Why beans are useful, properties and contraindications

The benefits and harms of beans is an interesting question, since these beans are often used in the daily diet as part of various dishes. You need to carefully study their features in order to objectively evaluate the properties.

The history of the origin of beans

Science considers America to be the homeland of beans - they began to cultivate the product on the territory of this continent about 7 thousand years ago, beans seeds are found during archaeological excavations of Inca settlements. The product was brought to Europe after Columbus discovered America. However, at first, the plant was used for decorative purposes - it was grown on the facades of houses, since the long curly stems wrapped around the walls and columns very beautifully.

The product got to Russia only 200 years after the discovery of America and the spread of legumes around the world. And for the first 100 years in the Russian Empire, beans also performed only decorative functions. However, in the 18th century, the benefits and harms of beans for the body were still discovered - since then, the culture began to be grown for use in cooking.

How and where do beans grow

Nowadays, beans are grown in most countries of the world. Its cultivation is especially successful in warm regions of the world with a large number of sunny days a year, light fertile soils and moderate rainfall. It is these conditions that the plant loves and, if available, demonstrates the best yield.

The leaders in the production of beans are three countries - China, Argentina and Egypt. In Russia, beans are also successfully grown, but they are not included in the list of major agricultural crops.

Types of beans and their beneficial properties

Several varieties of beans can be found in shops and markets. They differ not only in color, but also in useful properties.

Red

Red beans are very common on tables - they are the most common. Its beneficial properties lie in the increased fiber content - only 100 g of the product allows you to get the daily intake of dietary fiber. Red beans perfectly saturate, and also have the ability to remove toxins and prevent the development of cancer.

White

White beans are very good for teeth. They have powerful antibacterial properties and improve oral health. If consumed regularly, the product will protect teeth from plaque and tartar. In addition, the product has benefits for the cardiovascular system and prevents the development of ailments.

Green (leguminous)

Green beans contain a huge amount of proteins, amino acids, vitamins and minerals.It strengthens the immune system and has a beneficial effect on blood vessels, improves the overall tone of the body. It will be appropriate to especially highlight the beneficial properties of beans for men.

At the same time, abuse of the product can be harmful and lead to intestinal problems. You need to eat little beans, especially if you are prone to constipation and diarrhea.

Black

Black beans are the leader in protein content. Of all types, the product is the most high-calorie, but it can also be considered the most useful. Beans have powerful anti-cancer properties, prevent the development of cardiovascular ailments. When using, you need to remember only about dosages, you should not get carried away with nutritious beans.

The benefits of beans for the body

Among the useful properties of beans for the human body, there are several main ones. Namely, this product:

• regulates the work of the intestines, eliminates problems with its emptying, promotes the timely removal of toxins;
• lowers cholesterol, thereby strengthening blood vessels and reducing harm to the heart system;
• relieves headache, relieves fatigue, including chronic;
• has a beneficial effect on the respiratory system - regular consumption of beans helps relieve asthma symptoms;
• helps with joint diseases - relieves pain and inflammation in arthritis;
• improves immune resistance and helps cure colds;
• has a beneficial effect on the nervous system and the brain, prevents the development of Alzheimer's disease in old age;
• strengthens bones, reduces the risk of osteoporosis;
• improves the condition of the skin and generally rejuvenates the body;
• helps with eye ailments, in particular, with cataracts.

The benefit of beans for the human body is that it lowers blood glucose. The product is highly recommended for use in diabetes mellitus.

Women

The benefits and harms of beans for a woman's health are expressed in the effect of the product on the reproductive system. Beans reduce the harm from blood loss during menstruation, since they maintain hemoglobin at the right level, improve well-being during pregnancy.

The beneficial properties of beans for women are also in the fact that the amino acids in this product strengthen the immune system and normalize the endocrine system. The product protects women from developing cancer, which the fairer sex becomes especially susceptible to with age.

Men

The benefits and harms of beans for men is that the protein-rich product helps build muscle tissue. In addition, the product contains vitamins responsible for the reproductive functions of men - the use of beans has a beneficial effect on potency, promotes successful conception.

The benefits of beans for a man's body is also expressed in its positive effect on the intestines, blood vessels, heart and liver. The product protects the male body from atherosclerosis, strokes and heart attacks. Eating beans on a regular basis can help you get rid of the body fat that occurs when you don't exercise.

Can beans be pregnant and lactating

The benefits of beans for pregnant women are great - the product protects women from the development of anemia, reduces toxicosis, and prevents constipation. The beneficial properties of beans support the muscle tone of a woman and protect the expectant mother from cramps. The product also benefits the child - the fetus receives all the vitamins and minerals necessary for normal development.

However, beans in excess can be harmful - they cause flatulence and intestinal discomfort. Therefore, when using them, you need to remember about caution.

As for the lactation period, it is recommended to eat green beans when breastfeeding, they will bring the greatest benefit. So that the product does not cause harm, you need to eat it a little and no more than three times a week.A young mother should carefully monitor the reaction of the baby - if the product harms the baby, it will have to be abandoned.

At what age can beans be given to children

The product rarely causes allergies, therefore, beans are allowed to be introduced into the baby's diet from 8 months. It is best to offer your child beans along with pieces of boiled chicken - this way the body will receive the required amount of protein and easily assimilate it.

It is best to give your child green or black beans as these varieties are easier to digest. Red and white beans should only be introduced after 3 years.

Are beans good for weight loss?

Beans are of great benefit for weight loss, especially green leguminous varieties. The calorie content of such a product is reduced, therefore, when combined with vegetables and lean meat, beans become an excellent dietary dish.

It is important that when losing weight on beans, you do not have to starve - the product saturates very well. Fiber in the composition promotes regular bowel movements, so toxins and toxins stop accumulating in the body.

How beans are used in traditional medicine

The benefits of beans for human health are manifested with regular consumption of the product in food - beans prevent the development of many ailments. But in the same way, the product is beneficial for already existing diseases, it can have a healing effect.

1. For vascular and heart diseases, it is recommended to make a decoction - boil 100 g of beans for 20 minutes in a liter of water, then filter the product and drink it before meals every day.
2. The healing properties of bean husks are good for cystitis - 40 g of chopped leaves are poured with a liter of boiling water, insisted for an hour, and then taken three times a day, half a glass.
3. For rheumatism and other joint diseases, the crushed beans are boiled for a quarter of an hour, filtered and drunk twice a day on an empty stomach.

It is useful to rinse your mouth with infusions and broths for gum disease and mechanical damage to the mucous membranes. The benefits of a decoction of beans helps with disorders of the nervous system and gynecological ailments. Bean bean powder can be sprinkled on wounds and healing burns, have similar healing properties to the bean shell.

The benefits of beans for diabetes mellitus are highly valued. The amino acid arginine, which is part of the product, helps to reduce blood glucose and partly replaces insulin.

Bean consumption rates

In order for the product not to cause harm, you must adhere to moderate dosages. It is best to consume beans twice or thrice a week, and a single serving should be no more than 150 g.

The benefits and harms of sprouted beans

In recent years, sprouted grains and beans have been gaining popularity - this list also includes beans. The benefits of bean sprouts are that such beans contain much more vitamins B, C and E. Sprouts have antibacterial and anti-aging properties, effectively tone the body and prevent cancer. They are good for weight loss, hair, skin and nails.

However, the benefits of raw beans with sprouts are not always straightforward. If you abuse such a product, it will lead to a decrease in blood pressure, flatulence and diarrhea.

How to sprout beans at home

A sprouted product does not have to be bought in specialized stores - you can get sprouts at home. The process looks like this:

• beans intended for germination are carefully sorted out, leaving only the healthiest grains, and washed several times;
• clean beans are placed in a container with a perforated bottom and put in another container, larger, where water will drain;
• the bottom of the container for germination is covered with gauze folded in several layers, beans are poured on top - in a fairly thin layer;
• the beans are poured with water so that the liquid almost covers them from above, covered with another piece of folded gauze on top and removed to a warm place for several days.

As liquid accumulates in the lower container, it will need to be drained. After a couple of days, the first shoots should hatch - this means that you need to continue watering. After a few more days, the seedlings will become longer, after which their beneficial properties can be used for food.

Red and white varieties of the plant contain too many toxins that are harmful and disappear only with prolonged cooking.

How to use sprouted beans

The benefits of bean sprouts are most pronounced when added to salads. When combined with vegetables and herbs, sprouted beans have a particularly beneficial effect on the body.

Also sprouts are added to soups and garnishes for meat and fish dishes. Sauces are made from sprouted beans, sometimes the product is even found in baked goods. The increased content of vitamins in the sprouts enhances the beneficial properties of any food.

How are beans healthier?

Beans are eaten in a wide variety of forms - boiled, stewed, canned. It is interesting to figure out which product retains the most useful properties.

• In its raw form, the product is practically not consumed - most varieties of beans are toxic and require a long soaking. You can only eat sprouted golden beans without preliminary processing.
• The beneficial properties of the bean shells and the beans themselves are well preserved when frozen. Moreover, the frozen product becomes even more valuable - the protein content in it rises by about 2 times.
• When preserved, the product retains up to 80% of its useful properties. Canned beans are rich in fiber and minerals and have a positive effect on digestion. The only downside is that animal fats are often used in canning, so the product can be harmful if you are prone to obesity.
• The health benefits of boiled beans, stewed and baked beans remain quite high. Before cooking, the raw beans are soaked in water for several hours. This allows not only to neutralize the possible harm from the product, but also to preserve all its benefits - subsequently, during cooking, the vitamins and minerals in the beans are not destroyed.

Thus, the benefits of cooked beans, frozen pods, and canned beans remain comparable to each other. It is a boiled product that is considered the safest for health - with a large number of valuable properties, it is least likely to harm the body.

The use of beans in cooking

A versatile product with a very wide range of applications.

1. Beans go well with meat and fish, mushrooms and eggs, nuts and cheese. They can be used with herbs, seasonings, herbs.
2. In a regular diet, bean soup with potatoes, carrots, tomatoes and pieces of meat will be of great benefit. This dish contains a large amount of vitamins B, A, E and C, minerals and fiber.
3. The benefits of stewed beans are great - they are easy to digest and have average nutritional values.

Canned beans are added to many salads. In small quantities, it slightly increases the calorie content of the dish, but such a salad saturates very well.

Harm of beans and contraindications to use

For all its usefulness, the product can be damaged in some situations.Beans have the most dangerous properties in their raw state - they contain lysine, which is toxic to the body and disappears only after heat treatment.

Contraindications for the use of the product are:

• acute gastritis, ulcer and colitis;
• gout and pancreatitis;
• severe liver ailments;
• cholecystitis;
• cholelithiasis;
• flatulence.

Excessive consumption of the product is harmful, as it leads to increased gas production due to its high fiber content.

Frequently asked Questions

The variety of product varieties and ambiguous properties lead to the fact that the use of beans raises many additional questions. Basically, they relate specifically to the choice.

How to choose the right beans

It is not difficult to purchase a quality product in a store. It is enough to pay attention to a few points.

1. The surface of the beans should be flat, smooth and glossy, free of strange stains and dirt.
2. There should be no traces of mold on the beans, its presence indicates a gross violation of storage conditions.
3. The green beans must be uniform, free from damage, dents or spots. The pod should crunch slightly when pressed.

When buying packaged beans, you should pay attention to the expiration date and the date of manufacture. The longer the product is on the shelf, the tougher it becomes, and it will take a long time to cook it.

Which color of beans is healthier

Beans of different varieties have different properties. So, black and white beans are distinguished by a high protein content, green beans are especially beneficial for diabetics, and red varieties store a large amount of fiber. The choice of product by color depends on the state of health and specific requirements.

Which is healthier: beans, peas, or lentils

When buying legumes, people often find it difficult to choose between lentils, peas, and beans. But it cannot be said unequivocally that some of the products are more beneficial than others.

1. Peas are the least likely to cause allergies, so they are ideal for a child's diet.
2. Lentils contain a lot of folic acid and can be cooked faster than beans. However, it often causes flatulence and the formation of calculi in the kidneys and gallbladder.

The choice between peas, lentils and beans should be based on the state of your own body.

Conclusion

The benefits and harms of beans depend on many parameters - on the presence of contraindications, the type of beans, the method of preparation. If you consume the product in small portions and devote enough time to heat treatment, then the beans will have a beneficial effect on health and will not harm.

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