Soybeans (soya beans) are slightly different to other pulses. Whereas the others lack methionine, soybeans contain a certain amount of it, thus having all the essential eight amino acids needed to form protein. They are therefore useful in vegetarian and vegan diets. Also, their fat contains beneficial omega-3 oils, and their isoflavones may aid bone density and even protect against cancer.
Soybeans can be eaten whole or as tofu (as in Japanese cooking) or as beancurd (as in Chinese cooking). Tofu and beancurd are essentially the same thing. Although rather tasteless in themselves, they readily absorb the flavours of any other foods they are mixed with and so can be incorporated into a variety of dishes. They are a superb source of calcium, especially the tofu sold as 'calcium enriched', and are an excellent addition to any diet.
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