3 Ways to Lose Weight by Eating Beans

1. Bean Protein and Weight Loss

Diets that are based on protein-rich food, such as beans, are more likely to satiate the appetite quickly because they slowly release energy. Carbohydrates are foods that quickly turn to sugar inside the body. When there is a massive rise in sugar, the body releases a hormone called insulin, which lowers the blood sugar, often to a seriously low point, called hypoglycemia. The body then worries that there is not enough sugar around, so it begins to crave sugar and carbohydrates. This cycle of sugar, hypoglycemia, cravings and more sugar causes weight gain, and may eventually cause obesity. That's why bean protein and other slow-releasing foods are good for weight loss.

2. Bean Fiber and Weight Loss

The fiber in beans is another reason why they effectively stave off hunger. The low-fat, high-fiber nature of a diet high in beans makes them a good food for weight loss. Bean fiber is also good for lowering blood levels of damaging cholesterol, which is associated with weight gain.

Eating adequate fiber help keep things moving through the bowel and digestive tract. Fiber is found in plant foods that the body cannot digest, so it simply goes through the body, cleaning and clearing it. During the elimination process, fiber cuts calories consumed by attaching to protein and fat, and helping get rid of them.

3. Beans Are Low-Calorie Foods

Beans are one of the healthiest low-calorie foods, so you can eat a lot without gaining weight. For example, baked beans offer about 236 calories per cup, mungo beans carry 189 per cup and pinto beans offer 206 calories per cup. Considering that the average woman needs 2,000 calories per day and the average man needs 2,500, a healthy serving of beans can significantly help those trying to control their weight.

Last updated on: Nov 18, 2009

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