Answer: Yes, soybeans can be considered keto-friendly. However, they should be consumed in moderation due to their carbohydrate content.
To further understand why soybeans are keto-friendly, let’s delve into their nutritional profile:
- High in Protein: Soybeans contain a whopping 18.21g of protein per 100g. This makes them a good source of plant-based protein which is beneficial for those on a keto diet since it helps to maintain muscle mass while the body burns fat for fuel.
- Good Fat Content: With 8.97g of total fat, including only 1.3g of saturated fat, soybeans provide the beneficial fats that are a crucial part of the ketogenic diet. These good fats help to keep you feeling satiated and also support a number of bodily functions.
- Fiber Rich: Soybeans contain 6g of dietary fiber per 100g. Fiber is essential on a keto diet as it aids digestion, helps control blood sugar, and can help manage your weight. Plus, fiber counteracts some of the carbs in your diet by slowing the rate of digestion, which can help prevent spikes in blood sugar.
- Moderate Carbohydrate Content: Despite their many benefits, soybeans do contain 8.36g of carbohydrates per 100g. This is relatively moderate compared to other legumes, but it’s still important to consume them in moderation on a keto diet to keep your daily carb intake low.
- No Cholesterol: Soybeans contain no cholesterol, making them a heart-friendly addition to your keto meal plan. They also have a very low sodium content, which is beneficial for maintaining a healthy blood pressure.
In conclusion, while soybeans do contain some carbs, their high protein and fiber content, along with their good fat content, make them a suitable, albeit moderate, inclusion in a keto diet.
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size100g
- Amount Per ServingCalories172
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat
8.97g
14%
- Saturated Fat 1.3g 7%
- Cholesterol 0mg 0%
- Sodium 1mg 1%
- Potassium 515mg 15%
- Total Carbohydrate
8.36g
3%
- Dietary Fiber 6g 24%
- Sugars 3g
- Protein 18.21g 37%
* The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.