Edamame – the other green bean

Bari Life Bariatric Vitamins and Supplements knows how important it is for you to eat healthy and nutritious food. In addition to taking your bariatric vitamins, you need to ensure you are eating enough protein. And that’s where edamame can help add variety to your diet.

Edamame packs a punch

Edamame (pronounced eh-duh-mah-mee) in Japanese translates to “twig bean” or “beans on branches.” It is commonly referred to as a soybean. So, what’s so great about edamame? For one thing, edamame has been used in East Asia for more than two thousand years as a main source of protein. Yes, you read that right – protein. Post weight loss surgery, your regular diet will consist of required daily amounts of protein and, of course, your vitamins.

In addition, to retain its freshness and natural flavor, edamame is parboiled and quick-frozen. This also helps it retain its vitamins and nutrients.

Here’s what you’ll get in just a half cup serving of shelled edamame:

120 calories
11 grams protein
9 grams fiber
2.5 grams fat
1.5 grams polyunsaturated fat (0.3 grams plant omega-3 fatty acids)
0.5 gram monounsaturated fat
13 grams carbohydrate
15 mg sodium
10% of the Daily Value for vitamin C
10% Daily Value for iron
8% Daily Value for vitamin A
4% Daily Value for calcium

Along with being rich in protein and high in dietary fiber, edamame is a multifunctional bean and can be eaten several different ways. Some of the most popular dishes include:

• Boiled or steamed – add salt and soy sauce for taste and then use your teeth to pull each bean out of its pod. Not only is it tasty, but it will take you a while to savor each soybean, thus leaving you feeling full quicker and longer.
• Dip – Country singer Trisha Yearwood makes a delicious spicy edamame dip that can be eaten with tortilla or pita chips.
• Salad – the Food Network offers a variety of edamame salads, including a wild rice and edamame salad by celebrity chef Guy Fieri.

A very versatile bean, edamame can easily be added to soups, stews and just about any creative foodie way you desire. Post bariatric surgery, consider adding edamame to your diet list, along with your daily vitamins, to help you get the nutrients you need.

To your health!

The Bari Life Team

Improving the health and wellness of bariatric patients around the world by providing the most complete bariatric vitamin formulas that are highly effective and clinically proven.