BEANS THAT ADD PUNCH TO YOUR LUNCH
You already know that vegetables are loaded with heart healthy fibre
and cell protecting antioxidants but there’s another food that we shouldn’t
overlook, as many people could be making more of beans.
Pulses have pluses. So cheap yet
with so many health advantages it’s hard to see why we’ve not got our cupboards
stocked full with them.
Nutritionally they are basically a protein packed powerhouse and some
research indicates that they may help with weight management – possibly due to
the high levels of appetite suppressing fibre.
You don’t have to be a vegetarian to enjoy them as they can bulk up all
sorts of casseroles, stews and soups and when you start adding them to salads
you begin to understand that though only a humble bean they are big on
options.
Black Beans
These are where the antioxidants are found. In fact they have the same compound as found
in blueberries and deliver the highest ratio of antioxidant of any commercially
available bean. In a 4oz serving of
black beans you’ll find not only almost all of your daily fibre requirements but
also a whopping protein hit. So go on
give them a try today by adding them to your soup, salad or sprinkled into you
dinner.
Kidney Beans
Anyone who’s ever eaten a chilli con carne is familiar with this
distinctive looking bean. Not to be
outdone they’re a close contender to black beans when it comes to antioxidant activity. Remember antioxidants benefit our internal
systems by protecting the cells against damage from free radicals. They have the same protein and fibre
advantages as black beans and are available in most grocery shops large or
small. Try them with some brown rice and
a sauce incorporating fresh tomatoes, as cooked tomatoes release higher doses
of the body friendly ingredient lycopene than is found in raw tomatoes.
Edamame Beans
Edamame beans are green soya beans that have been harvested before they’ve
developed to full maturity. These beans
are used in China and other eastern countries but the name is probably recognisable
to you as they are now becoming widely popular here as a protein rich
snack. These little beans are one of the
few foods known to deliver all of the essential amino acids essential to the
body. They also contain folate which is
an important B-Vitamin. Not only that
but they are also known to have properties which could help reduce the risk of
osteoporosis. Look out for them, they
come in their pods, should be cooked prior to eating and can be used as a snack
or added to a stir fry.
These are only three beans of the many stocked by major supermarkets. They are versatile, nutritious, very filling
and help to control blood sugar so why not experiment with different textures
and varieties or try out making your own baked beans. You never know they could be better than the
tinned ones you’ve been eating all these years.
Get Fit
Get the Facts
Facts that Fit
FIT FACTS
No comments:
Post a Comment