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Health Benefits of Soya Beans

Cheap, Nutritious and Delicious

image of an old syphilis poster On February 3rd, we have Setsubun, the traditional of scattering parched beans to chase away bad luck and to let the good luck flow. The Japanese word, Setsubun, literally translated means the period between the two seasons, when you usually dont feel so great. So eating healthy soybeans not only keeps away bad luck, but also keeps you fit.

In this months issue, Ill show you the health benefits of this cheap nutritious and delicious food in Japan, the SOYBEAN!

Various Healthy Components of Soybean

Most of us know that soybeans are excellent and healthy. Do you want to know how and why? Heres a breakdown of the functional components and recent findings of their health benefits.

Lecithin

Lecithin contains phosphatidyl choline, a precursor to acetylcholine, which is the predominant parasympathetic nervous system neurotransmitter which is essential for a healthy nervous system. This substance improves your memory and concentration.

Unfortunately, the richest sources of lecithin also tend to be high in fat and cholesterol, such as eggs and organ meats. So taking lecithin from soybeans is an ideal for your low-fat and well-balanced diet.

Saponin

Saponin, a steroid glycoside, prevents caner and aging by protecting DNA from oxidative damage, and directly inhibits colon cancer.

Isoflavone

Soybeans are quite rich in phytoestrongens called isoflavones. They look a lot like estrogens. Their structure enables them to act like estrogens so they can be useful in preventing osteoporosis, and in controlling menopausal disorders. It can also help prevent breast cancer, and may prevent or slow prostate cancer growth in men significantly.

Dietary fiber

Soybean has a large amount of dietary fiber, which helps get rid of waste materials and carcinogens in the intestine. This gives you a beautiful waistline and lowers the risk of colon cancer.

In addition to these benefits, the following additional effects are also described.

Calcium: Prevention of osteoporosis High-quality protein: Reduces cholesterol, prevents cardiovascular diseases Oligosaccharide: Multiple intestinal benefits

Why is Natto so Healthy?

I know that if you cant stomach the thought of even looking at natto, let alone eating it, youre probably sick and tired of hearing Why dont you have Natto? It is so healthy! Despite all the kind support from people in the know, many people (especially foreigners) cant seem to get past the stringy, gooey, slimy, yucky appearance, never mind attempting to insert it into ones mouth. But the fact of the matter is that this traditional Japanese food has been enjoyed for over ten centuries and has contributed greatly to Japanese health.

Over and above of the previously mentioned health benefits of regular soybeans, Natto also has a special component, Nattokinase. This is a potent fibrinolytic enzyme breaking up and dissolving the coagulation of blood. Compared with other anti-coagulant medicine, Nattokinase has many benefits including convenience of oral administration, confirmed efficiency, prolonged effects, and also cost effectiveness.

For those who see Natto as a curse, the reason is very simple: If it looks bad, smells bad, and tastes bad, its gotta be bad.

But just try it! Now that youre living in Japan, where you can get this wonderful medicine so cheaply and conveniently, you really mustnt five up after only a few times. Keep trying, itll eventually get down your throat until one day, youll see that youll actually want to have some... maybe.

Making soy foods a part of your daily diet will put you on the right road to a healthier life. Even a single daily serving of some delicious soy based dish appears to have a positive effect on your body.

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