1. Pinto Beans and Protein
Pinto beans are tasty, pink beans that are high in many vitamins and nutrients. Pinto beans can be cooked, heated, eaten raw or enjoyed in a variety of other formats, all the while providing the body with a tasteful source of protein. Sources at whfoods.com add that (in combination with whole-grain carbohydrates) "pinto beans provide a virtually fat-free, high quality protein." The low fat content, high fiber and high protein levels of pinto beans make them an invaluable item for any healthy eating plan, and are often recommended for diabetes, low-cholesterol, heart-healthy and protein-rich diets.
2. Combine With Whole-Wheat
In addition to its place in a wide variety of healthy diets, the pinto beans high fiber content helps create a feeling of fullness which controls hunger levels, regulates blood sugar and keeps the digestive system regular. The pinto bean is also high in levels of folate, magnesium, vitamin B12 and iron. As if minerals and vitamins were not enough, the bean is also relatively low in calories, residing at a moderate 234 calories per cup. Although the caloric content may seem high in comparison to a fruit or vegetable, pinto beans are an ideal supplement for protein such as chicken or beef at a meal, especially when paired with a whole-grain carbohydrate such as brown rice or quinoa.
3. Have Fun With Cooking
The long list of vitamins and minerals in pinto beans help give the body energy, improve memory, and even lower risks of heart attack, according to whfoods.com. Try to eat a small serving of pinto beans 2 to 3 times per week as part of a healthy diet by substituting with unhealthy meal items like white pasta, white bread rolls or fatty meats. Try cooking a cup of pinto beans for dinner and topping with grilled vegetables (onions, tomato and peppers) and steamed dark greens (like spinach or kale), or even choosing the canned variety. Canned or dried pinto beans have been shown to be potent sources of vitamins, as long as salt and sugar have not been added to the product.
4. Add to Your Daily Diet
It may seem difficult to integrate pinto beans into your daily diet, but it is not as hard as it seems. Try adding portions of pinto beans to healthy soups, mixing into a dip with hummus and avocado, or use in Mexican cooking in place of processed refried beans. Pinto beans are beneficial for low-sodium diets because they are virtually salt-free, so try skipping salt and pepper during preparation and practice enjoying them plain. A small squirt of lemon juice, some herbs or salsa are tasty ways to spice up your beans, without adding additional calories or fat.
5. Supplement in Recipes
Pinto beans can be especially important in the diets of vegetarians (who do not ingest protein from animals) or anyone wanting to increase their protein intake. Keep pinto beans healthy by skipping fatty toppings and additives whenever possible, and try using them as replacements in frequently unhealthy recipes (like chili or beef stew). Regardless of how the pinto bean fits in your diet, start enjoying a daily serving whenever possible to increase your vitamin and mineral intake.
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