The Amazing Health Benefits of Eating Beans

Have you discovered the amazing health benefits of beans? If not, you’re missing out on an inexpensive way to optimize your health


They’re simple, inexpensive, and nutritious. There are lots of good reasons to eat more beans; yet most Americans choose pasta, rice, or potatoes as their side dish rather than a warm bowl of beans. With so many types available, beans offer both variety and versatility. Putting them in soups and sprinkling them onto salads adds additional texture and favor, making any dish more filling and satisfying. Need more convincing? A study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition gives some pretty compelling reasons to put beans on the dinner table.

The Health Benefits of Eating Beans – A Study
In this study, researchers used data from the National Health and Examination Survey to determine what effect beans had on various measures of good health. When comparing those who ate beans to those who didn’t, they made some interesting observations. Bean eaters had lower body weights and smaller waist circumferences when compared to those who rarely ate them. The bean eaters also took in higher amounts of certain nutrients such as fiber, iron, magnesium, and potassium relative to the non-bean eaters. In this analysis, people who ate baked beans also had lower systolic blood pressure. At least from this study, there are lots of good reasons to eat more beans.

The Health Benefits of Eating Beans – Other Benefits
Research shows that eating beans lowers cholesterol levels and reduces the risk of heart disease. One study showed that people who ate beans four or more time week lowered their risk of heart disease by more than twenty percent. Eating beans has also been correlated with a lower risk of developing colon polyps which may be partially related to their high fiber content.

The Health Benefits of Eating Beans – Why Are They So Healthy?
Beans are not only high in fiber and protein, but they’re a good source of complex carbohydrates which help to stabilize blood sugars and insulin levels. Because of this, eating beans may help to reduce inflammation in the body. They’re also rich in phytochemicals including saponins, phytosterols, and lignans which play a role in reducing the risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer. Some studies have even shown that frequent beans eaters have a lower risk of breast cancer. Beans also provide a good source of folic acid, and the important minerals potassium and magnesium which help to regulate blood pressure and maintain heart health.

Shouldn’t You Eat More Beans?
One drawback to eating beans is their high phytic acid content. Phytic acid binds to minerals such as iron and calcium and reduces their absorption – thereby increasing the risk of mineral deficiency. It also makes beans more difficult to digest. One way to reduce levels of phytic acid is to soak the beans overnight and discard the water before cooking them the next morning. Using this method, you can better enjoy the amazing health benefits that beans have to offer.

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