Pass the soy sauce for weight loss?

Black soybeans, most commonly used in soy sauce, may be a new tool for tackling obesity.

Black soybeans, most commonly used in soy sauce, may be a new tool for tackling obesity.

Published Dec 12, 2012

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London - Black soybeans, most commonly used in soy sauce, may be a new tool for tackling obesity.

Researchers from Korea have discovered that compounds which give the beans their black colour can block the growth of fat cells.

The key compounds are pigments called anthocyanins, which are thought to be powerful antioxidants.

These pigments are also found in fruits and flowers (such as red cabbage, blackcurrants and pansies).

Previous research has suggested that extract of the beans can boost blood circulation and lower glucose levels.

Now researchers at Seoul National University, South Korea, have tested the bean’s effects on the growth of fat tissue in the lab. They found that the anthocyanins blocked the growth and spread of adipocytes (fat cells). Larger trials are now planned. - Daily Mail

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