Health and Wellness

Is Soy Milk Healthy?

Soy milk is starting to appear in more recipes, usually listed next to almond milk. It is considered the vegan’s alternative because it is made from a plant. Some have made the transition from cow’s milk to soy permanently. Others believe it is dangerous to your health. The question remains: is soy milk healthy?

What is Soy Milk?

Soy milk is a product of the soy bean plant, the same one used to make tofu. To make milk, the plant is ground and boiled in water. Its constitution is roughly 1% oil or fat, 3% protein and water. The end result is plant-based milk.

You can buy soy milk from the store. It is sometimes labeled “soya milk”. If you are health-conscious, you can learn how to make it at home. Home-made milk can be prepared with a machine designed for that purpose or with a blender.

Health Benefits of Soy Milk

Despite lingering controversy, soy milk is regarded as a healthier alternative. Not only is it suitable for a vegan diet, it has been shown to contain less fat and sugar than cow’s milk.

Unsaturated fat

One argument for soy milk is that its fat content is healthier than that of cow’s milk. The former has about 1% of unsaturated fat, which increases good cholesterol while lowering the bad LDL type of cholesterol. In short, it is ideal for heart health. Cow’s milk, on the other hand, contains saturated fat which increases the risk of coronary heart disease.

Protein

Soy milk is 3% protein, which is more or less the same compared to cow’s milk. This might seem little but it is enough protein to improve muscular health, cartilage strength and bone mass. When it is broken down into amino acids, the protein can benefit every system in the body.

Phytoestrogens

If you are familiar with phytoestrogens, they are compounds that act like the female hormone estrogen. Men have smaller amounts of estrogen too. Because women in menopause are short of this hormone, drinking soy milk can restore some balance. For men, phytoestrogens can counter high levels of testosterone to prevent prostate cancer.

Less sugar and calories

Another reason why soy milk is healthier is that it has less sugar. It also contains fewer calories than other types of milk. This makes it the ideal choice for weight watchers. What’s more, soy milk contains fiber to curb hunger and provide slow-releasing energy.

How to Make Soy Milk at Home

Investing in a soy milk machine can make life easier. There are a few good brands on the market. If you would rather do it manually, you might be surprised at how easy it is.

Prepping the ingredients

Start by soaking ½ cup of soya beans in water for at least 10 hours. If you don’t have that kind of time, crack the beans and let them sit in water for at least 6 hours. Wash the hulls away with cool water.

Grinding the beans

Add the beans to a grinder and pour in a liter or quart of water. Blend thoroughly and strain the mixture using a cheese cloth. Collect the milk and transfer to a pot. Place over high heat and boil for 5-10 minutes. Allow the milk to cool and store it in the refrigerator. Use within 3 days.

Papaya Health Benefits

Papaya, sometimes referred to as “paw paw”, is a luscious tropical fruit with a pleasantly sweet taste. Grown in Hawaii and some parts of South America, the fruit’s flesh is a sought after commodity worldwide. More than just a tasty treat, papaya health benefits promise to make the body stronger, leaner and healthier.

Papaya Nutrition Profile

Tropical fruits are unique in both nutrients and appearance. In fact, most get their colorful appearance from the nutrients they contain. Papaya is no different. Rich with a variety of vitamins and minerals, it deserves a place on the world’s healthiest foods list.

Papaya has one of the highest amounts of vitamin C, one that exceeds the recommended dietary intake. It also offers generous amounts of vitamin A, B and beta-carotene. Papaya’s mineral profile includes potassium, magnesium and copper.

Papaya health benefits can also be attributed to its fiber, protein and a collection of digestive enzymes. When the protein is ingested, it breaks into more than 200 amino acids. Only a few foods provide such a wide variety.

Papaya Health Benefits

Whether you need to eat better for your heart or need to get in shape, including papaya in your diet can help get your health where it needs to be.

Promotes Digestion

For your body to break down food into nutrients, it needs enzymes. Fortunately, papaya has lots of them. One of the main enzymes is called papain. Its job is to improve the digestion of protein. In doing so, it prevents acid reflux and indigestion.

Papaya also encourages healthy digestion by providing fiber. Dietary fiber regulates the pace of digestion. As a result, nutrients are well-absorbed and bowel movements become regular again. If you have irritable bowel syndrome, eating papaya can help ease symptoms.

Fights Infections

As one of the best sources of vitamin C, papaya can improve your body’s ability to fight infections. With the help of vitamin A and beta-carotene, can be an effective organic treatment for respiratory conditions. These vitamins also prevent degenerative diseases that often come with age.

Protects the Heart

The heart is a fragile organ and your diet can affect how well it functions. Papaya is a good food choice because it contains magnesium and potassium. These minerals can keep your heart rate in the normal range and prevent cholesterol in the bloodstream from reaching your arteries.

Delays Aging

In today’s world, people are aging faster because of poor diet and environmental toxins. Preventing premature aging is one of the best papaya health benefits. With its combination of A, B and C vitamins, papaya can help clear your skin, nourish your hair and improve your eyesight.

Cuts Calories

If you have trouble controlling sugar and carb cravings, papaya might be the perfect choice of food. Not only is it sweet, the fruit also contains fewer calories and provides more nutrition than processed foods.

How to Eat Papaya

The edible parts of a papaya are the flesh and seeds. To eat, just slice it in the middle and pull the halves apart. Scoop out seeds and peel away the skin. You can eat the flesh alone or in a fruit salad. Although papaya seeds are edible, try not to eat more than a couple of teaspoons at a time to avoid stomach aches.

Tomato Health Benefits

What would meals be without tomatoes? Used for everything from stews to salads, tomatoes may just be the most consumed fruit/vegetable anywhere. Unfortunately, tomato health benefits are usually taken for granted. Read about how these nutritious plants affect your body.

Tomato Nutrition Profile

Nutritionally, tomatoes have a bit of everything. They contain almost every nutrient you need daily for good health. Some of tomato’s prominent vitamins include A, B, C, E and K. It carries most essential minerals, moderate amounts of protein and fiber, and powerful antioxidants like lycopene.

Tomato Health Benefits

You know that healthy feeling you get after eating a salad? Tomatoes have that effect on the body because they are very healthy.

Kill Cancer Cells

Recent research studies have established a connection between lycopene and cancer prevention. Lycopene, together with other antioxidants, discourage cancer cells from spreading. Tomatoes are particularly effective at preventing prostate cancer in men.

Spoil Your Heart

Tomatoes are a source of well-known antioxidants like vitamin A and E and lesser known types. When all these antioxidants act together, they can eliminate toxic substances that poison the heart for better cardiovascular health.

Protect Your Body

The immune system shields the body from disease in two ways. Firstly, it builds a barrier to prevent bacteria and free radicals from entering. Secondly, it releases antibodies to control organisms that have taken over. Tomatoes can help your body do both by supplying vitamin C, K, and zinc.

Strengthen Your Skeleton

Your bones make up your skeleton and if they are weak, so will your mobility and agility. Luckily, adding density to your skeletal system is one of the tomato health benefits. With exceptional amounts of manganese and phosphorus, tomatoes can strengthen your frame.

Trim Your Figure

Your weight is a result of how well the body can use the food you eat. If you have a fast metabolism, it means your body breaks down and burns carbs, proteins and fat efficiently. If not, you might need B-vitamins to help you stay trim.

Tomatoes can help with weight loss because they are rich in vitamin B1, 3, 6 and biotin. One of the primary functions of these nutrients is to support metabolism. Another way tomatoes keep you in shape is through calories. 100 grams of chopped tomato contains as little as 18 calories.

How to Add Tomato to Your Diet

Tomatoes are best enjoyed either raw or cooked. Processed tomato products are not recommended. Pastes, sauces, flavored snacks and canned juices come packaged in salty solutions and sugars. They can rob you of tomato health benefits and even cause your health to deteriorate over time.

Ditch store-bought tomato products and make your own at home. You can make homemade paste to add to soups and stews. If you need a quick metabolism-boost, mix chopped tomatoes with jalapenos for a fiery salsa.

Serve grilled tomato slices with breakfast or juice them into a healthy, non-alcoholic Bloody Mary. Toss tomatoes into a salad, pasta or even on a homemade pizza. Tomatoes can be used in many ways. The choices are galore.

Benefits of Guyabano on Your Health

The guyabano fruit is better known in many parts of the world as the sour sop. Although it is originally from Central America and the Caribbean, it is now one of the top produced fruits in the Philippines. Its green, slightly spiky skin encloses a white, creamy pulp that carries an assortment of nutrients. Visit your local fresh food market or store to get hold of these highly nutritious and tasty fruits.

Types of Nutrients in Guyabano

The guyabano fruit can be used to treat anything from poor liver function to skin conditions. Its medicinal properties can be accredited to its list of nutrients. The flesh of this exotic fruit holds high quantities of vitamin C, fiber, calcium, phosphorus and potassium. Guyabano also contains some healthy acids that work together with vitamins to fulfill numerous bodily processes.

Guyabano and Disease Prevention

Having frequent servings of guyabano can build your defense against many illnesses, from the common cold to cancer. The nutrient that makes this possible is vitamin C. Vitamin C is a potent, multi-purpose nutrient that improves your body’s natural immunity and destroys free radicals. Vitamin C, when taken in adequate doses, can also help you heal faster from diseases and injuries.

Guyabano and Digestion

If you don’t eat enough fiber, it won’t be long until constipation and other digestive difficulties set in. To enjoy normal digestion, you need to fill your diet with fibrous fruits and vegetables like guyabano. While a lot of high-fiber foods tend to have neutral flavors, the rich, creamy taste of the guyabano fruit makes it a delicious way to fill up on fiber and many nutrients.

Guyabano and Weight Loss

The key to weight loss lies in the calories you eat, the quality of those calories and burning as much body fat as possible during exercise. The guyabano can help in this regard by providing fiber, vitamin C and a relatively low calorie count. While fiber manages your appetite, vitamin C has been shown to increase fat burn during workouts. A cup of gubayano fruit contains roughly 150 calories, but you can lower this amount by reducing your portions.

Guyabano and Bone Health

You can help delay and even reverse the effect of aging on your bones by eating guyabano or sour sop regularly. It has been proven to contain high levels of calcium that can metabolize and restore the strength of bones. Calcium works in tandem with phosphorus to increase your bone density and delay bone erosion that causes osteoporosis.

Guyabano and the Heart

One of the best health benefits of this tropical fruit is the effect it has on your heart condition. Because guyabano is packed with potassium, it can help high blood pressure return to normal. It can also help you remedy heart palpitations and restore your heartbeat rhythm.

Other Health Benefits of Guyabano

The flesh and leaves of the guyabano fruit has been used to enhance energy levels and stamina. Many Asian communities use its leaves to make tea with cancer-preventing and anti-bacterial properties. Herbal medicines containing guyabano extract are available, but speak to your physician about the possible effects before ingesting.

Benefits of the Chico Fruit on Your Health

The chico fruit, also spelled chikoo, is a sweet-tasting plant with an edible coat. Before it made its ways to the United States, it was first cultivated in the Philippines, India, Thailand and Vietnam. It is also a native of Mexico and the Caribbean. It also goes by the name of Sapodilla. It is a small fruit and when mature, has a buttery flesh that is packed with several nutrients.

Types of Nutrients in Chico

Fresh chico fruit can be a great source of helpful nutrients. Apart from being a powerhouse of antioxidants, chico is rich in iron, copper, calcium, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus. Studies claim that the tropical fruit is dense with vitamin A and C, and has some micronutrients of the B vitamin complex. In addition, eating the fruit can give you a fiber fill as well.

Chico and the Heart

Your heart needs minerals to maintain a healthy rhythm, specifically potassium. If you have an abnormal heartbeat, you are at greater risk of suffering from hypertension. Eating fresh produce like chico fruits are a good way to lower your blood pressure and reduce the threat of heart disease. Fiber in fruit has also been linked to a healthier heart as well.

Chico and Digestion

There is no better natural remedy to constipation and bowel conditions than dietary fiber, and the chico fruit is full of it. Fiber can lower the risk of colon cancer by mixing with toxins in the intestines and excreting them as waste out of the body. It is also helpful in cases of diarrhea, where it helps to bulk up stools. Some studies have found that it adds strength to the muscle in the intestines for healthy digestion.

Chico and Bone Health

When bones lose their thickness and strength, it is referred to as low bone density. Low bone density is the predecessor to conditions like osteoporosis and can increase your risk of serious fractures. You can use your diet to treat weak bones by adding foods with calcium and phosphorus. Fruits and vegetables like chico can give your bone structure and teeth the nutrients necessary to keep them strong and flexible.

Chico and Weight Loss

Chico is a low-calorie fruit. A serving yields about 40 calories, with only a small percentage comprised of sugars. It might not be enough to suppress your hunger, but it provides enough sugar to keep your sweet tooth under control. Stick to portions of one or two pieces per day to avoid derailing your weight loss efforts.

Chico and Skin/Hair Care

If your skin has lost its elasticity and youthful appearance for any reason, nibbling on chico fruit pieces frequently can help restore it. Chico and other vitamin C-rich fruits like bayabas and mangga increase collagen that makes skin look younger. They also have good quantities of copper and vitamin A, which provide hair-nurturing and vision-improving nutrients.

Cooking with Chico

Fruits like chico are convenient to have around in the kitchen because they can be added to many foods. Apart from enjoying it raw, you can add it to yoghurt, cereals and health shakes for a bit of sweetness. You can puree its flesh and use it to flavor jam, sauces and even baked treats.

What is the Healthiest Yoghurt?

The perfect snack for in between meals, yoghurt is light, tasty and nutritious. With so many brands on the market, choosing the right one for your health can be a challenge. Here are some great tips to help you find the healthiest yoghurt.

Types of Yoghurt

When shopping for yoghurt, the type you choose is more important than the brand. What sets yoghurt apart is the type of milk used and how it is made.

Natural Yoghurt

Yoghurt is natural if it has not been processed. It can be made with the milk of any animal. It is basically fermented pasteurized milk, which is why it has a more acidic taste. Because it does not contain chemicals of any kind, it is considered by many experts as the healthiest yoghurt.

Greek Yoghurt

Greek yoghurt is a popular variety. Although it contains more saturated fat than others, it is still considered a healthy option because it is rich in vitamin A. Its versatile taste also makes it suitable for cooking.

Low-Fat Yoghurt

Some people believe low-fat is the healthiest yoghurt because it has less saturated fat. This is not necessarily true. This type contains more sugar than natural yoghurt and therefore higher in calories.

Soya Yoghurt

This type of yoghurt is made with soy milk. The upside is that it is a good dairy alternative for vegans. However, it does not provide as much calcium as animal milk.

Diet Fruit Yoghurt

This yoghurt contains fewer calories because it is made with skimmed milk. Unfortunately, most brands enhance the flavor by adding unhealthy sweeteners. Its calcium content is also quite low.

Custard Yoghurt

Custard yoghurt is regarded as the least healthy type. Its rich, creamy texture comes from whole milk, which is high in fat and calories.

How to Choose the Healthiest Yoghurt

Different types of yoghurt contain different nutrients. Therefore, the healthiest yoghurt is one that provides the specific nutrients you need. Lactose intolerance is another factor you should keep in mind when shopping for yoghurt.

Calcium

Most people get their calcium intake from dairy. If you are one of them, it would be best to choose yoghurt made from cow’s milk. Sheep’s milk also has a fair amount of calcium and is just as good for maintaining strong bones and teeth.

Bacteria

Other than calcium, the healthiest yoghurt is one that has “live” cultures. Cultures are actually bacteria, the good kind needed for digestion. They are also beneficial for women who suffer from recurring fungal vaginal infections.

Lactose

If you are intolerant to lactose, you might want to stay away from yoghurt made with cow, goat and sheep milk. The best choice would be soya yoghurt because it is made from plant. Another great option is yoghurt made with coconut milk.

Fat

The more fat a yoghurt contains, the higher the calories. Low-fat and diet fruit yoghurt have the least fat. However, they are not as nutritionally valuable as high-fat options like natural and Greek yoghurt. It is up to you to decide what is more important between cutting calories and getting nutrients.

Chicken Nutrition

Chicken nutrition is taken for granted because people eat poultry all the time. What many don’t realize is that this tasty bird is packed with essential nutrients. Whether you like it baked, roasted or boiled, enjoying chicken regularly holds many benefits for your health.

Chicken Nutrition Benefits

Chicken is one the top sources of healthy protein. It contains more than half the amount of protein the average person needs a day. This is one of the reasons it is so filling. Protein has a satiating effect and can therefore keep you satisfied for much longer than carbohydrates.

Chicken nutrition is also beneficial for developing new muscle. This is why people who exercise regularly increase their intake. In addition to muscle-building, protein also accelerates recovery from injuries by strengthening the immune system.

Vitamin B

Before you can benefit from protein, the body needs to break it down to amino acids first. A lot of foods provide some amino acids but not others. Chicken, on the other hand, provides a range of amino acids and also contains vitamin B6 to produce the acids your body might be lacking.

Vitamin B6 is also a natural immune-booster. It strengthens the body’s barrier against disease and promotes the production of antibodies to fight against illness. This vitamin is also known for boosting mental health.

Selenium

Another star nutrient in chicken’s nutritional profile is selenium. Selenium is a mineral that is sometimes used to treat thyroid problems. It also provides protection for your cells, boosting overall immunity to improve your wellbeing.

Niacin

Do you have trouble getting rid of stubborn fat? Chicken contains a vitamin called niacin that can help your body burn and use fat more efficiently. It also does the same with sugars, helping to normalize blood sugar levels and energy.

Chicken Nutrition Tips

Some people prefer whole chickens and others like specific parts. How you eat chicken matters because different parts contain varying amounts of nutrients, fat and calories. The liver, for instance, has more vitamin A and zinc than other parts. Chicken breasts contain more protein and gizzards more iron.

Preparing Chicken

Chicken is very easy to prepare. It can be boiled in water or broth, stuffed with herbs and roasted in the oven, steamed or cooked to a crisp on a grill. Frying chicken is not recommended because oil contains saturated and trans fats that contribute to heart disease.

When preparing the meat, try to avoid salty or sweet seasoning, stuffing and dressing. These extras add unnecessary sugars to your diet. Some contain a lot of sodium, which is not good for your blood pressure.

The best seasoning is the organic kind. Try to get hold of fresh herbs and spices like sage, parsley, basil, ground pepper and sea salt. If you are going to stuff a chicken, choose vegetable stuffing with plenty of greens. Lemon and oranges can be surprisingly tasty too.

The next time you shop for a bird at the grocery store, search for farm-raised varieties. This way, you can avoid meat that has been injected with steroids and other unhealthy hormones.

Benefits of Durian Fruit on Your Health

Durians are quirky, perky fruits with a distinctive scent that is hard to ignore. These fruits are loved in most Asian countries, particularly in the Philippines. The durian fruit is an interesting food because its foul smell is opposite to the juicy, tasty flesh inside. Durians offer plenty of nutritional value and can feed your body with vital nutrients.

Types of Nutrients in Durian Fruit

Durian is commonly referred to as “the King of Fruit”, partly because of its size, but perhaps for its nutrition too. It contains all three components of a healthy diet: protein, carbohydrates and fat. They boast a good amount of fiber as well and are high in vitamins B and C. Some of the minerals in durian include potassium and copper.

Durian and Disease Prevention

If you need an immune system boost, you can substitute the usual citrus fruits with durian. This fruit is loaded with vitamin C. It is believed to provide as much as 80% of your required daily consumption. With this much vitamin C, you can help your body build a strong defense against viral diseases, cancers and numerous chronic conditions. This vitamin also supports recovery from injuries.

Durian and Weight Loss

Durian fruit is sweet and creamy, which means it contains moderate quantities of fat and carbs. It is therefore not surprising that it has a relatively high calorie count; 357 calories per cup to be exact. It is not the best weight loss food option, but one that can prevent nutrient deficiencies and offer a natural way to satisfy sugar cravings. Another redeeming factor of durian is that it contains metabolism-boosting vitamin B, which is necessary for healthy weight loss.

Durian and the Heart

The effect of the durian fruit on the heart is debatable. While some health experts warn against its fat content, others promote it as a way to improve cardiovascular health. Durian can be beneficial for the heart because of its levels of potassium. Potassium is used by the body to stabilize your heartbeat, blood pressure and to improve blood circulation. Small servings of durian can increase your potassium levels and keep heart diseases at bay.

Durian and Skin Care

Skin and hair tend to lose their color, glow and elasticity as people get older. Prolonged exposure to sunlight, medications and an unhealthy diet are also major contributors. Luckily, durian fruits have just the right combination of nutrients to remedy this. Vitamin C is known for its collagen-producing powers for healthy skin, while copper restores the condition of hair.

How to Eat Durian Fruit

Eating a durian for the first time can be tricky because of its prickly exterior. Start by placing the fruit on a tray or sheet in case its juice oozes out. Use a sharp knife to cut deeply lengthwise through the husk into the flesh to divide in half. Carefully pinch each half between your thumb and index finger, and pull apart. Spoon out the flesh, discard the shell and enjoy as a snack.

Benefits of Mango on Your Health

It is known as the mango in many continents, but in its native Asian countries like the Philippines, it is called “mangga”. Mango or mangga is widely eaten around the world because of the wonderfully soft, sweet flesh. Whether it is a salad or jam, many can’t get enough of this flavorful, tropical fruit. Learn about the types of nutrients found in Mango and how to add it to your menu.

Types of Nutrients in Mango

The good news for Mango-lovers is that the flesh of this fruit has a lot of nutritional value. Mango is an exceptional carrier of vitamin C, supplying as much as 100% of the required daily dose. Vitamin A comes in at a close second, providing 35%, followed by vitamins B and K. It also contains plenty of folic acid, potassium and copper.

Mango and Disease Prevention

Vitamin C is invaluable to the body because it helps to block out bacteria and molecules that birth diseases. This powerful vitamin also targets and eliminates free radicals that are already spreading inside the body to help you fight and recover from illnesses like cancers, hypertension, age-related conditions, diabetes and asthma.

Pregnant women can improve the health of unborn babies by eating mangga. Folic acid and vitamin K are especially advantageous because they reduce the risk of birth defects in fetuses. Vitamin K encourages healthy mental activity, which can help babies develop the necessary mental faculties.

Mango and the Heart

There are only a few minerals that can do for you what potassium does for the heart. To put it plainly, potassium keeps your heart pumping, which makes it necessary for life. If you don’t get enough of this mineral, your chances of suffering from hypertension, stroke and heart attacks are high. Therefore, aim to eat mineral-dense foods like the Mango as often as possible.

Mango and Weight Loss

As it often occurs with weight loss, many people have cravings for sugary foods, especially between meals. If you frequently encounter this problem, eating a Mango can help you control your appetite and give you a sweet treat to enjoy before your next meal. A medium-sized Mango has about 100 calories, which is the recommended calorie count for snacks. The fruit also has a few grams of fiber that can tame your hunger and sugar to revitalize your energy.

Mango and Skin/Hair/Eye Care

It is very common for brands to have one vitamin or another infused into hair and skin products. Although these products might make a temporary difference to the appearance of your skin and hair, the best way is through a nutrient-rich diet. The Mango fruit, for example, contains vitamins A, C and copper, which can add collagen to your skin, restore dull hair and enhance your eyesight naturally.

The benefits of the Mango fruit are undeniable. It is one of the tastiest fruits worldwide; it is low in calories and is loaded with significant amounts of nutrients. You can purchase mangga from local fresh produce vendor and mix it into salads, juices, jam, baked treats, dairy and so much more.

Benefits of Soy Beans on Your Health

Soy beans are the darlings of the vegetarian world and are used as a main ingredient in many delicious foods. Originally from Asia, these versatile beans are rich in protein and other important nutrients. They can be used to make oil, tempeh, flour and many other products. Learn why soy beans are good for your health and how you can work them into your everyday diet.

Types of Nutrients in Soy Beans

Perhaps the most famous nutrient in soy beans is protein. They are considered to be one of the top sources of protein that is not animal-based. Soy beans are mineral powerhouse with high levels of calcium, magnesium, potassium and selenium. They contain high quantities of folic acid, good fats, healthy carbohydrates, fiber and traces of each vitamin.

Soy Beans and Digestion

Soy beans do a lot of good for your digestive system. The fiber they contain can help pass waste easily, which is great for those with constipation and diarrhea. This dietary fiber is the insoluble kind, which is used by the body to make loose stools firmer. If you are frequently constipated, soy beans can help to get rid of waste in your colon.

Soy Beans and Weight Loss

As you lose weight, controlling the appetite and holding on to muscle become increasingly challenging. Not only do you need to consume fewer calories, vigorous exercise can impact muscles negatively. Luckily, soy beans have quite a lot of protein. This protein can keep you full to suppress your appetite, and can be used to repair, grow and feed muscle.

Another big bonus for dieters is the calorie count of soy beans. A ½ cup of soy beans adds up to around 100 calories. This amount, of course, depends on whether you serve them alone or as part of other dishes. To keep calories low, it is advisable to add soy beans or soy products to low-energy meals like soups and salads.

Soy Beans and the Heart

Bad fats and cholesterol damage cardiovascular health. Soy beans, particularly soy bean oil, can help you substitute bad fatty acids for good, unsaturated fats. Unsaturated fats do not clog arteries like the saturated kind. In addition, oil made from soy beans can also lower cholesterol thus preventing heart diseases and cardiac arrests.

Soy Beans and Bone Health

Soy beans can greatly benefit your bones because they contain calcium. Calcium has a lot of uses in the body, but one of the main functions is to increase bone density and strength. When coupled with isoflavones, soy beans can prevent osteoporosis. This combination of nutrients can also reduce the symptoms commonly associated with menopause.

Cooking with Soy Beans

Soy beans can be bought and eaten alone. However, some prefer soy products because they can be easily added to many dishes. Popular soy products include tofu, soy milk, soy meat and tempeh. If you’re looking for healthier oils to cook with, soy bean oil is a good option. You can also use soy flour to prepare a variety of baked treats.