1. Beans are the Perfect Food
Beans come in a variety of sizes, shapes and tastes. They are full of nutrients and fiber. They taste good fresh, dried, frozen and canned. They are also easy on the grocery budget. Beans are available year round and taste great in a myriad of dishes, including breakfast burritos and lentil soups.
2. Beans are Nutritional Powerhouses
Beans are a great source of protein. However, unlike eggs, dairy and meat, the protein in beans comes fat free and cholesterol free, making them great for your heart. Because beans are chock full of protein, they make a good substitute for meat. Beans have no animal products (unless you add them) so they are ideal for vegan diets. Along with a good punch of protein, beans are loaded with fiber, something many of us do not get enough of. One cup of cooked beans offers you 15 grams of dietary fiber, which is more than half of the daily recommendation of 25 grams. Besides protein and fiber, beans contain potassium, omega-6 fatty acids and folic acid. Studies indicate that beans also play a role in preventing heart disease and some types of cancers.
3. You can do (Almost) Anything With Beans
Beans are like tasty little sponges. They soak up whatever flavors you add to them, making them one of the most versatile cooking ingredients in your kitchen. You can serve them sweet and savory, like Boston baked beans. You can spice them up into Mexican Frijoles, flavored with cumin and pepper. You can also jazz them up with some dirty rice for some tasty Cajun cuisine. Beans are a great base for soups and stews. Mix refried beans with meat for dishes like tacos and burritos. Cold beans add flavor and filling to salads. You can even mash up beans as the base of a healthy dip for vegetables or crackers. So, move beans from the shadows of side dishes into the limelight of the main entree at your next meal.
4. Slim Down With Beans
Beans are great for dieters. A half cup of cooked beans has around 100 calories, depending on the type of bean. Beans are also high in fiber and contain high amounts of resistant starch, which takes longer to digest, helping you to feel fuller longer.
5. Beans Cause gas
Beans do have one minor flaw--they cause gas in some people, but so do many vegetables. Unfortunately, beans seem to bear the brunt of this stigma. To curb embarrassing gas, don't eat beans before you go out or try taking a supplement like Beano before a meal. Also, don't eat more than one cup of beans at a time. You can also try eating more slowly and taking a short walk after you eat.
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