Beans belong to the family of plants called Fabaceae commonly known as legume or pea and are eaten around the world. It has different varieties such as black beans, navy beans, red beans, kidney beans, garbanzo beans, pinto beans, black eyed peas, lima beans and soya beans. They are available in dry, frozen and canned form.
Beans are excellent sources of dietary fiber, protein, B vitamins and many other important vitamins and minerals. While gassing can be associated with taking beans, soaking or parboiling can help deal with this issue. Aside that, they provide the body with several health benefits. Here you’ll find seven amazing benefits derived from eating beans.
1. Contains antioxidants:
Beans are rich in the antioxidant, polyphenols which is effective in fighting free radicals that causes cell damage which results in various diseases thereby making beans a protective food.
2. Enhances healing:
Beans contain amino acids which are the protein building blocks that the body uses to heal and to make new tissues such as bones, muscle, hair, skin and blood. It therefore helps in maintaining and repairing the body.
3. Reduce cancer risk:
Beans contain both antioxidants and antiinflammatory properties and as such could reduce the risk of cancer. Research shows that black beans could slow the growth of colorectal cancer by preventing the cancer cells from multiplying.
4. Prevents diabetes:
Beans can be helpful in preventing diabetes as it stabilize blood glucose levels. This is because they are high in fiber which can help lower blood sugar.
5. Supports heart health:
People who consume beans regularly are less prone to cardiovascular problems as research shows that, eating beans cab lower risk of coronary heart disease and cholesterol. This is partly due to the fact that it is a high fiber diet.
6. Improves gut health:
Taking black beans especially has been shown to enhance gut health by improving intestinal barrier function and increasing the number of beneficial bacteria in the gut.
7. Enhances weight loss:
Eating beans improves gut health and also helps control appetite. This is because when one eats beans, the fiber and healthy starches they contain can help create a feeling of fullness and satisfaction thus promoting weight loss.