Beans for the body: composition, benefits, contraindications

Beans

Beans are a staple in the diets of virtually every culture around the world. They're not only nutritious, they also provide the body with essential micronutrients. Traditional medicine has long used the beans and other parts of the plant for medicinal purposes. Beans are especially beneficial for diabetics, helping to maintain normal blood glucose levels. Doctors recommend limiting their consumption of legumes, as excessive consumption can be harmful to health.

History of origin

Scientists believe that the bean's origin is Mexico. Archaeologists have found seeds of the plant during excavations in this country, indicating its cultivation by the Aztec tribes. The Spanish monk and historian Bernardino de Sahagún mentioned in his works the use of various types of beans by Native Americans in cooking and cultural traditions. cultivation History and use of the crop are found in the chronicles of ancient countries (Greece, Rome, India, China). The bean was brought to Europe by Christopher Columbus's expedition. The French were attracted by the plant's vibrant colors. It was planted in the courtyards of wealthy families. In the streets, its vines twined around columns, gazebos, and the walls of tall buildings. Research by a French physician showed that its fruits were edible.

Types and their beneficial properties

Optimal growing conditions for the plant include temperatures above 20 degrees Celsius, good light, and moderate humidity. It is cultivated commercially in countries with suitable climates (France, Portugal, Italy, and Bolivia). Other countries grow beans for domestic sale.

Depending on the color of the beans, there are 4 main types of crops:

Red.
White.
Green.
Black.

The benefits of beans for the body are determined by the level of chemical elements contained in each type.

Red

This type of bean is recommended for athletes and people whose professions require heavy physical activity. The high level of soluble fiber stimulates energy production in the body by converting fiber into fatty acids in the intestines. Red beans are used for weight loss. The plant-based protein is easily digestible, and a person feels full even after a small portion. Nutritionists advise overweight patients to include dishes containing red beans in their diet.

The composition is distinguished by a high content of amino acids, vitamins and minerals, which have a healing effect on the body:

normalize sleep and psycho-emotional state, reducing the risk of developing depression;
rejuvenate the skin;
remove toxins, preventing the process of cell malignancy;
relieve inflammation caused by viruses and intestinal infections;
improve the functioning of the adrenal glands and endocrine glands;
activate the production of hemoglobin;
regulate metabolism and normalize digestion;
strengthen the immune system.

Red beans are a valuable food for pregnant women, as during this period, women require a higher intake of folate. It reduces the risk of fetal abnormalities and stimulates hematopoiesis.

White

The chemical composition of red and white beans is virtually identical. The only difference is the lower protein content in red beans. Due to their low protein content, white beans are recommended for weight loss, the elderly, and patients with cardiovascular conditions. Their antibacterial properties make them ideal for protecting teeth from plaque and tartar, which often contribute to cavities.

Attention!

Despite their many health benefits, beans can also be harmful if consumed frequently. To prevent flatulence, it's recommended to add fennel or dill when cooking beans.

Green

The presence of vitamin A and beta-carotene makes green beans recommended for improving vision. Compared to other varieties, they are lower in calories and contain virtually no protein. This makes them a preferred choice for diabetics and those who are overweight.

Among the medicinal properties of beans are:

stimulation of red blood cell production;
protecting the body from dermatological problems;
normalization of digestion.

A common variety is green beans, which reduce the risk of heart attack. Moderate consumption is not problematic, but if you have gastritis, you should discuss the possibility of introducing this product into your diet with your doctor. This type of bean is beneficial for women because it normalizes hormonal balance. Bean dishes are indispensable during menopause, as they alleviate symptoms and improve psycho-emotional well-being.

Black

It's often used as a meat substitute, as it's rich in plant-based protein, the structure of which resembles animal protein. Its high content of nutrients, especially anthocyanins, allows this crop to be used to stimulate brain activity and fight cancer and cardiovascular disease.

This product has the highest energy value, so its consumption should be limited if you're on a diet. Diabetics, heart patients, and those with gastrointestinal conditions should consult a doctor about the recommended daily intake.

Medicinal properties

The chemical elements found in legumes have the following healing effects on the body:

Which form is healthier?

Raw beans are rarely included in the diet. They are considered dangerous due to the presence of harmful substances that negatively impact the gastrointestinal tract. Consuming raw beans will lead to poisoning, so they are always cooked first. They can be frozen. This doesn't affect the chemical composition of the beans, but it increases their nutritional value. The protein content doubles. An additional benefit is reduced cooking time. Cooking of any kind has little effect on the nutritional value of the product. Eating stewed, boiled, or baked beans reduces the risk of negative effects on the intestinal mucosa. Pre-soaking them for 10-12 hours prevents the destruction of micronutrients during cooking.

Canned beans retain approximately 80% of their beneficial properties, making them virtually as nutritious as frozen and cooked beans. The only drawback is the use of animal fats during canning, which can contribute to weight gain.

Attention!

According to nutritionists, beans are healthier when cooked. It doesn't matter whether you eat raw or frozen beans. This product can only cause negative consequences if consumed inappropriately.

Health benefits

Taking into account the physiological characteristics of a person, dishes containing legumes have a specific healing effect on the female, male and child organisms.

For men

The plant's fruits are rich in zinc, vitamin E, and folate, which improve sperm quality and motility. Together, these elements have a positive effect on male reproductive function and facilitate conception.

For men, beans are beneficial for building muscle mass. Athletes involved in bodybuilding and weightlifting include them in their diets.

For women

A physiological characteristic of the female body is monthly blood loss during menstruation. In some cases, this volume exceeds the normal level, leading to the development of anemia. Eating beans helps replenish iron and increase hemoglobin levels.

Beneficial properties of the plant for women's health:

strengthening hair roots;
improving skin tone and smoothing wrinkles;
relieving nervous tension and preventing the development of depression;
reduction of irritability;
increasing the chances of conception.

The benefits of beans for older women include skin rejuvenation and the prevention of various age-related pathologies.

During pregnancy and breastfeeding

The product is considered an excellent remedy for relieving morning sickness, preventing anemia, and fetal abnormalities. Saturating the body with folates in the first trimester helps the baby's systems and organs develop properly. Fiber relieves constipation, and sufficient B vitamins normalize the woman's psycho-emotional state and reduce anxiety. Green fruits are acceptable during lactation. Mothers should monitor their infant's condition and eliminate them from their diet if they experience increased gas or bloating.

The benefits and risks of beans during pregnancy depend on the amount consumed. They should be consumed no more than 2-3 times per week. The maximum serving size is 50-100 g.

For children

Babies' immune systems are still developing, making them more susceptible to infectious agents. This leads to frequent colds and flu. Bean-based dishes boost their immune system and reduce the risk of complications. Children often suffer from constipation, and fiber improves intestinal motility and promotes bowel movements. Vitamins and minerals stimulate mental alertness and have a calming effect on the nervous system, reducing excitability.

Attention!

Beans can be introduced into children's diets from age 3, and green beans from age 1. These beans are best served as a side dish with meat or fish.

Treatment and prevention of diseases

In alternative medicine, ripe fruits are used to prepare medicines. Depending on the type of condition, healers recommend the following remedies:

Diabetes. Pour 100 ml of boiled water over 6 white beans and eat them in the morning 1 hour before meals, followed by the same liquid. The treatment course lasts 1.5 months.
Hypertension, atherosclerosis. Boil 100 g of fruit in 1 liter of water for 20 minutes. Filter and drink the decoction 30 minutes before meals, 1 glass 2 times a day;
Joint diseases. Pour 0.5 liters of water over the chopped beans. Bring to a boil and strain. Drink the decoction before meals 3 times a day, dividing the total amount into equal portions.
Wounds and skin conditions. The raw material is ground into a powder, which is applied in small quantities to the affected area. After 15-20 minutes, the product is washed off with warm water.
Stomatitis. Pour 100 g of fruit into 0.2 liters of boiled water and let it steep for 2-3 hours. Rinse your mouth with the resulting solution 4 times a day.

Before starting treatment, an allergy test should be performed. This will help confirm or rule out any individual intolerance. Apply a few drops of the medication to the skin on the back of the wrist and wait 20-30 minutes. If a rash, redness, burning, or itching occurs in this area, the medication should not be used for therapeutic purposes.

Normalization of body weight

When losing weight with beans, you don't need to starve yourself, as the product keeps you feeling full for a long time. The fiber in the beans promotes regular bowel cleansing, so waste and toxins are quickly eliminated from the body. Green beans are especially beneficial for weight loss. Their calorie content is extremely low, making them a good dietary food. They pair well with meat and other vegetables.

https://youtu.be/yiFUK61NN28

Beans help overweight people break the habit of eating at night and lose about 4 kg in 10 days. For this purpose, it is recommended to have bean soup for dinner (three hours before bed), prepared according to the following recipe:

boil 0.2 kg of green beans with finely chopped carrots and onions;
10 minutes before it's ready, add chopped tomato.

To enhance the flavor, add a little lemon juice to the soup before serving. The diet should include vegetables, green fruits, and low-fat dairy products.

Attention!

If you want to lose more extra pounds, take a break for 3 days and then resume the diet.

Application in cosmetology

Cleopatra herself used skin-tightening masks, so modern women shouldn't be wary of such rejuvenation methods. This is a facelift at home.

Benefits of kidney beans for skin:

even out skin tone;
smooth out wrinkles;
relieve inflammation that causes acne;
improve tone, moisturize and rejuvenate the skin;
eliminate dark circles under the eyes;
cleanse the face of blackheads and sebaceous plugs.

To create a rejuvenating mask, boil the fruit and blend it, then mix it with olive oil and lemon juice until smooth. Apply the mixture to your face and rinse with warm water after 30 minutes.

Culinary uses

In Asian and South American countries, bean dishes are considered a staple at holidays. Europeans don't eat beans as often, but various soups and salads are appealing due to their flavor. Thanks to their amino acids and protein, legumes completely replace meat, making them a popular choice for vegetarians and believers during Lent. The ease of preparing bean dishes lies in their ability to pair with virtually any food. Beans are added to soups, salads, and served as a side dish with fish or meat. Various herbs are often used in cooking.

To preserve the maximum nutritional value and prevent any potential health risks, beans should be soaked for 2 hours beforehand and then boiled until fully cooked. A single serving should not exceed 150 g. This will help prevent flatulence.

Harm and contraindications

The extent to which beans are harmful to the human body depends on individual characteristics. In rare cases, allergic reactions to beans can occur, so doctors recommend consuming no more than 2-3 beans the first time. If no adverse effects occur within 24 hours, the dosage can be gradually increased to 150 g per day.

The beneficial properties and contraindications of beans are determined by their chemical composition. The harmful effects are caused by polysaccharides, which, when broken down, activate intestinal microflora and produce increased gas. This leads to pain and bloating.

Consumption of the plant's fruits is contraindicated in the following pathologies:

pancreatitis;
cholecystitis;
gastritis;
ulcer;
colitis.

Beans can be harmful to people with gout and kidney disease. Uric acid is a breakdown product of the purines found in beans. It accumulates in the kidneys and exacerbates existing conditions.

Reviews

Tatyana, 30 years old, Nizhny Novgorod:

I had health issues due to a lack of iron in my diet. I heard about the benefits of beans and decided to introduce them into my diet. My health gradually returned to normal. I try to make soup or salad 2-3 times a week. My husband also liked the dishes. He's into sports, and this kind of food gives him energy.

Katerina, 38 years old, Donetsk:

Bean dishes help maintain normal blood glucose levels. After four months of regular consumption, my doctor reduced my dosage of antidiabetic medication. The benefits for children are also enormous. They find it easier to learn school material, and their incidence of viral infections has significantly decreased.

Anna, 43 years old, Yeysk:

I use this product for weight loss. I combine it with various vegetables and add it to my soups. They are delicious, nutritious, and keep me full for a long time. On this diet, you can lose 3-4 kg of excess weight in a short time.

Legumes are renowned for their many beneficial properties, but they are recommended to be included in the diet with caution. Some components of their chemical composition can negatively impact human health and exacerbate chronic conditions. Knowing the benefits and risks of beans can help you avoid these problems and significantly improve your well-being.