Men’ s Health: Natural health approaches for better prostate health
CHAPTER three
what are soybeans and how do they work?
The soybean( Glycine max) is an extremely important plant native to East Asia and it is grown for its edible bean. Classed as an oilseed as opposed to a pulse, it contains significant levels of B vitamins, dietary minerals and phytic acid. Grown annually, it produces more oil and protein per acre of land than most other crops. It provides a protein packed alternative to meat, supplies a high number of nutrients when consumed and is a versatile food plant. A hot weather crop, soybean grows year-round in the tropics but they need soil moisture for the germination process and dry weather for the production of dry seeds.
Soybean contains many beneficial nutrients including protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. It is one of the least expensive sources of protein in a diet. Soybean also contains most of the essential amino acids for human nutrition:
• Molybdenum – an essential trace element
• Vitamin K1 – plays a vital role in blood clotting
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