. In fact, the meta-analysis concluded that consuming soy protein rather than animal protein significantly decreased concentrations of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides without significantly affecting HDL cholesterol levels. Since high cholesterol levels are linked to an increased risk of.