1. Beans Are Recommended
Beans are being recognized as an important food to improve health. The latest dietary guidelines recommend consuming 3 cups of beans per week. Beans are versatile in both their health benefits and in preparation. This healthy food falls into two separate food categories. They are a part of the vegetable group and a part of the meat and bean group. The nutrient content of beans makes them a well rounded health food.
2. Full of Fiber
Beans are full of both soluble and insoluble fiber. They contain the most fiber of any vegetable. Fiber is an important dietary component for health. Eating beans may help improve cholesterol levels reducing your risk for heart disease. In addition, fiber promotes a healthy digestive tract and may reduce the risk of some cancers. It can also help with the maintenance of sugar, or glucose, levels in the blood which is essential for reducing your risk for developing diabetes and for controlling the disease.
3. Beans for Vitamins and Minerals
Beans contain a variety of vitamins and minerals including calcium, phosphorus, potassium, folate, magnesium and iron. Calcium and phosphorus play a vital role in bone health. Potassium works with sodium to maintain healthy blood pressure. Folate is a B vitamin that is often associated with healthy pregnancy. It is necessary for the production and maintenance of new cells. Magnesium has many purposes within the body. It is needed for muscle and nerve function, a healthy immune system, bone health, blood pressure regulation and energy metabolism. Iron is an important part of oxygen transporting proteins within the blood and promotes cell growth.
4. A Vegetarian Alternative
Beans are a vegetable, but contain the valuable protein that is often associated with meat. This makes them an ideal alternative to meat for vegetarians or for those who want to limit intake of animal based products. Beans are also a heart healthy meat substitute. They are cholesterol free, contain no saturated fat and are low in total fat.
5. Beans Are a Convenient Health Food
While dried beans are often part of health recommendations, they are not very convenient for a busy lifestyle. Soaking the beans and cooking them can take hours. Fortunately, canned beans can be a healthy alternative. Beans right from the can may be added to salads for a unique texture and flavor. Smash beans and mix with salsa for a tasty bean dip. Make them the star of the meal with bean soup or a bean and rice entr�e. When using canned beans be sure to pay attention to nutrition labels. This will allow you to identify hidden ingredients or excess sodium which might not be good for your health.
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