Q: I recently bought some edamame seeds, tofu, alfalfa and quinoa because I read somewhere they were good for me. Could you tell me why they are so great and what I can do with them?

A: First of all I want to congratulate you for breaking out of your normal shopping routine and buying something new. Variety is the key to a healthy diet. Don’t be daunted by foods that have tricky or exotic sounding names as most of them are really easy to use and delicious tasting as well.

• Let’s start with tofu. Soya rich foods like tofu are so good for you because they can keep your cholesterol levels down and ease symptoms of the menopause. They are also rich in protein and calcium which is great for strong and healthy bones. Tofu absorbs flavours brilliantly so try marinating it as a meat or fish substitute in curries, casseroles, sandwiches and soup.
• Quinoa is a nutty grain that is richer in protein, calcium and iron than rice and wheat. It’s also packed with magnesium which is great for insomnia, pain relief, strong bones and easing PMS. Soak it for a few minutes and use it as substitute for rice, oats or pasta.
• Alfalfa is a brilliant source of iron which can really boost your energy. Try adding it to salad and sandwiches as you would cress.
• Finally edamame beans are baby soya beans that are a great source of protein and fibre. They have a tasty, nutty flavour and are a delicious alternative to peas that can fill you up for hours. You’ll find them in the freezer section of most supermarkets and all you need to do is boil them for a few minutes and serve with any meal, toss into a salad, stir fry them or take them to work with you as a snack.

This entry was posted on Thursday, November 1st, 2007 at 1:30 am and is filed under Ask Marilyn, Nutrition and Healthy Eating. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.