Edamame is a variety of soybean native to Asia. Like other types of beans, edamame is high in protein and fiber; a cup contains about a third of the recommended daily allowance of fiber. The bean is also high in iron, folate and vitamin K, which plays a role in blood clotting.

Watch out: Edamame itself is low in sodium, but many of us dump salt on the beans before eating them.

How to eat: Edamame makes a great snack or appetizer. Buy it in the frozen food section and microwave or boil the beans to prepare.

— Betsy Q. Cliff, The Bulletin