Can you eat raw soybeans?
Quick Answer
No
Raw soybeans are not safe to eat because they contain natural toxins or ‘anti-nutrients’. These can cause symptoms like nausea, bloating, and diarrhea. Cooking soybeans properly can deactivate these harmful compounds.
What Is It?
Soybeans are a type of legume native to East Asia. They are rich in protein and used in a variety of food products, including tofu, soy milk, and soy sauce.
Historical Context
Soybeans have been a crucial part of Asian diets for thousands of years. They were first domesticated by Chinese farmers around 7000 B.C.
Why It Can Be Risky
Eating raw soybeans can pose several health risks due to the presence of anti-nutrients.
- phytic_acid
- trypsin_inhibitors
- lectins
Safe Method?
Soybeans should be soaked and cooked thoroughly before consumption to neutralize the anti-nutrients. Boiling soybeans for at least 20 minutes is recommended.
Safe Alternatives
If you’re looking for a raw snack similar to soybeans, consider eating raw peas or raw green beans instead.
Storage Tips
Store soybeans in a cool, dry place. If you’ve already cooked your soybeans, they can be refrigerated for up to five days.
Preparation Tips
Before cooking, soybeans should be soaked for several hours or overnight. This helps to reduce the cooking time and makes them easier to digest.