If you want to increase plant-based protein consumption in your diet, kidney beans are a delicious and nutritious solution. In addition to being low in calories and fat, they offer a variety of functional health benefits, including weight reduction and blood sugar regulation.
Kidney beans, also known as common beans, are a rich blend of bioactive ingredients such as:
- Polyphenols and Phytochemicals
- Resistant Starch
- Proteins
- Dietary Fibers
- Peptides
Here are a few reasons to incorporate this nutrition-packed versatile legume into your diet.
The Best Anti-Inflammatory Companion
Kidney beans contain an abundant quantity of phenolic components, such as flavonoids and isoflavones, which are responsible for the suppression of inflammatory gene expression and regulation of inflammation.
The cumulative effect of this property of common beans enables the body to maintain homeostasis; the body’s ability to self-regulate.
The Regulator of Blood Sugar Levels
By balancing the insulin mechanism, kidney beans have been shown to be effective in treating metabolic syndrome such as type 1 diabetes. The phytochemicals present in kidney beans that maintain steady levels of blood sugar are:
- Terpenoids
- Alkaloids
- Saponins
These low-glycemic index ingredients possess anti-hypoglycemic and anti-diabetic effects; therefore, they can also be used as a nutraceutical supplement.
Optimal for Cardiovascular Health
Protein, fiber, and a diversity of vitamins and minerals make kidney beans a medicinal food. They’re a good source of vitamin E, a known protector against cardiovascular disorders.
These beans are also responsible for the relaxation of the vascular system, thus preventing LDL production (bad cholesterol) and atherosclerosis (plaque formation). The dietary fiber in kidney beans also lowers the occurrence of high blood pressure.
Combat Colon Cancer and Other Comorbidities
Compared to other fruits and vegetables, common beans contain an exceptionally high concentration of antioxidants. This makes it a top-five studied bean for free-radical scavenging activity in recent years to treat cancer, particularly colon cancer.
The phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) present in kidney beans is a lectin protein responsible for inhibiting viral enzyme activity against HIV.
Also rich in folate and B-complex vitamins, kidney beans prevent congenital disabilities and optimize overall health.
Ideal for Weight Loss Regime
Kidney beans have an anti-obesity effect on the body. They are low in fat, high in protein, and rich in fiber. Thus, kidney beans keep the stomach full longer than other carbohydrates. One serving helps you consume fewer calories by increasing the time between meals.
FAQ
Are kidney beans healthy for you?
Due to their high nutritional value, dietitians often recommend kidney beans.
Kidney beans are an excellent source of satiety-boosting nutrients like fiber, protein, folate, iron, and other minerals while reducing harmful fat and saturated fat intake. Consuming beans daily, at a quantity of half a cup, has positive health effects.
Are kidney beans good for the kidneys?
Many people with kidney disease try to steer clear of kidney beans because of their high phosphorus levels. On the other hand, being a plant, kidney beans have a lower phosphorus and potassium absorption rate compared to animal-based diets and supplements.
More recent research confirms what we already knew: a plant-based diet is best for the kidneys. A person with kidney disease may therefore benefit from eating kidney beans.
Which Bean is the healthiest?
Red kidney beans are the most nutritious of all beans.
- They have high levels of iron, phosphorus, and potassium.
- They are a great low-fat way to get protein and fiber.
- Red kidney beans are also high in phytonutrients.
Are kidney beans good for the skin?
When it comes to skincare, kidney beans are a fantastic dietary choice. They prevent mishaps in the production of amino acids, gluconeogenesis, fatty acid synthesis, neurotransmitter synthesis, and histamine.
Red kidney beans are rich in antioxidants, which prevent cell damage and delay skin aging.
What are the side effects of kidney beans?
Consuming excessive kidney beans may impact your digestive health and make it difficult for meals to pass through the body.
The potential complications are obstructed intestines, stomach pain, diarrhea, and gas.
A high folate intake from kidney beans may also increase the risk of developing cancer.
Are kidney beans A Superfood?
Kidney beans are an incredibly nutritious superfood.
Essential body activities like growth, cognition, energy production and immunity all rely on manganese, which is found in abundance in red kidney beans.
In addition, folate in kidney beans is helpful in regulating the homocysteine levels in the body. The folate also helps in reducing the risk of bone diseases such as osteoporosis and osteomalacia.
Which bean is highest in protein?
Soybeans are in the top place because one cup of cooked soybeans has 29 grams of protein. Red kidney beans come in second with roughly 16 grams of protein per cup.
Phytohaemagglutinin is also found in many beans, although red kidney beans have a particularly high concentration. All these factors combine to make kidney beans an excellent low-calorie protein source.
What do you eat kidney beans with?
Kidney beans can be eaten in a variety of ways. You can make a salad, soup, or a spicy Cajun gravy to serve over rice.
Breakfast might also consist of a runny egg, kidney beans, brown rice, and salsa.
Kidney beans are malleable and can be eaten steamed, boiled, or raw. They are delicious to taste in all their forms.
Do beans lower cholesterol?
According to a study, eating one serving of beans per day can help cut bad cholesterol and lower the risk of heart disease.
Consuming beans in the following ways can help lower your cholesterol:
- Kidney beans can be substituted for foods high in saturated fats or with a high glycemic index.
- Beans may also help reduce heart disease due to their high fiber, plant-based protein, vitamins, and minerals content.
