Red beans: benefits and harms, properties, how to cook

Legumes, regardless of type and variety, provide the human body with valuable proteins, amino acids, and vitamins. Red beans are especially rich in healthy elements. Dishes made from them are included in various diets. This product is often used for weight loss. When used correctly, red beans have enormous health benefits. However, if you have certain contraindications, you should avoid this product.

Chemical composition

Legumes contain all the vitamins and minerals necessary for proper body function. This product contains the following macro- and microelements:

• calcium;
• sodium;
• manganese;
• selenium;
• magnesium;
• phosphorus;
• iron;
• copper;
• zinc.

In addition, red beans contain almost all the B vitamins, vitamin K, niacin, and nicotinic acid. These enhance cellular metabolism and immune defense, and promote healthy skin and hair. Nicotinic acid ensures complete protein absorption, promotes heart health, normalizes the nervous system, and improves vision.

Red beans also supply the human body with essential amino acids:

1. Tryptophan has a sedative effect, helps overcome depression, relieves stress and normalizes sleep.
2. Arginine supports the health of the reproductive system and improves skin elasticity.
3. Lysine prevents the development of cancer and strengthens the immune system.
4. Tyrosine normalizes the functioning of the endocrine system, relieves depression, has an antioxidant effect, and reduces the risk of allergies.
5. Histidine helps treat anemia by being part of hemoglobin.

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Nutritional value

Red kidney beans are a high-quality, easily digestible protein. Their nutritional benefits are comparable to those of fish and meat. The caloric value of red kidney beans is 127 kcal per 100 g. The nutrient profile is as follows:

• 0.5 g fat;
• 8.67 g protein;
• 15.4 g protein;
• 7.4 g fiber.

One cup of beans contains enough soft dietary fiber to satisfy your hunger. This serving keeps you full for a long time and keeps you satisfied. Eating beans helps flush out toxins from your body.

The benefits and harms of red beans for the body

The advantage of red adzuki beans is their high content of beneficial components, which remain intact after cooking. This product is especially beneficial for children and adolescents. Children can start eating them as early as three years old. It's best to combine them with vegetables or fruits to maximize the absorption of nutrients.

Red beans are beneficial for weight loss diets. Their beneficial effects stem from the fact that they contain a substance that inhibits alpha-mylase production. Dishes made with this type of bean reduce appetite and increase metabolic rate.

Beans can only pose potential health risks in childhood. Babies often experience colic and intestinal gas. Therefore, they should not be given to children under three years of age. The same applies to those suffering from flatulence or other intestinal conditions.

For men

Red bean dishes are beneficial for men to improve potency. They are especially beneficial for those who spend long periods of time at the computer. This product prevents the development of obesity and other related diseases. Beans nourish the male body, giving it vitality, energy, and strength.

For women

Red beans are especially beneficial for women. This product contains magnesium, calcium, and other beneficial substances. These nutrients provide several beneficial effects:

• prevents dental diseases;
• improves the health of the reproductive system;
• promotes the normal course of pregnancy;
• improves hair health and strengthens nails;
• rejuvenates and moisturizes the skin when used as part of homemade cosmetics.

Beans exhibit beneficial properties during pregnancy due to their high folate content. This promotes the proper development of the neural tube in the fetus. The sedative effect of this product helps calm the nervous system and neutralize hormonal surges during pregnancy. The high iron concentration in this product helps combat anemia. Red beans, when consumed in moderation, improve fluid balance and relieve muscle spasms. This helps prevent swelling and cramps during pregnancy.

After birth, beans shouldn't be avoided. This product enriches breast milk with vitamins and protein. It also strengthens the baby's bones, promotes proper muscle development, provides oxygen to the body, and normalizes fluid balance.

For children

Beans are a healthy choice for children if meat is not an option for some reason. This product provides a child with protein. Legumes are easily digestible and improve digestion. Red beans provide the child with the energy they need, promoting faster growth and development. The B vitamins they contain calm the child's nervous system. Therefore, dishes containing this product are beneficial for children with increased excitability.

A child can only experience digestive upset if they eat mature beans, which are difficult for young children to digest. Therefore, young beans are preferable for baby food. They can be steamed, boiled, or made into a creamy soup. These dishes can be introduced to babies as early as one year of age.

For weight loss

The therapeutic properties of red beans promote weight loss. This product successfully combines dietary fiber and slow-digesting carbohydrates. Therefore, it is considered a dietary food and is recommended for weight loss diets.

The protein in this legume is a complete substitute for animal protein. Therefore, it is beneficial for those looking to lose weight and for those who cannot eat meat for ethical or religious reasons. Moreover, bean dishes can be eaten at any time of day without fear of weight gain.

The healing properties of red beans

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Red beans have been cultivated since ancient times. Their medicinal properties were also noted back then. In traditional medicine, red beans are used to treat various ailments. Most often, the dried pods left after shelling are used to prepare remedies. Remedies are also made from the flowers or ripe beans.

For pancreatitis

To treat the chronic form of this disease, juice extracted from the green pods of the plant is used. Mix 100 ml of juice with 1 tablespoon of natural honey. This remedy is divided into three doses and consumed throughout the day.

For diabetes mellitus

A decoction made from the dried pods left over from shelling beans helps normalize blood sugar levels. This remedy helps improve the well-being of those with type 2 diabetes. To prepare the decoction, place 3 tablespoons of pre-crushed pods in a thermos and add 2 liters of boiling water. After steeping for 6 hours, drink 1 glass daily, 30 minutes before meals.

A decoction can be made from crushed green pods. To do this, take 4 tablespoons of the raw material and pour 500 ml of boiling water over it. Place the container in a water bath and heat for 15 minutes. Then let it steep for another 45 minutes. This infusion is also consumed three times daily before meals.

For the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases

In this case, home remedies based on red beans should be used with caution. Otherwise, they will do more harm than good. Consuming boiled beans in soups or salads can help improve the condition. You can also prepare a bean-based decoction. To do this, steep 1 tablespoon of beans in 200 ml of boiling water and simmer over low heat for half an hour. Cool the resulting liquid and drink 2 tablespoons after each meal.

To get rid of kidney stones

To cleanse the gallbladder and kidneys of sand and prevent stone formation, it is recommended to regularly drink a decoction made from the flowers of red kidney beans. 20 grams of the flowers are steeped in 200 ml of boiling water for 10 minutes. The resulting mixture is divided into four portions and consumed throughout the day.

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For accelerated wound healing

Ripe red kidney beans have an antiseptic effect. Before use, they are ground in a coffee grinder to a fine powder. The mixture is then mixed with water and a small amount of honey to form a thick paste. Form a flat cake from this paste and apply it to the affected area of ​​skin. The paste prevents the growth of pathogenic microflora and dries the affected tissue.

Application in cosmetology

To improve skin condition, red kidney and adzuki beans are used in cosmetic masks. Cooked beans rejuvenate the skin, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and eliminate unwanted pigmentation. After using this mask, skin elasticity improves and shine disappears. Thanks to their antibacterial properties, this cosmetic treatment helps prevent pimples, acne, and other blemishes.

To make a cleansing mask, use dried beans. Grind them in a coffee grinder and mix with an equal amount of white clay. The mixture is diluted with water to form a paste. The mask is then applied to the face for 15 minutes. For best results, repeat this procedure weekly.

A firming mask is made from boiled beans. Puree them, add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and the same amount of olive oil. Spread the mixture over the face and leave it on for 20 minutes. This mask smoothes fine wrinkles and firms facial contours.

Culinary uses

Homegrown or store-bought red beans are used in cooking. This legume is used to make delicious soups, salads, side dishes, added to pie fillings, and canned. Bean-based dishes are especially common in Latin American cuisine. There, beans are used to create spicy dishes, paired with meat and other vegetables. In Ukraine, beans are added to borscht and beetroot salads. In Jordan, cooked beans are used to make flatbreads.

Proper preparation

Before cooking, dry beans must be soaked. This process softens the hard tissue of the beans, speeds up cooking, and reduces gas formation during consumption.

Soaking can be done in cold or hot water. In the first case, the beans are soaked in the liquid for 8-10 hours. Therefore, beans are usually soaked in the evening and prepared in the morning. In the second case, the beans are immersed in boiling water for 2 minutes and then left in the hot water for 3 hours, with the heat turned off.

After soaking, boil the beans in clean water for 2 hours. To speed up cooking, add salt or lemon only at the very end of cooking.

What foods go well with red beans?

Red beans create a successful flavor combination with all vegetables and herbs. They are especially often combined with tomatoes, cilantro, and onions. As a side dish, beans go well with fish and meat. In the Caucasus, beans are used to make lobio, which also includes walnuts, spices, and garlic.

Large beans are used to make chili with meat, curry powder, and pepper. Small adzuki beans are used to make a salad with apples, celery, and walnuts.

Lobio

This delicious and filling dish is especially popular in Georgia. It takes little time to prepare if you soak the beans the night before.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup red beans;
• 2 tbsp. butter;
• 0.5 tsp coriander;
• 1 medium onion;
• 0.5 cups peeled walnuts;
• 5 cloves of garlic;
• 1 bunch of cilantro;
• salt and ground pepper to taste.

How to cook:

Soak the beans overnight in warm water. In the morning, drain the liquid and cook in clean water until soft. Melt the butter in a frying pan and add the coriander. Fry the finely chopped onion in the butter until golden brown. Mix the onion with the beans and crushed garlic, add finely chopped nuts and chopped herbs. Season the dish with salt and pepper, and mix well.

Chicken and Bean Salad

This salad is very filling, so it can be eaten as a main course.

Ingredients:

• 300 g boiled chicken meat;
• 150 g of any hard cheese;
• 2 pickled cucumbers;
• 1 clove of garlic;
• 300 g canned corn;
• 200 g canned red beans.

How to cook:

Cut the chicken and cucumbers into small cubes and place in a salad bowl. Grate the cheese coarsely and add to the meat and cucumbers. Add the remaining ingredients, and press the garlic through a garlic press. Mix the salad thoroughly and serve.

How to choose and store

Most consumers prefer to buy ready-made beans rather than grow their own. Red beans are often packaged in bags or loose in stores. Canned red beans are also available.

When purchasing a packaged product, be sure to check its integrity, check the packaging date, and the expiration date. If the package is transparent, check to make sure there are no debris among the beans. If beans are purchased loose, check the quality of the beans themselves. The shell should be free of damage, cracks, and signs of insect activity. You can see what a quality product looks like in photographs.

When buying canned beans, pay attention to the expiration date and manufacturing date. Be sure to check the ingredients to ensure they are free of harmful artificial ingredients.

Storing beans bought in bulk Store in a tightly sealed jar in a cool, dry pantry. Store packaged beans under the same conditions until the expiration date stated on the packaging. Store canned beans in the refrigerator. Store the prepared bean dish in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reviews

Arina, 25 years old

I followed the bean diet for a week. The diet was monotonous, of course, but I lost 4 kg during that time, and the difference is clearly visible in the before-and-after photos. I was pleased with the results; I didn't feel hungry, but I did feel uncomfortable from eating so many beans. So, I wouldn't risk repeating the experiment.

Svetlana, 40 years old

I often cook beans as a side dish for meat. It's a tasty and filling dish. They're much healthier than potatoes, as they're a great source of protein. Making bean soup is delicious even without the meat.

In conclusion

Red beans are a tasty and healthy dish. When cooked properly, they pose no harm to the body. Infusions made from these beans can improve well-being in some ailments. Therefore, consuming beans is recommended as part of a regular diet or as a remedy.