Nutrients in 1 cup (164 grams) of Cooked Chickpeas:
Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are very versatile, as they can be included in curries and stews, baked with spices to yield a healthy savory snack, or used to prepare hummus. However, their versatility is far from being their only virtue, as chickpeas have a whole host of health benefits as well.
For one, chickpeas have been proven to be beneficial for reducing blood sugar levels and reducing insulin resistance, and can also improve your digestion by reducing the number of harmful gut bacteria. Finally, garbanzo beans may have cholesterol normalizing properties, therefore reducing one's risk of cardiovascular issues.
2. Black Beans
Nutrients in 1 cup (172 grams) of Cooked Black Beans:
Black beans and rice are a staple food in many countries, and it turns out that eating rice with the beans actually makes you healthier. This is because beans are high in protein and fiber, which means that they are somewhat slower to digest. When eaten with rice, which is higher on the glycemic index, and so is more likely to cause sugar spikes, the beans slow down the absorption of the sugar from the rice into the blood, yielding in an overall steadier blood sugar level. That's why black beans are great at protecting you from metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and even obesity.
Nutrients in 1 cup (160 grams) of Cooked Peas:
Peas come in different varieties, but they're all an excellent low-calorie source of fiber and protein, which makes them pretty good for weight loss. Apart from that, eating peas promotes the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, particularly Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria, so they're pretty effective at boosting gut health.
Pea flour may also be an excellent substitution for wheat flour for those at risk of the development of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes, as suggested in recent research.
As you can see by yourself, lentils have a really impressive nutritional profile, containing not only tons of fiber and protein, but also impressive quantities of B vitamins, iron, and other minerals. This is why lentils are an excellent addition to a diet low or free of animal products.
It needs to be mentioned that there are several varieties of lentils, with each type having a slightly different, but similar nutrition profile. Red and black lentils are typically used in soups, whereas green or brown ones can be eaten as a side dish, combined with sauces and pasta for a quick evening pasta dish, or mixed with veggies and turned into a hearty stew.
Lentils are known for their various health benefits, particularly for their ability to improve digestion and bowel function. Studies also suggest that lentils help reduce blood sugar spikes by promoting a slower and more steady absorption of sugar in the blood, so they may be beneficial for diabetes prevention as well. Lentils also have numerous other health benefits, which we have discussed in detail in a previous article: 10 Health Benefits of Lentils.
Nutrients in 1 cup (256 grams) of Cooked Kidney Beans:
Though kidney beans don't have the most impressive vitamin and mineral profile, they have been proven to be good for promoting weight loss and preventing sugar spikes when you're eating high glycemic foods like rice or white bread. On a similar note, kidney beans may benefit weight loss in general. In one weight loss study, patients who took white kidney bean extract for 1 month lost 2.5 kg (5.5 lbs) more on average than the controls who took a placebo.
Nutrients in 1 cup (182 grams) of Cooked Navy Beans:
Navy beans, also known as haricot beans, are another staple food, especially in the navy kitchens of the United States, and for good reason, as they're among the best plant sources of B vitamins, as well as fiber and protein, like all legumes. Capable of lowering cholesterol levels and promoting healthy digestion makes navy beans, similarly to most beans, a great choice for people at risk of metabolic syndrome or obesity.
Nutrients in 1 cup (197 grams) of Cooked Adzuki Beans:
Who said beans have to be savory? These little red beans that originated from the Himalayas prove that beans can be used in desserts as well. It is adzuki beans, also known as red mung beans that are the main ingredient in many popular Asian desserts, such as cake filling and ice cream. If you have a sweet tooth, try using adzuki beans in your desserts, as they have all the incredible insulin-lowering, digestion promoting and weight loss benefits of all legumes, but can be used to prepare delicious desserts.
Nutrients in 1 cup (171 grams) of Cooked Pinto Beans:
Pinto beans are a popular bean variety grown worldwide, but especially loved in Mexico, where they're eaten whole, as well as mashed and subsequently fried up. These beans have all the health benefits of other beans we've mentioned on this list and then some. More specifically, they have proven LDL cholesterol-lowering capabilities, so they benefit heart health. Eating these beans also raises the levels of propionate in your gut, which is a type of fatty acid produced by gut bacteria that is associated with digestive health.
Nutrients in 1 cup (202 grams) of Cooked Mung Beans:
Compared to all other legumes, mung beans have the highest vitamin density, providing a whopping 80% of your recommended daily intake of vitamin B9. These beans are native to India, but they are the most popular in China, where they're used as an ingredient in stir-frys, soups, salads, and other dishes. Like most legumes, mung beans have the potential of aiding weight loss, preventing blood sugar spikes and benefiting heart health. These beans also contain a ton of antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation and help prevent chronic illnesses and possibly even cancer.
Nutrients in 1 cup (172 grams) of Cooked Soya Beans:
Related Articles:
The Remarkable Health Benefits of Berries
19 Vegetables and Their Health Benefits
19 Fruits and Their Health Benefits
A Guide To the Health Effects of Soy Products
Didn't expect to see soy on this list? It's not surprising, as soya beans and products derived from them sometimes have a bad reputation, and undeservedly so, as these legumes are among the healthiest and most well-researched ones, apart from also being the cheapest as well. We discuss this stigma in the article we linked above.
You already know that soy products are very versatile, and most dairy replacements, such as nondairy milks, cheese, and tofu is made of processed soya beans, as is soy sauce. However, few people know that soya beans offer all the beneficial effects of other legumes with the added benefit of improving fertility in women, protecting from breast cancer and reducing menopause symptoms, making it an excellent choice for women of all ages.
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