"God gave you 86,400 seconds today. Have you used one to say 'thank you'"
-William A. Ward
Website: 10 foods linked to a longer lifehttp://eatthis.menshealth.com/slideshow/10-foods-longer-life?cm_mmc=ETNTNL-_-2010_11_03-_-HTML-_-dek
Yes, beans have lots of carbs but these are complex carbs that are necessary and beneficial to the body in many ways. Beans are a meatless protein and have high levels of vitamin B, calcium, potassium, magnesium, and folate. Beans provide a powerful energy supply that is burned quickly thus promoting weight loss. Research has also shown eating beans regularly can decrease your risk of diabetes, cancer and obesity.
Sold yet? Beans are awesome for so many reasons and are have many options in how they can be incorporated into meals. I put black beans on a piece of bread all the time, quick and easy! They can also be stirred up with hummus, veggies, or rice. I chose my top 4 favorites to look a little more closely at!
Black Beans (my favorite!) are high in anthocyanins, which is heat disease and cancer fighting agent also found in both cranberries and grapes. They are provide a virtually fat-free/high fiber option for a meal and help prevent the blood sugar from raising too high after eating. Black beans also lead the pack in antioxidant activity.
Garbanzo beans/chickpeas have been shown to bring down bad cholesterol levels by 5%. They are extremely low fat and a complete protein. These beans provide a source of energy without spiking the blood sugar level. One single cup of chickpeas provides 25% of your daily value of iron
Kidney beans have thiamin that protects memory and brain functioning. Further, the high potassium in these beans regulate blood pressure and normal heart contractions. 2-3 servings of kidney beans a week have been linked to a reduction in the risk of breast cancer for women. Enzymes in kidney beans help individuals in the digestion of sulfites found in items such as wine, dried fruits, jams, apple cider and frozen shrimp.
Pinto beans are an incredible source of fiber that stabilizes your blood sugar and lowers risk of type 2 diabetes. Pinto beans help ease the harmful side-effects of many digestive disorders such as IBS. They are richer in iron and lower in fat than red meats and provide similar proteins for sustained energy. Finally, the copper in pinto beans helps promote the activity of an enzyme that helps flexibility of muscles, joints and blood vessels.
What is your favorite way to incorporate beans in your diet?
Thanksgiving treat: Sweet Carrots (MayoClinic)
-1/2 cup water
-1/4 teaspoon salt
-2 cups shredded carrots
-1 teaspoon margarine
-1 packet stevia
-1 teaspoon lemon juice
-4 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley
Bring the water to a boil in a small saucepan. Add the salt and carrots and cover until the water is evaporated. Remove from heat and stir in margarine, stevia, lemon juice and parsely. Serve immediately.
40 calories, 1.5 grams fat, 6 grams carbs, 2 grams fiber, 1 gram protein
No comments:
Post a Comment