5 Reasons to Eat More Edamame

This traditional Japanese dish has become popular in the West as a high-protein, low-calorie snack with abundant health benefits.

A traditional Japanese snack, edamame are young soy beans, typically boiled and sprinkled with salt. Food Shop/Shutterstock

Edamame is a delicious Japanese dish of fresh young soybeans nestled in their pods. Boiled or steamed and sprinkled with salt, edamame is traditionally served as a snack in Japanese restaurants with beer or sake.

In addition to their deliciousness, these tiny green beans have shown they can promote health—from lowering cholesterol and supporting healthy weight loss to protecting against certain cancers.