THE MIRACLE BEAN

Miracles can come in very small packages.  Today’s miracle is a tiny bean…….the soy bean.  I wrote a book entitled Soy and Me {available on my web site.} The reason for writing the book was because I represented the soy bean board of Delaware at their promotional events and had to be able to answer  any questions the public had………and I had to give out delicious samples of foods made from soy beans. The recipes I created were so scrumptious that children at the state fair came  back for second and third helpings.

Now the reason I consider this tiny bean a miracle is because of its many many talents. Not only can it transform itself into endless forms {tofu, tempeh, miso, edamame, soy cheese, soy milk, soy oil} it is the only bean that is a complete protein and filled with vitamins and minerals. One half cup of  cooked soy beans contains:

Calories 14

Protein {Gms}    14;3

Total Fat [GmS) 1.1

Saturated fat(gms) 1

Unsaturated fat{gms} 6′6

Carbohydrates {gms} 8.5

Crude Fiber {gms} 1.8

Calc1um {gns}  88.o    

Iron {mg} 4.4

Zinc {mg.} 1.0

Thiamine {mg} 0.1

Riboflavin {mg} 0.3

Niacin {mg} 0.3

Vitamin B6{mg} 0.3

Folic Acid {mg} 46.2

 Notice this one half cup of soybeans has as much complete  protein as a large serving of chicken!

The health benefits of this little  bean are endless . For folks who are not able to digest milk well soy milk is the answer. The people who want to eat fewer meat products that all contain saturated fats, soy is the answer. People on weight loss programs will find endless soy substitutes for meat. Studies have shown soy to  reduce the symptoms of menopause, help prevent osteoporosis ,cancer, diabetes and  heart disease……….But you tell me soy looks uninviting  and what in the wor;ld do I do with it?Lets visit my healthy recipe web site and you will find miraculous ways to transform an innocuous bean into delicious delicasies.

                                                                                        A SOY BEAN THOUGHT

If all that soy could think or dream

was  just to be a tiny bean

Then where would all the mystery be to  push through earth and grow

to see

If somewhere up ahead that light and sunshine would emerge

And so embrace their tiny bed.

In fact this mystery is the key

that  causes them to reach ………..to be

And I just like this tiny bean,

Still reach for heights I only dream,

That still remains the mystery t

That makes alike the soy and me.

          Quote from Polly’s  book  “SOY and ME”