Beans are a healthy source of protein and fiber, but the phytic acid, or phytates, in them can bind to minerals such as zinc, copper, calcium, magnesium and iron and lead to a deficiency. This is especially a concern if you follow a vegetarian diet because such a diet tends to have a higher overall phytic acid content than a traditional diet, according to the American Dietetic Association. You cannot remove the phytic acid in beans entirely, but you can reduce the amount of this mineral-binding substance by soaking or sprouting your beans.
Cleaning vegetables completely before eating them is a relatively modern concern in developed countries, due mainly to the proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms. Whether these microorganisms are more pathogenic or those in...
Like most hard dried beans, red beans need to be soaked for several hours before cooking. While soaking red beans overnight in the refrigerator requires some planning, it's a simple process and well worth the effort for their n...
Replacing one or more meals per week with vegetarian options such as beans and lentils can improve your health. Beans and lentils offer protein, vitamins, minerals and fiber with no added fat or cholesterol. Beans and lentils a...
Rice and beans are staple foods in many cuisines because they pair well together, are inexpensive and easy to prepare. Combining rice and beans is a healthy way to increase your intake of several nutrients that are beneficial t...
The navy bean is a type of kidney bean also known as the Boston bean or Yankee bean. It got its name after serving as an important source of nutrition to the Navy during the second half of the 19th century. As a nutrient-dense ...
Manufacturers process this bean to make vanilla flavoring and fragrances. Medieval healers used vanilla bean pods to treat medical ailments, according to a 2008 review in "Economic Botany." Modern researchers have yet to docume...
Broad beans, or fava beans, are legumes, along with peas, lentils and other kinds of beans. You can use them in salads and soups, or for a side dish or meat alternative, and they provide many benefits.. Someone on a 2,000-calor...
Legumes include peas, lentils and beans, such as lima, pinto, black, kidney, garbanzo and broad beans. Also, known fava beans, broad beans are nutrient-dense foods that count toward recommendations for vegetables and for protei...
When you prepare dried beans from scratch, you can avoid the sodium and other additives that canned beans contain. In addition to softening beans in preparation for cooking and shortening their cooking time, soaking beans may m...
You may have heard recommendations to increase your intake of legumes such as peas, lentils and beans, and navy beans can help you meet your goals. Navy beans are good in soups, chilis and baked bean recipes, and you can substi...
The combination of rice and beans is a staple in many cultures, for many good reasons. Whether served as a side dish or entree, the combined nutritional impact plus low cost of rice and beans together add up to its frequent app...
Great Northern beans, sometimes referred to as white beans, are known for their ability to absorb seasonings and flavor, as well as for their creamy texture. Grown primarily in the Midwest, Great Northern beans resemble the lim...
The extension says these beans are easy to grow in a backyard garden, and you can find them in many farmers markets and grocery stores. Enjoy these beans raw or cooked, and you may experience several health benefits.
The website Joy of Baking explains that vanilla extract is the second most expensive spice in the world next to saffron. The benefits from vanilla extract are found in 100% pure products, so when buying vanilla extract, make su...
The name is particularly common in the southern United States. The bean is native to Central and South America, and it is available in dried, canned, frozen and fresh forms, although it may be difficult to find them sold fresh....
Castor oil is derived from Ricinus communis, more widely known as the castor bean plant. The "beans" are actually seeds that look like beans, and they are highly poisonous due to a component called ricin. The process to extract...
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 ...
There are a several varieties of red beans, including small red beans, red kidney beans and adzuki beans. Adzuki (sometimes spelled azuki or asuki) beans are easy to digest and are very flavorful, with less of a "beany" taste...
