Red beans: benefits and harms to the body

History of red beans

Beans are a bush or climbing plant of the legume family. Fruits in the form of pods up to 20 centimeters long contain seeds.

Beans are descended from a common ancestor that originated in Peru. Thanks to the movement of Indian traders, it spread throughout South and Central America. This plant was brought to Europe by the Spaniards in the XNUMXth century.

In ancient times, beans were highly valued and used not only for food. For example, in France, houses were decorated with wreaths and bouquets of her flowers. In ancient Rome, beans were used even in cosmetology – they made powder and white for the skin from it.

The composition and calorie content of red beans

The benefits of red beans

Beans are an easily digestible protein. It is a great meat alternative for vegetarians and fasting people. Red beans contain up to 25% protein, which is not inferior to meat protein in its nutritional value. In addition, bean protein is absorbed by 70 – 80%.

Beans for weight loss. Red beans contain substances that suppress appetite and also prevent the absorption of fast carbohydrates, thus reducing the number of calories entering the body.

Benefits for the heart and blood vessels. Contained in red beans, arginine is involved in the processes of nitrogen metabolism, providing an insulin-like effect, which helps lower blood sugar levels and reduces the risk of developing diabetes. Folic acid can reduce the level of homocysteine, a high level of which is one of the factors in the occurrence of diseases of the heart and blood vessels. The high concentration of magnesium in beans affects blood circulation.

Benefits for the intestines. Red beans are high in fiber. Vegetable fibers have a beneficial effect on the state of the digestive system, helping to cleanse the intestines and removing toxins and toxins. One glass of beans satisfies the body’s daily requirement for fiber.

Benefits for immunity. The sulfur contained in red beans has a positive effect on the immune system and increases the body’s resistance to infections. Antioxidant properties accelerate the elimination of toxins and also improve the immune system.

High content of vitamins and microelements. Beans contain many important nutrients for the body. Red beans hold the record for the presence of aluminum, boron, potassium, calcium, magnesium and copper. It also contains a lot of sulfur, phosphorus and iron. Vitamins of group B, as well as C, E, K and essential amino acids are necessary for the normal functioning of the body.

Harm of red beans

Beans should not be eaten raw, as this can cause poisoning. Raw beans contain phasin and phaseolunatite – toxic substances that are easily neutralized by soaking the beans in water or any heat treatment.

– People who suffer from gout or are predisposed to this disease should limit beans. It contains substances called purines. As they break down, uric acid is released, and some people’s kidneys can’t excrete it. Elevated uric acid levels can lead to gout. It is also worth carefully eating beans for the elderly, children and people with diseases of the stomach and intestines. Digestive problems can lead to bloating and gas after eating beans. This product is digested for a long time, so it is not recommended to eat beans shortly before bedtime, so as not to cause a feeling of heaviness in the stomach, advises Alexander Voinov, dietetics and wellness consultant at the WeGym fitness club chain.

The use of red beans in medicine

Beans are an extremely important part of the diet of athletes, vegetarians and fasting people. The body needs proteins as it is the building material for its own proteins. With the exclusion of meat from the diet, the amount of incoming proteins is reduced, which can be corrected with the help of plant foods rich in proteins. A serving of about 200 grams of beans is about 30% of the daily protein intake, which is even easier to digest than meat and fish proteins and successfully replaces them.

Beans belong to dietary products. It is able to prevent the absorption of fast carbohydrates, thereby blocking the absorption of excess calories. A large amount of fiber allows you to maintain a feeling of satiety for a longer time, and various trace elements help to speed up your metabolism. This helps to reduce excess weight more effectively. However, any mono-diet is harmful to the body, since other essential substances and vitamins are not supplied. Therefore, it is recommended to alternate beans in the diet with other dishes: cereals, meat, dairy, vegetables and fruits, so that the food is varied.

The use of red beans in cooking

Beans are found in all cuisines of the world, many dishes are prepared from it: from dietary to festive ones.

Before cooking, dry beans are soaked in water for several hours, and then boiled for a long time. Canned beans can simplify cooking and reduce time, while canned beans retain a significant portion of vitamins and minerals.

Soup with beans and smoked meats

In a bowl, heat a little vegetable oil and fry finely chopped smoked meats for 5 minutes. Transfer the meat to a separate container. Chop onions, carrots and fry until golden, add chopped tomato. Simmer over low heat for 5 minutes. Peel potatoes, cut into cubes. Mix smoked meats, beans with liquid, fried vegetables, potatoes in a saucepan, pour boiled water to the desired thickness of the soup. Salt, pepper to taste, add bay leaf and cook until the potatoes are soft.

Meat with beans

Rinse the meat with cold water and pat dry. Cut into cubes. Next, fry the meat in a pan in vegetable oil until golden brown. Finely chop the onion. Add the onion to the meat, fry for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Transfer the fried meat with onions to a saucepan with a thick bottom. Salt and pepper, add cumin, half fill with water. Simmer over medium heat for 40 minutes. Then add the beans, simmer for another 15 minutes. Sprinkle with finely chopped parsley before serving.

How to select and store red beans

Red beans are sold in dry and canned form.

When choosing a tin can of canned food, you should pay attention to the expiration date, composition and appearance of the can. It must not be damaged. If the jar is glass, then you can evaluate the appearance of the grains. Too many damaged grains are unacceptable, and their total number in comparison with the liquid should be more than half.

Dry beans in packages are stored for about two years. When buying it, you need to evaluate the integrity of the grains and the absence of grain parasites inside the package.

Store canned beans and packaged dry beans in a dark, dry place at cool or room temperature.