Beans are legumes consumed globally. Beans come in different colours, shapes, and sizes and they are food crops that have high nutritional value. Beans have generally being referred to as a poor man’s food, but they are indeed some of the healthiest foods on the planet. There are several beans species, including Lima beans, soybeans, red beans, kidney beans, and black-eyed beans.
The red kidney bean, which is a staple in many parts of Nigeria, is named after its color and shape. Kidney beans are rich in proteins and carbohydrates, as well as fats, minerals, fiber, folate, and vitamins. Beans is not only a ready source of energy, it has enormous health benefits, some of which you might not have heard about. These include:
These reddish beans contain substances that help promote activities of gut-friendly bacteria such as lactobacilli. These bacteria help to fight off disease-causing bacteria from the gut, keeping you healthy. In addition, kidney beans ease fecal evacuation and regulate bowel movements.
Kidney beans contain phenolic acids that help prevent growth and development of cancer cells, especially at the early stages. They also contain flavonoids that prevent formation of tumor cells. Consistent intake of kidney beans may lower your risk of cancers of the stomach, skin, rectum, and colon.
Red kidney beans have a low glycemic index, meaning it does not spike your blood sugar and, in turn, does not accumulate fats. Further, digestion of kidney beans is slow, making you feel fuller for a long period. Red kidney beans also contain dietary fiber and other substances that block starch digestion.
Kidney beans are packed with fiber that helps keep bad cholesterol in check. Regular beans consumption lowers your blood levels of bad fat, or LDL cholesterol, and increases your store of good fat, called HDL cholesterol. Further, kidney beans have lots of potassium that helps keep your blood pressure normal, preventing heart disease.
Kidney beans contain large amounts of Vitamin B1, as a result, help reduce your risk of age-related brain impairment and other age-related brain conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease.
The antioxidants present in kidney beans eradicate toxic chemicals that can thin your skin and make it age faster. Kidney beans contain zinc which helps main healthy skin and prevents acne and skin cancer.
Red kidney beans contain polyphenols, which help to increase the body’s sensitivity to insulin, the hormone that regulates blood sugar. They also slow down the absorption of glucose in the small intestine as well as the re-absorption of glucose in the kidneys, thus controlling your blood sugar optimally.
Kidney beans are one of the healthiest foods on the planet. These foods are rich in fiber, proteins, and antioxidants that provide the needed nourishment and protection for your body. Red kidney beans have been shown to have enormous health benefits, including reducing your risk of cancers, diabetes, and nourishing your skin to glow bright. If you don’t have stock of this delicious food, go grocery shopping now to begin to enjoy these benefits.
