What is edamame (boiled soybeans)?

From the Guidelines

Edamame is a nutritious and healthy food option that should be included in a balanced diet due to its high protein, fiber, and mineral content, as well as its potential to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease. According to the American Cancer Society guideline for diet and physical activity for cancer prevention 1, healthy dietary patterns that include foods like legumes, which edamame is a part of, are associated with a lower risk of colorectal cancer and total cancer incidence. Some key benefits of edamame include:

• High in plant-based protein, with about 11 grams per 100g serving
• Rich in fiber, vitamins (particularly folate and vitamin K), and minerals like iron and calcium
• Contains isoflavones, which may offer health benefits including reduced risk of heart disease and certain cancers
• Has a low glycemic index and is low in saturated fat
• Is gluten-free, making it appropriate for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity
• Can be a good alternative to red and processed meats, which are associated with increased risk of chronic diseases. As part of a healthy dietary pattern, edamame can contribute to improved health outcomes, including reduced risk of cancer, all-cause mortality, and other chronic disease endpoints, as well as a lower environmental impact compared to the average US diet 1.

From the Research

Edamami and Soy Allergy

• Edamami, also known as boiled soybeans, is a popular snack in many parts of the world, but for individuals with soy allergy, it can be a potentially life-threatening food.
• Studies have shown that soy allergy is a relatively rare condition, affecting approximately 0.4% of children 2.
• The prevalence of soy allergies in the general population is estimated to be around 0 to 0.5% 3.

Symptoms and Reactions

• Soy allergy can cause a range of symptoms, from mild to severe, including anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction 4.
• In some cases, individuals with soy allergy may experience a symptom-free period of 30-90 minutes between early mild symptoms and severe reactions 4.
• The antigenicity of soy proteins, including those found in soy lecithin and soy oil, has been studied, and results suggest that these proteins have little antigenicity with regard to soybean allergy 5.

Diagnosis and Treatment

• Diagnosis of soy allergy is typically made through a combination of clinical evaluation, skin prick tests, and blood tests to measure soy-specific IgE levels 2.
• Treatment for soy allergy usually involves avoiding soy-based products, including edamami, and carrying an EpiPen or other emergency medication in case of accidental exposure.
• Some studies suggest that the use of soy-based formulas in infants with cow's milk allergy may not increase the risk of soy allergy, and that soy allergy may be outgrown by around 50% of children by age 7 years 3, 2.

Prevalence and Outgrowing Soy Allergy

• The prevalence of soy allergies in children is estimated to be around 0.4 to 3.1% 3.
• Studies have shown that approximately 50% of children with soy allergy outgrow their allergy by age 7 years, with absolute soy IgE levels being a useful predictor of outgrowing soy allergy 2.
• The natural history of soy allergy has been studied, and results suggest that the majority of children with soy allergy develop tolerance in early childhood 2.