Beans are, for lack of a better word, humble. In fact, they would most definitely be in with a chance if there was to be a competition to find the humblest food in existence. They are often, and very wrongly we must add, dismissed as a simple staple food, or, instead, they often find themselves as the unfortunate punchline in a children’s nursery rhyme regarding musical fruit. Despite all of this, they are likely to be found in almost every kitchen pantry in every country in the world.
Why, you ask? Well, people simply love beans. Yes, they are delicious, but their benefits do not end there. In actuality, their benefits end a long, long way from there. Based on the reputation of beans, people have so many questions about them. In order to shed some light on the topic and make an argument for the claim that beans are nature’s perfect food, this article will delve into the health benefits of consuming beans in order to let you, the reader, decide for yourself. So, without further ado, let’s dive in.
What are Beans?
Firstly, it is worth establishing that it is estimated that there are over 400 different types or varieties of dry beans grown throughout the world. While not all of these are eaten, it still points to the fact that there are a lot of options out there when it comes to beans. With there being a bean out there for everyone’s taste buds, it is no surprise that they are so beloved.
A selection of the most commonly eaten beans is black beans, kidney beans, green beans, chickpeas, lentils, soybeans, broad beans, and anasazi beans.
Why are Beans so Healthy?
Beans have long been hailed for their incredible health benefits, with many saluting them as nature’s perfect food. At the very minimum, all of the available evidence points to the fact that everyone should be doing their utmost to incorporate them into their regular diet.
Beans are very rich in fiber, which is essential in removing excess hormones and carcinogens from the body. This is a crucial process to reduce your risk of cancer.
When it comes to heart health, it has been reported that individuals who do not consume legumes as part of their balanced diet are four times more likely to develop high blood pressure. It is also said that legumes are great at lowering one’s cholesterol levels.
Furthermore, beans are very low on the glycemic index – a measure of how quickly a food can make your blood sugar (glucose) rise – and therefore generate a slow release of glucose, keeping your body’s blood sugar balanced.
Finally, beans are a fantastic option for anyone trying to lose a few pounds or maintain a healthy weight. In fact, it has been reported that you have a 22% lower risk of obesity if you regularly include beans in your diet. Excess weight, especially obesity, diminishes almost every aspect of health, from reproductive and respiratory function to memory and mood. This is yet another great reason to start incorporating beans into your diet.
So, the next time the topic of beans comes up in conversation, you will be well-equipped to point out why they are nature’s perfect food!
