Among other food items, for some reason, beans are among some of the least popular and underrated ingredients to add to a dish. While they may be considered a staple in many households and cultural dishes, many choose to avoid this mighty food and its potential health benefits. However, we’re here to lay down why you should be implementing these nutritional powerhouses into your dishes.
Remember to always consult your doctor or nutritionist before starting a new eating plan.
Pass the beans
Beans may be known for causing the occasional gas from time, but these bad boys come packed with various nutritional benefits that are worth adding to your plant-based and regular diet. Consisting of a high amount of fibre and vitamin b, beans and legumes are some of the essential dietary food groups that have been proven to contribute to one’s longevity. Some of its health benefits include:
- Reduces the risk of heart disease
- Relieves and protects you against diabetes
- Can lower the risk of cholesterol
- Can fight against cancer
- Can manage weight loss
Beans are high in antioxidants
When we think of healthy living, the brain automatically thinks of leafy greens. However, one of the many health benefits of beans is that each one contains a considerable amount of vitamins. Research has also shown that beans are rich in polyphenols, a type of antioxidant. Beans that are rich in antioxidants can help delay and even reduce cell damage.
These Beans are RICH in antioxidants:
- Kidney beans
- Pinto beans
- Black beans
An inexpensive source of protein
In addition to beans being rich in potassium, fibre and iron, these inexpensive, healthy foods are rich in proteins. If you’re wondering how to get a source of iron without eating meat, switching out a meaty burger with a black bean burger will be a good source of protein and iron.
Beans and legumes high in protein include:
- Soybeans
- White beans
- Cranberry beans
- Split peas
- Black beans
- Kidney beans
- Lentils
How to reap the benefits
If you’re thinking about adding beans into your diet, you’re already one step closer to making the smart and tasty choice in achieving the nutrients you need. Remember to:
- Start slowly– Slowly incorporate beans into your diet, especially if you’re not used to eating them. Beans can be a fibre-rich replacement for rice, potatoes and even pasta.
- Eat beans foods that are easy to digest- Beans are already infamous for causing gas, so try to avoid eating them with other gas inducing foods (kale, broccoli, cauliflower etc.).
- Be creative- Beans don’t just have to be sprinkled or added into a stew; try finding other recipes in which they could be the star of the dish. Whether it’s in a yummy plant-based dessert or a hummus dip, with a pool full of online resources, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from.
Bean there, but have you tried it? Switch up your diet with wholesome and tasty plant-based proteins when you shop at BodiCafe’s selected stores nationwide or via our online shop.
