Beans: benefits and harms recipes. Beneficial properties of beans and their harm to human health, contraindications for consumption

Beans are known to everyone as a valuable food product, but their benefits do not end there. Beans and bean pods have a whole range of beneficial properties that are indispensable in the treatment of diabetes, hirsutism, gastrointestinal diseases and other diseases. The use of beans allows you to do without expensive chemicals that have serious side effects and contraindications.

Chemical composition and healing properties

What are beans rich in besides proteins, fats, carbohydrates and starch, what elements determine their benefits and harms? Bean fruits contain a lot of vitamins - C, group B, PP. There are micro- and macroelements - copper, zinc, potassium, iron, calcium, sulfur. And also tryptophan, lysine, arginine, tyrosine, histidine, nitrogenous substances, flavonoids, sterols, malic and citric acids.

Flavonoids, leukoanthocyanidins and anthocyanins were found in bean pods and stems


It is necessary to pay attention to the fact that raw beans, especially the red variety, contain many lectins that have a toxic effect - beans also have benefits and harms. To neutralize lectins, the product should be boiled for at least 30 minutes.

What else can be said about the chemical composition and benefits of fruits and bean pods?

Betaine can have a beneficial effect on the liver and its functions. Dextrin is a good source of fiber. Lecithin is necessary for the construction of cell membranes. Tyrosine is essential for the functioning of the central nervous system. Tryptophan improves sleep and appetite. Arginine is an insulin-like substance, so beans can treat type 2 diabetes.

Beans have a diuretic, soothing, wound-healing effect. This is a high-calorie and at the same time dietary product, useful for rheumatism, diseases of the bladder, liver and kidneys, heart failure,

Beans strengthen teeth, prevent the formation of tartar, and have antibacterial properties, so bean dishes are useful for patients with tuberculosis.

Traditional medicine uses bean seeds and pods to treat diabetes and heart failure. Bean decoction can be used to treat nephritis and cystitis, to dissolve kidney stones, gallstones and bladder stones, and to break down and remove fats in the liver.

The wound-healing properties of the plant are also known; a decoction of bean pods is used in the treatment of skin diseases, stomach ulcers, and gastritis with low acidity.

Beans can also be used in cosmetology, to prepare anti-aging masks that smooth out wrinkles, nourish and soften the skin.

Beans have a positive effect on the genitourinary organs in men, improve potency, act as a cleansing and strengthening agent, and generally improve potency.

Green beans remove salts and toxins from the body, while saturating the blood and tissues with vitamins and minerals.

Arginine is an amino acid that stimulates the production of insulin by the pancreas; type 2 diabetes can be treated by replacing insulin with a decoction of bean leaves. You will have to undergo treatment for 3-4 months, and preferably under the supervision of an endocrinologist. You cannot refuse treatment prescribed by an endocrinologist on your own; decoctions of bean leaves should be taken along with medications, especially at first.

It should be noted that the beans themselves are completely harmless for diabetics, their glycemic index is only 15 units, this is an indispensable food product for diabetes, and there is no need to throw away the pods; it is better to use them for preparing decoctions.

The benefits of green beans in the treatment of diabetes of the second degree have been proven by practice; as for incurable insulin-dependent diabetes of the first degree, a decoction of green beans can be taken to improve metabolism in the body.

If we talk about the ratio: the benefits and harms of beans, the benefits are much greater. This plant has no obvious contraindications, but its beans should only be consumed boiled. People suffering from high acidity of the stomach, gout, and cholecystitis should not overuse beans. Elderly people should also limit their consumption of beans.

Eating beans in large quantities causes flatulence; this effect can be reduced by soaking the beans in a baking soda solution for 2 hours before cooking. Beans can be eaten together with foods that reduce gas formation - fennel or dill.

Recipes

Decoctions and infusions from beans and bean pods can be easily made with your own hands; there are many simple recipes for this. But it is important to follow the general rules. Sugar should not be added to decoctions and infusions of bean pods for the treatment of diabetes mellitus or other diseases. Dry pods cannot be used either, they contain toxic substances, potions can only be prepared from dried bean leaves. They can only be collected in environmentally friendly areas.

Recipe 1.

Decoction of bean leaves for diabetes. To prepare it, take 4 tbsp. chopped pods, pour 600 ml of boiling water, heat in a water bath for 15 minutes, then let stand for 45 minutes, strain, add water to the original volume. Application: 200 ml three times a day during meals.

Recipe 2.

A decoction of bean leaves with blueberry leaves. Chopped bean leaves should be mixed with blueberry leaves in equal quantities, take 2 tbsp. mixture and pour 400 ml of boiling water. Let cool and brew, strain. Drink 60-70 ml 4-5 times a day during meals.

Recipe 3.

You can use bean pods for diabetes in other ways. Pour 30 grams of crushed dried bean leaves into a ceramic or metal container, pour 300 ml of hot water, place in a water bath, heat for 15 minutes, then remove from heat, cool and strain. After filtering, add water to the original volume, drink a decoction of bean leaves, 100 ml 3 times a day, half an hour before meals. The course of treatment is 2-3 months.

Recipe 4.

A decoction of the pods for diabetes. 45 whole bean pods should be poured with two liters of hot water and kept in a water bath for 3 hours, then strain. Drink 200 ml of decoction 4 times a day before meals for three months.

Recipe 5.

Bean husk decoction for diabetes. 1 tsp pour 250 ml of hot water over chopped bean flaps, keep in a water bath for 20 minutes, cool and strain. Drink 1 tbsp. three times a day with meals.

Recipe 6.

Infusion in a thermos for diabetes. The bean shells are crushed, take 55 grams, pour into a thermos and pour 400 boiling water. The thermos is tightly closed and left for 10-12 hours, overnight. In the morning, drink 150 ml on an empty stomach 20 minutes before meals.

Recipe 7.

Bean pod tea, which will maintain blood sugar levels at the proper level for 7 hours, while following a diet. Take 15 grams of bean husk powder, pour 200 ml of boiling water, keep on low heat for 15 minutes, then let cool and brew, strain, take 2 tbsp. three times a day before meals.

Recipe 8.

A decoction of bean leaves with flax seeds and blueberry leaves. You need to make a mixture of two parts blueberry leaves and leaves and one part flax seeds. Stir, take 4 tbsp. mixture, pour 600 ml of boiling water, cook over low heat for 20 minutes, then cool and strain. Application: 3 tbsp. three times a day after meals.

Recipe 9.

Beans are also beneficial in the treatment of gout and rheumatism. To prepare the decoction, you need to take 15-20 grams of bean husk powder, add 1 liter of hot water and cook over low heat for 2-3 hours. Then cool and strain. Drink 100 ml 4-5 times a day after meals.

The decoction for oral administration must be prepared every day, it must always be fresh. If it remains, do not pour it into the sink; you can water your indoor flowers with the remains of the bean broth - this is an excellent fertilizer!

Recipe 10.

Red bean face mask. Boil 100 grams of red bean seeds until completely softened, grind through a fine sieve, add 1 tbsp. olive oil, 2 tbsp. lemon juice and mix thoroughly. The mask is applied to a clean face for 20-30 minutes, after which it is washed off with warm water. The mask is very useful for facial skin - it smooths out wrinkles, softens, relieves irritation, and nourishes with beneficial substances.

Recipe 11.

Beans against eczema and erysipelas. Grind red bean seeds to a powder and sprinkle on the affected areas. Wash off after 2-3 hours.

Recipe 12.

A useful decoction of bean leaves for fatty liver, atherosclerosis, arrhythmia, nephritis, cystitis, kidney and bladder stones, gastritis with low acidity. 3 tbsp. bean pod powder pour 400 ml of boiling water, boil for 10-15 minutes over low heat, then drink 100 ml 4 times a day. The course of treatment is 30 days.

Recipe 13.

Surprisingly, bean decoction can be used not only for treatment, but also for washing woolen items. It is very simple to prepare a decoction for washing; you need to take 200 grams of beans and boil in a sealed container for 30 minutes. Infuse the decoction for washing for 2-3 hours, then filter, pour into a bowl of hot water and wash woolen items. After washing, they must be rinsed in warm water, slightly acidified with vinegar.

Recipe 14.

A decoction of red beans for rheumatism, arrhythmia, and hypertension. 1 tbsp. red beans, pour 200 ml of hot water and keep in a water bath for 30 minutes, then cool and strain. Drink the decoction 3-4 times a day, two tablespoons after meals.

Recipe 15.

For diabetes mellitus, take 2 tbsp. crushed dandelion roots, blueberry and nettle leaves, bean pods, brew 400 ml of boiling water, heat in an enamel bowl for 10 minutes. Then remove from heat and strain after an hour, add water to 400 ml, divide into 4 parts and drink throughout the day.

Beans are a very healthy, tasty and popular member of the legume family in many countries. Residents of Brazil and Mexico generally cannot imagine their feasts without bean dishes, in Asian countries they simply adore it, and Georgia is famous for its favorite “lobio”. Moreover, both bean grains and their pods (asparagus) are prepared, which are used fresh, frozen and canned.

Beans are a high-protein product and, combined with a high content of amino acids, can completely replace meat. Therefore, it is widely used by believers during the period of fasting and vegetarians who do not consume meat products. In addition, the bean product contains potassium, calcium, iodine, iron, phosphorus, sodium and magnesium, so beans are considered very beneficial for human health and, when consumed correctly, do not cause harm.

Green beans are no less healthy than grain beans, which is why nutritionists included them in the list of the ten healthiest foods. It is rich in vitamins B, C and E, carotene, folic acid, calcium, potassium, zinc, iron, and contains a lot of fiber, protein and sugar. Green beans are very healthy and do absolutely no harm to human health.

There are many varieties of beans, they come in different colors and different sizes, chefs prepare a huge number of delicious dishes from them, but in order to get the maximum benefit from the legume product, you need to cook the beans until fully cooked, and before cooking, soak them in cold water for a couple of hours.

Benefits of Beans – 11 Health Benefits

  1. Useful for diabetes

    Beans contain a unique amino acid - arginine, whose characteristics are similar to insulin, which helps lower blood sugar levels. Beans are low in calories and are highly valued in dietary nutrition for many diseases, including diabetes.

  2. Improves the functioning of the digestive system

    Beans are a good source of fiber. It includes two types of fibers: insoluble and water-soluble. Soluble fiber reduces the amount of cholesterol you absorb through food, while insoluble fiber provides the required volume of food, which promotes good digestion as well as intestinal motility. After eating beans or any other legumes, nutritionists recommend drinking more fluid, this helps the digestive system properly use the extra fiber.

  3. Positively affects the cardiovascular system

    Beans are rich in fiber, which significantly reduces cholesterol levels. The content of such fibers in beans helps reduce homocysteine ​​levels, which significantly reduces the likelihood of heart attacks, vascular and cardiac diseases. In addition, the magnesium found in legumes helps support healthy functioning of the cardiovascular system overall.

  4. Revitalizes skin

    Beans contain sufficient amounts of zinc, which plays an important role in maintaining healthy skin. Zinc helps the normal functioning of the sebaceous glands, which promotes sweat production. Moreover, the folic acid found in beans helps in the formation of new skin cells. Regular cell renewal cleanses pores and reduces acne. Therefore, consumption of beans is beneficial for improving skin health.

  5. Relieves fatigue

    Fatigue, lethargy, physical and mental exhaustion, fatigue and weakness - all these unpleasant symptoms can be relieved with the help of magnesium contained in legumes. The magnesium content in beans can significantly provide relief from fatigue. It also relaxes the nervous system, blood vessels and muscles. Regular consumption of beans helps reduce muscle soreness, successfully relieves headaches, migraines and various symptoms of asthma.

  6. Relieves symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis

    Rheumatoid arthritis is a serious, long-term, progressive disease that causes joint inflammation and pulsating deformity and stiffness, especially in the ankles, feet, fingers and wrists. Frequent consumption of beans is an effective means to reduce such inflammatory diseases, since beans contain an optimal amount of copper, which in turn is important for stimulating certain enzymatic activities, as well as maintaining the elasticity of joints, blood vessels and ligaments.

  7. Treats colds

    A cold is a viral infectious disease of the upper respiratory tract, which mainly affects the ENT organs. Consuming beans improves our body's immune system, which protects against colds and coughs. The product ensures the absorption of iron and, therefore, strengthens the body's resistance to infection and stimulates the fight against viruses.

  8. Prevention of Alzheimer's disease

    Alzheimer's disease is actually a mental deterioration that occurs in middle or old age due to general deterioration of brain function, which is also the main cause of premature insanity. Vitamin B is a nutrient essential for normal brain function that is found in significant amounts in beans. It nourishes the nerves, brain and cells and helps avoid age-related diseases such as Alzheimer's disease.

  9. Strengthens bones

    Calcium and manganese present in beans strengthen bone tissue, thereby preventing osteoporosis (a disease in which bones become brittle and brittle). Various studies have shown that low folic acid levels significantly increase the risk of osteoporosis-related bone fractures, mainly hip fractures in women and men. Beans also contain vitamin K, which is essential for maintaining healthy bones.

  10. Has a rejuvenating effect

    Beans contain antioxidants that have strong anti-aging properties and limit damage to body tissues caused by free radicals. Thus, the product helps protect the skin and organs from long-term problems caused by environmental factors as well as unhealthy foods.

  11. Treats cataracts

    Cataracts are the most common eye disease, the main cause of which is a lack of vitamin C in the body. Beans contain a significant amount of this vitamin, so its consumption helps increase blood supply to the eyes.

Beans - harm and contraindications

Beans undoubtedly have a huge range of substances beneficial to the body. But still, one should not exclude caution regarding its use. There is a category of people for whom eating beans or dishes prepared from them is not recommended and can be harmful:

  • people whose bodies are unable to digest the polysaccharides contained in beans. Abuse of the product can lead to increased gas formation, bloating and, accordingly, discomfort in this regard;
  • patients with gout or nephritis. Bean purines, the breakdown products of which are uric acid, are not excreted by the kidneys and its accumulation leads to gout or an exacerbation of an existing disease;
  • patients with gastritis, pancreatitis, cholecystitis, colitis;
  • patients with damaged gastric mucosa due to peptic ulcer disease.

Legumes are considered valuable dietary foods: they are rich in plant protein, but not as fatty as nuts. Therefore, they are used to maintain and saturate the body even when losing weight and actively playing sports. Red beans stand out from their counterparts due to their enormous benefits for the cardiovascular and reproductive systems, as well as for maintaining healthy nerves. Read on for the benefits and best recipes with red beans - everything you wanted to know.

Composition of red beans

Crimson beans have a high content of iron and copper in their composition, which ensures healthy blood and overall strengthening of the body. Therefore, the product is often recommended to be introduced into the diet after prolonged colds, anemia, blood loss, low weight and a number of other ailments.

Beans also contain:

  1. Magnesium is an extremely important component for the health of the nervous system. Its use ensures recovery from stress and emotional upheaval, stimulates clear thinking and memory, speed of switching and other reactions, in addition, it is involved in metabolism.
  2. Potassium is one of the essential elements that supports healthy heart function and also stimulates kidney activity. Helps remove excess fluid from the body.
  3. Calcium, which supports healthy bones and normal blood pressure.
  4. Phosphorus, necessary for nervous processes, strengthens bones and teeth.
  5. Iodine is an indispensable regulator of the thyroid gland, which affects hormonal balance, well-being and metabolism.
  6. Sulfur helps fight intoxication and infections, providing disinfecting and anti-inflammatory effects. It also gets rid of dandruff, flaking and dermatitis, actively fighting fungal diseases.
  7. Zinc ensures healthy metabolism, cleanses the skin and promotes the formation of male hormones.

Among the vitamins contained in beans:

  1. Carotene, necessary for healing processes, restoration, and maintaining visual acuity.
  2. B vitamins that support immunity and nervous system health, including folic acid, which is necessary to balance hormonal balance.
  3. Vitamins E, K, C, which remove toxins and ensure healthy cells and blood.

In addition, beans contain an important compound for diabetics - arginine. This is a substance that helps break down sugar and maintain its normal level in the blood, reducing the required dose of insulin.

Beans act as an antioxidant, helping to cleanse the body and bringing a supply of nutrients for renewal, so it has a rejuvenating effect. Beans are recommended for consumption from an early age, and especially for adults, during pregnancy, during sports and colds to speed up recovery processes.

Calories and nutritional value

Ripe beans are stored dried or canned. Its calorie content is up to 300 kcal per 100 grams, but ready-boiled beans bring only 90–120 kcal. This is a medium-calorie product that can replace heavier animal proteins and supplement the diet if you are allergic to grains.

In terms of nutritional value, beans contain about 8 g of protein, 15 g of carbohydrates and only 0.5 g of fat. 7 g comes from dietary fiber, the rest is water. The product does not contain cholesterol and can completely replace meat and fish components in the diet, so beans are used:

  • during fasting;
  • with a vegetarian diet;
  • on diets for cardiovascular diseases;
  • on sports diets and for weight loss;
  • in baby food and for older people.

It is enough to consume up to 800 g of beans per week, and add it to both hot first and second courses, as well as cold appetizers. Legumes are best digested in the morning and afternoon, providing a nutritious breakfast and hearty lunch. It is not advisable to eat beans at night: proteins are digested for about 6 hours, and this should happen during a period of vigor.

Women should eat no more than 200 g of beans per day and 250–300 g for men. In old age, consumption should be reduced by 2-3 times and monitor whether the body copes with legume components.

Varieties of red beans

During the cultivation of the vegetable throughout the planet, more than 100 varieties of beans were developed, which differ in taste, nutritional value and the presence of certain elements in its composition. Red beans are generally stable in their content of nutrients, so there is no need to look for specific varieties: each of them will be valuable for the body.

The variety of beans is more important for summer residents who strive to plant early-ripening and productive varieties.

  1. Ordinary red beans have fairly large fruits and ripen in 2 months. Harvest volume – up to 2.5 kg per square.
  2. Shokoladnitsa is a very tasty and tender large bean that takes 100 days to ripen and produces up to 3.5 kg of yield per 1 sq.m.
  3. Red Riding Hood beans are a two-color type that produce about 3 kg of dense, well-stored beans. The fruits ripen for more than 3 months.
  4. There is also a Mexican variety, Pinto, which is a tasty, yellow, streaky bean. It produces less yield, but has a fuller taste.

Red bean varieties are dry varieties that need to be shelled. The pods of such beans differ from sweet beans in their roughness and cannot be eaten. But the grains themselves are always rich in protein and starch. Properly cooked beans are boiled into a soft and tender puree, which becomes a very light and tasty snack.

Red beans generally have thicker membranes, so they need to be well soaked before cooking. But the leaves of red beans are used for healing infusions to treat the heart and genitourinary system. The outer peel of the fruit contains a high concentration of protective substances that provide a disinfecting effect and relieve inflammation.

General benefit

Rich in a full range of vitamins and microelements, beans can be considered a complete basic dish in the diet, providing the body with all the necessary amino acids and beneficial compounds.

It completely replaces meat, fish and egg products in the diet of vegetarians, during fasting and diets. This helps to significantly relieve the body, because it takes less energy to digest beans. Beans are easily digestible and help burn excess fat. Among the valuable properties of red bean varieties:

  1. Comprehensive cleansing of the body, stimulation of kidney function and removal of excess fluid, getting rid of toxins.
  2. Stimulates heart function, strengthens muscle tissue and blood vessel walls, increases skin elasticity and accelerates regeneration processes.
  3. Antioxidant and rejuvenating effect, normalization of metabolic processes, control of appetite and hormonal balance.
  4. Strengthening the nervous system, normalizing the sleep cycle, getting rid of chronic fatigue and depression, increased anxiety and inhibiting the development of degenerative disorders.
  5. Participation in hematopoiesis, increasing the level of red blood cells.
  6. Formation of healthy immunity and increasing the body's defenses.
  7. Anti-inflammatory effect, especially in relation to the pelvic organs: excretory and reproductive systems, – prevention of male diseases.
  8. Reducing cholesterol and blood sugar levels, normalizing blood pressure.
  9. Treatment of skin diseases, including fungal and bacterial ones, elimination of dandruff and otomycosis.
  10. Supporting the body during infertility treatment.

The main properties of beans are considered to saturate the blood, protect the cardiovascular system, as well as a natural sedative effect. Therefore, it is indispensable in the diet in late autumn, with the onset of cold weather, and in spring, after prolonged winter stress. It helps strengthen the body and replenish nutrients; in addition, it saves you from stress overeating, satiating you for the whole day and fighting off cravings for sweets.

For women

Women really appreciate the rejuvenating properties of beans. It can cleanse the skin of rashes, normalize complexion, and eliminate signs of fatigue. In addition, it lifts your mood, stabilizes your emotional background, increases libido, and relieves tension. This is especially true during menopause and after menopause.

Red beans also stimulate fertility and increase the chances of pregnancy in people with problems in this area. Beans not only protect against inflammation and normalize hormone production, but also prepare a woman’s body for bearing a fetus by supplying it with folic acid.

The fruits of beans promote easy weight loss, increase the tone and endurance of the body, therefore they are useful for training in the gym and fitness classes. Beans quickly satisfy your hunger and allow you not to think about snacking, making it easier not only to lose weight, but also to get rid of bad habits.

For men

For the stronger sex, beans will help protect against heart disease and reduce the risk of heart attack or the development of atherosclerosis. It is also good for preventing impotence and prostate diseases. The zinc in beans promotes the production of healthy seminal fluid and sufficient testosterone. Calcium, iron and vitamins help increase potency and sexual stamina.

For athletes, beans help maintain normal water balance in the body, sweat easily and replenish salt composition. The components of the red bean product increase endurance during strength training and help restore strength faster.

For teenagers, adding beans to their diet will help them go through the transition period and changes in the body more smoothly, relieve acne and increased excitability, and promote the formation of muscle mass.

For children

Since ripe beans are a rather dense product, and legume proteins sometimes cause allergic reactions, the child’s body should be accustomed to the new component gradually and monitored for rashes and intestinal disorders.

Beans are introduced after 2 years. While the baby is not feeding independently, it must be mashed into purees and added a spoonful to the main dishes. Over time, the portion can be increased. Beans are not given at the same time as animal proteins: meat, eggs - or bread products, cereals. You can give your child beans 2-3 times a week.

In preschool and school age, children are offered full portions of “meat substitute”, but not more than 3 times a week, alternating with other food products. If a child willingly eats beans and asks for them more often, it is worth checking the baby for magnesium or iron deficiency and supplementing the diet with greens: broccoli, spinach, nuts. If you are anemic, you can feed your child beans regularly, for example 5 times a week, until the iron level increases. Afterwards, be sure to take a break.

There should not be a lot of beans in a child's diet: its components can irritate the stomach, and in children the mucous membrane is still very sensitive. In addition, in childhood, proteins and calcium from plant foods must be supplemented with dairy products and alternated with them.

When losing weight

The reason to lose a few kilograms can be not only the desire to be slim, but also medical indications. For example, with diabetes or heart disease, excess weight significantly overloads the body. This is where beans come to the rescue, as they can completely replace cholesterol-containing foods: meat, eggs, oils.

Due to the content of dietary fiber, beans cleanse the intestines and remove toxins, thereby improving the absorption of nutrients, normalizing metabolism and well-being. On a bean diet, you may feel discomfort at first while the body cleanses and rebuilds. However, after 3-5 days you can feel lightness, increased endurance and performance, strengthening of the nervous system and stabilization of internal processes: regular bowel movements, normal appetite, falling asleep quickly, reduced cravings for sweets, nicotine and alcohol.

Since legume protein can irritate the stomach, it is best to combine it in a diet with plenty of light fiber: cabbage, cucumbers, zucchini, apples. Drinking plenty of warm fluids also promotes rapid digestion.

You should not combine beans with aggressive sour juices, so as not to provoke attacks of pancreatitis, gastritis and heartburn. Therefore, beans are not combined with grapefruit, pomegranate, and cherries.

If your life involves a lot of activity, physical activity, or frequent colds, the consumption of beans can be increased, but with low activity, the product will not help burn fat, but will only help improve digestion and stay longer without snacking.

It is important to season beans with oil; on diets, gourmet nuts and grains are better suited for this: sesame, hemp, flax, pumpkin.

Periodically you need to take breaks, excluding legumes from the diet, to allow the body to wean itself off their effects. However, beans can be included in the regular menu. Thanks to this component, it is much easier to quit strict diets so that the extra pounds do not return.

During pregnancy

Women expecting a child need beans in their diet. It will maintain normal hemoglobin levels, immunity and strength of the body, and will contribute to the proper formation of the baby’s skeleton and internal organs. Constant consumption of beans before pregnancy in the first trimester will saturate the body with folic acid, which is important for the proper development of the child’s nervous system.

With beans in the diet, a woman will be less tired and feel calmer. But you cannot overeat this product. Excessive consumption can cause not only constipation and an undesirable diuretic effect, but also allergic reactions.

When breastfeeding

Red beans, rich in calcium, phosphorus and iron, significantly improve the quality of milk, but they must be used with caution, as the baby may experience constipation, or so-called colic. You can try introducing it into your diet 1 month after giving birth. During lactation, it is advisable to reduce the consumption of the product to 1-2 times a week and carefully monitor the baby’s reaction.

Cardiologists recommend including beans in your diet for heart disease, and endocrinologists suggest this product for atherosclerosis and diabetes. Beans quite quickly normalize blood composition, remove cholesterol and bring down sugar, eliminating sudden jumps in its level. Also, the product must be included in the diet for anemia and after serious illnesses to restore the body.

For pancreatitis

You should not get carried away with the product if you have pancreatitis. Some complex bean proteins can provoke an exacerbation of the disease, so before introducing it into the diet, it is advisable to consult a doctor. Since this disease often occurs in older people, doctors recommend that they avoid frequent consumption of legumes. Nevertheless, an infusion of bean peels can have a positive effect on the body.

For diabetes

Beans are rich in the valuable compound arginine, which acts similar to insulin. When eating dishes with red beans, sugar levels are reduced by almost half, and insulin doses can be reduced.

Among other things, beans control appetite and hunger, promote weight loss, which will be important for people suffering from obesity due to diabetes. Vitamins A, E and other substances help improve vision and healthy skin, which often suffer in advanced forms of the disease.

Beans are prepared not only as a main dish, but also as a dessert, which will help diabetics replace unhealthy foods without denying themselves a delicacy.

Important: glycemic index of red beans – 35 units. Canned beans have the highest GI – 74 units.

For gastrointestinal diseases

If there is damage to the gastrointestinal tract, doctors usually prohibit the consumption of beans. The components of the product can provoke an exacerbation of chronic ailments and disrupt the acid-base balance, therefore, before introducing beans into the diet, you should consult a doctor in each individual case.

For urolithiasis

Despite the fact that beans have a diuretic effect and help remove excess water from the body, and also relieve inflammation, you should not use it without discussing it with your doctor. Conditions such as gout, nephritis, and cystitis do not tolerate high levels of uric acid, and beans contain compounds that stimulate its formation.

Traditional medicine recipes based on red beans

Traditional medicine offers many recipes based on the beneficial properties of red beans. Both dried bean leaves and brewed flowers and fruits have a medicinal effect. They help with gastritis and pancreatitis, edema and bronchitis, arthritis and diabetes, kidney stones and bladder stones.

  1. Pancreatitis. In chronic cases, it is recommended to take green bean juice at the stage of milky ripeness. Add half a tablespoon of honey to half a glass of juice and take 3 times during the day.
  2. Diabetes mellitus. For type 2 diabetes, steamed red bean shells containing glucokinin are used. 3 tablespoons of ground dried leaves are steamed in a thermos with 2 cups of boiling water for 6 hours. Take a tablespoon half an hour before meals.
  3. Urolithiasis. A decoction of red bean flowers is used to remove stones from the gall bladder and kidneys. 20 g of flowers are brewed in a glass of boiling water for 10 minutes and taken half a glass up to 4 times a day.
  4. Wound healing. Red beans ground into flour have healing properties. It is combined with water in a 1:1 ratio and a little honey is added. The resulting cake is applied to areas of burns, suppuration, and eczema. This compress has an antibacterial effect and a drying effect on inflammation.

The use of red beans in cosmetology

Infusions are made from bean pods that strengthen the structure of hair and nails, as well as increase skin elasticity. Rinsing your hair with such a conditioner and using a facial toner protects the epidermis from the negative effects of the environment, helps eliminate acne marks, relieve irritation, and masks made from bean pulp nourish the skin and curls well, eliminate flaking and dandruff, relieve inflammatory reactions and promote moisture retention .

Beans are a kind of “rejuvenating apple” that protects against wrinkles, sagging and tired skin. It improves complexion and makes the skin fresh, accelerating cell regeneration. The product is more suitable for dry and normal skin, as well as for age-related changes on the face.

Red beans are a unique raw material from which you can prepare cold and hot dishes, side dishes, dressings for first courses, fillings for pies and even desserts. On our tables you can most often find dishes of Caucasian cuisine based on beans. They are quite filling and yet light. For example, you can cook beans with cilantro and garlic in vinegar-oil sauce - this will be an excellent appetizer for summer low-calorie salads, and when going to barbecues it will replace meat for vegans.

Red beans for diet

  1. To get a light vegetable snack, you can stew boiled beans with celery and broccoli, adding spices: leeks, coriander, cilantro, garlic. You can flavor the dish with crushed nuts: walnuts or pine nuts. This side dish is good both hot and cold.
  2. There is a great recipe for spicy beans. To do this, the boiled product is stewed with bell peppers, onions, hot peppercorns and tomato paste. This dish can be served with rye or white bran flatbread.
  3. For a hearty breakfast, beans are stewed with corn and carrots. You can add garlic and soy sauce. On diets, this dish is served with lean rice, but in a normal diet, porridge can be stewed in oil along with vegetables.

Hearty snacks with beans

There is a very interesting recipe for a fish dish with red beans. The finished beans are marinated with onions (you can choose the red variety) and salted herring is added in slices. The dish can be sprinkled with your favorite herbs.

Some people like red beans with mushrooms. To do this, fry oyster mushrooms or other mushrooms in oil, put beans in a frying pan, and finally add onion so that it does not have time to turn golden, and rosemary. You can add a little lemon juice before serving.

First courses with beans

It is red beans that are usually used to replace or supplement the meat component in lean hodgepodge or soups with smoked meats. You can also make bean soup. To do this, add chicken broth to the bean broth (this is optional), some potatoes, fried onions, sweet peppers and parsnips. The soup turns out light and satisfying.

To prepare a delicious creamy soup, boiled beans are mixed with basil, garlic, carrots and butter. Another option is with spinach and tomatoes.

Fresh salads with boiled red beans

The product perfectly complements green salads. For example, it can be added instead of mushrooms or olives to a “Greek” preparation. A delicious salad with beans, Chinese cabbage, lettuce and apple.

There is also an option:

  • Tomatoes.
  • Red onion.
  • Dark boiled beans.
  • Spinach and other greens.

In “heavy” appetizers, beans are placed in a “Chinese” salad of pickled carrots, eggs, chicken fillet and onions, which is seasoned with mayonnaise.

Puréed beans with garlic and spices can be rolled in breadcrumbs and fried vegetable cutlets that replace meat. They are eaten with side dishes and in snacks with pita bread and fresh vegetables.

To prepare a dessert with beans, they are stewed in a pot in cream with the addition of sugar and cloves. The dish may contain raisins, dried apricots, prunes and nuts. There is also an exotic recipe with oranges. To do this, the beans are stewed in syrup with citrus juice and pulp.

Vegetable stews with beans or pickled beans can be sealed for the winter: homemade preparations retain more useful components than factory canned ones. You can also prepare a semi-finished product - salted beans, which can be added to any dishes in winter. They do this most often when they eat their own fresh beans from the garden, so as not to dry them out.

Red beans for the kitchen are usually bought dry. When choosing, you need to pay attention to the condition of the beans:

  • they should not be wrinkled or overdried;
  • the presence of damage and breaks is excluded;
  • the grains must be the same size, without plaque or perspiration;
  • Dry beans have no smell.

Different varieties can be stored in a common container at room temperature. It is advisable to choose glass or ceramic dishes - jars with lids. You can also keep beans in bags, provided there is no excess moisture in the room.

Harm and contraindications

Some varieties of legumes can cause allergies (in cases of individual intolerance). Therefore, if you notice discomfort in the intestines, heartburn, itching, or general malaise, you should discard the product. Sometimes excess gas formation occurs in the body due to toxins. Moderate use usually does not cause any discomfort.

In some cases, beans can cause constipation or indigestion. Then you can try softer varieties or the green version in pods. Overeating beans can lead to impaired absorption of some nutrients and irritation of the mucous membranes and a feeling of heaviness. Proteins are not stored in the body, so consuming them more than normal is not recommended.

It is recommended to avoid the product if you have kidney and gastrointestinal diseases in both acute and chronic stages, as well as those who are prone to salt deposits in the joints. Elderly people, children and pregnant women should eat beans with caution and in a regulated manner.

  1. Beans have been found on every continent of the world; she was loved by the Indians, Chinese, Hindus, as well as the northern peoples of Africa. Even then, different varieties of legumes were common, some of which had a high sugar content and were consumed as dessert.
  2. Beans are used not only as an independent product, but also as a moisture-retaining agent and a weighting agent when baking pies. The bean filling allows you to form the cake of the desired shape.
  3. Raw fruits contain a toxic substance, phenazine, which is a toxin for the human body. This component decomposes during prolonged heat treatment. That is why the beans must be cooked for at least 45 minutes, and it is better to pre-soak them. This will not only speed up the cooking of the beans, but will also release excess starch into the water, making the beans softer.

Beans are found in almost all cuisines of the world and remain a favorite vegetable on many tables. If you love to indulge in a hearty red bean snack, feel free to do so knowing the nutritional benefits that the fruit provides.

Svetlana Markova

Beauty is like a precious stone: the simpler it is, the more precious it is!

Content

Beans, a useful dietary product for weight loss, have been used for weight loss for a long time. It is distinguished by its ability to quickly saturate the body with complete protein and fiber. There are several varieties of beans - green beans, red beans, white beans. The variety of dishes made from them is amazing - dietary soups, salads, sautes and lobio. It is useful to learn how to cook beans to lose weight without harm to the body.

Composition of beans

Before studying the benefits of the plant, it is useful to pay attention to the chemical composition of beans. The pods or beans of the crop are eaten; they are canned, stewed, boiled or steamed. Per 100 grams of healthy product there are 21 grams of protein, 2 grams of fat, 54.5 grams of carbohydrates. Fiber in beans is almost 4%, pectin – 2.5%. Legumes are rich in vitamins A, B, and E.

Of the macroelements, beans contain a lot of potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium and phosphorus. From micro-iron, iodine, cobalt, manganese and copper. The seeds have a high concentration of molybdenum, fluorine and zinc. Such a rich composition ensures the culture’s popularity and regular use in many dishes from different cuisines around the world. There are 300 kcal per 100 grams of beans, and 31 calories for the same number of pods.

Is it possible to eat beans while losing weight?

Those who want to lose weight are interested in the question of whether beans can be eaten on a diet and how to use them correctly. Nutritionists advise including a healthy product in the weight loss process. Due to increased satiety and vitamin-rich composition, legumes help achieve weight loss results without the feeling of hunger. When losing weight, you need to choose bean dishes without oil, mayonnaise and a lot of salt.

Benefit

The beneficial properties of beans for weight loss, whose calorie content is close to some cereals, are high and invaluable. Unlike cereals, legumes contain more vegetable protein, which goes well with the animal and helps with its absorption. With the support of vegetarian principles, beans are simply irreplaceable for weight loss - they are a source of essential amino acids, of which they contain almost a quarter.

The coarse plant fiber in beans normalizes the functioning of the digestive tract, maintains a feeling of fullness, which leads to a reduction in the amount of food consumed and weight loss. Just a glass of beans a day helps you get your daily fiber requirement. Restrictions on the consumption of culture are placed only on canned foods - they contain a lot of salt, which does not contribute to the process of losing weight.

What are the benefits of green beans?

Of all the varieties of crops, asparagus or green beans for weight loss have the lowest calorie content. Vegetable protein and fiber in the pods normalize the functioning of the digestive tract, correct body weight, and improve skin condition. The pods are low in calories and easy to digest. Scientists have proven that beans effectively block calories - inhibiting the absorption of carbohydrates and starch, which leads to weight loss. It reduces appetite by stimulating the formation of a hormone in the body that is responsible for metabolism and suppresses the feeling of hunger.

Red

In addition to being a valuable source of protein, the beneficial properties of red beans for weight loss include an increased concentration of microelements and vitamins. The nutritious culture is actively used to lose extra pounds, while simultaneously bringing benefits in the form of an increase in hemoglobin levels, the appearance of vigor and vitality. Due to fiber and calcium, beans stabilize glucose during weight loss and remove toxins from the body.

Red beans cleanse the body, have diuretic properties, and treat diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, liver, kidneys, heart, and blood. Their nutritional effect is similar to that of meat, so legumes can actively replace it in dishes. It is forbidden to take raw seeds - they contain many toxic substances. First, soak the beans overnight, boil for 10 minutes and consume. Normally, an adult needs three glasses of red beans weekly - you can eat them in the form of soups, salads, and boiled side dishes.

White

The increased content of copper and zinc is the benefit of white beans for weight loss in women. The protein in its composition is easily digestible and suitable for use for diabetes, pancreatitis, and gastritis. Essential amino acids in white beans quickly saturate and remove toxins from the body. Calcium and magnesium in beans improves the condition of bones and teeth, potassium improves the condition of the heart and blood vessels. Old age becomes a limitation on the consumption of white beans - the purine in the composition worsens health in case of gout and nephritis.

Bean diet for quick weight loss

There is an effective bean diet that allows you to say goodbye to 3-5 kg ​​of excess weight in a week. The diet includes three meals a day, most of which consists of boiled beans. When asked whether beans make you fat, nutritionists answer in the negative, provided the portion size is respected - they should not be large or contain harmful foods.

Sample diet menu for weight loss using beans:

  1. Breakfast – boiled beans with herbs, olive oil.
  2. Second breakfast – apple, berries.
  3. Lunch – 125 g beans, vegetable salad.
  4. Dinner – 100 g of stewed beans and the same amount of fish or meat. Sometimes you can replace the beans with brown rice or mix the products in equal proportions.

A simpler dietary option is to replace dinner with bean broth. This diet is suitable for people of any age, but is contraindicated for diseases of the intestines, stomach, and kidneys. To prepare the decoction, soak the beans for a couple of hours, drain the water, cook for half an hour, and strain the liquid. A glass of broth for dinner with a couple of fruits will help you lose weight in half a month.

Dietary bean dishes

There are a variety of dietary bean dishes for weight loss, which are low in calories and help maintain a feeling of fullness for a long time. Recipes include salads, soups, and stewed vegetables. Legumes go well with carrots, bell peppers, herbs, and tofu. When preparing dishes, always boil dry seeds - this way they are quickly absorbed and neutralized - toxins in their raw form can be harmful to health.

Salad

  • Cooking time: 3 hours.
  • Number of servings: 2 persons.
  • Calorie content of the dish: 132 kcal per 100g.
  • Purpose: for a snack.
  • Cuisine: Russian.

How to make bean salad for weight loss is described in the following recipe. This simple dish features balanced protein flavors combined with seasonings. Onions and garlic add the desired spiciness, apple cider vinegar adds piquancy, and herbs and spices help you burn extra pounds faster. It is better to use red bean seeds for making.

Ingredients:

  • dry red beans - a glass;
  • onions – 1 pc.;
  • garlic – 2 cloves;
  • vegetable oil – 20 ml;
  • apple cider vinegar – 15 ml;
  • hops-suneli – 2 g;
  • coriander – 1 g;
  • parsley – 20 g.

Cooking method:

  1. Soak the beans in cold water for two hours, change the water, and cook for half an hour.
  2. Chop the onion and simmer in oil until golden brown.
  3. Press the garlic and chop the greens.
  4. Place beans, onions, garlic, and parsley on the bottom of the salad bowl. Sprinkle with vinegar, stir, season with a couple of spoons of broth.

Bean soup

  • Cooking time: 2.5 hours.
  • Number of servings: 4 persons.
  • Calorie content of the dish: 84 kcal per 100g.
  • Purpose: for lunch.
  • Cuisine: Russian.
  • Difficulty of preparation: simple.

How to prepare weight loss soup with beans is described in detailed step-by-step instructions. This simple meatless vegetable soup gets a pop of color from the addition of fresh tomatoes, sweet peppers and carrots. The recipe calls for red onions, but if not available, replace the component with a white onion. To improve the taste, add a lot of herbs, spices, and green onions to the broth.

Ingredients:

  • beans - 2 cups;
  • vegetable oil – 10 ml;
  • onions – 2 pcs.;
  • carrots – 1 pc.;
  • vegetable broth – 2 l;
  • tomatoes – 200 g;
  • bell pepper – half the fruit;
  • coriander – 2 g;
  • greens – 20 g.

Cooking method:

  1. Soak the beans for two hours.
  2. Remove the skin from the tomatoes and cut into slices. Grate the carrots on a coarse grater, chop the onion and pepper.
  3. Fry onions, carrots, tomatoes. Simmer for four minutes, add paprika. Season with salt, black pepper, ground coriander. Simmer for five minutes.
  4. Place the beans into the boiling broth and cook for 20 minutes. Season with roast and cook for six minutes.
  5. Decorate with greens.

In tomato

  • Cooking time: 3 hours.
  • Number of servings: 2 persons.
  • Calorie content of the dish: 180 kcal per 100g.
  • Purpose: for dinner.
  • Cuisine: Russian.
  • Difficulty of preparation: simple.

The following instructions will teach you how to cook beans in tomato sauce while losing weight. Unlike a canned store-bought product, a homemade side dish is low in calories and can be used as a complement to meat. White or red beans, tomato juice or tomato paste diluted with water are suitable for production.

Ingredients:

  • dry red beans - a glass;
  • onion – 1 pc.;
  • tomatoes – 3 pcs.;
  • carrots – 1 pc.;
  • bell pepper – 100 g;
  • tomato juice – half a liter;
  • olive oil – 20 ml;
  • parsley - a bunch;
  • garlic – 3 cloves;
  • garlic - 2 arrows.

Cooking method:

  1. Soak the beans for two hours, boil for 15 minutes.
  2. Cut the vegetables into equal cubes, add oil, simmer for 20 minutes.
  3. Add juice, beans, salt. Simmer for 15 minutes without a lid.
  4. Season with garlic and spices and simmer for five minutes.
  5. Let it sit for 10 minutes.

Boiled

  • Cooking time: 15 minutes.
  • Number of servings: 1 person.
  • Calorie content of the dish: 32 kcal per 100g.
  • Purpose: for lunch.
  • Cuisine: Russian.
  • Difficulty of preparation: simple.

Boiled beans are considered an indispensable product for weight loss. You can boil dry seeds or fresh young shoots. In winter, frozen pods are suitable and are best steamed. This light side dish goes well with fish and chicken breast. It can be seasoned with aromatic spices, tofu soy cheese and olive oil mixed with lemon juice.

Ingredients:

  • bean pods – 200 g;
  • olive oil – 20 ml;
  • lemon juice – 20 ml;
  • rosemary - a pinch;
  • dried basil - a pinch.

Cooking method:

  1. Place the pods in a steamer and cook for 11 minutes.
  2. Grind the spices in a mortar, add oil and lemon juice.
  3. Pour the sauce over the pods.

Stewed

  • Cooking time: 3 hours.
  • Number of servings: 2 persons.
  • Calorie content of the dish: 121 kcal per 100g.
  • Purpose: for lunch.
  • Cuisine: Russian.
  • Difficulty of preparation: simple.

Diet stewed beans for weight loss can be tasty and healthy if you mix it with vegetables, seasonings and add a little cheese for sophistication. For the next recipe you will need white beans, which are distinguished by their tenderness and harmony of taste. Sweetish leeks and low-fat sour cream for topping are ideal. You can eat the resulting dish for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients:

  • white beans – 300 g;
  • leek – 300 g;
  • canned corn – 20 g;
  • sweet pepper – 300 g;
  • onion – 1 pc.;
  • vegetable oil – 20 ml;
  • tomato paste – 20 ml;
  • sour cream – 250 ml;
  • hard cheese – 100 g.

Cooking method:

  1. Soak the beans for two hours, boil for half an hour.
  2. Cut the vegetables into equal slices and simmer in oil until half cooked.
  3. Pour in sour cream, pasta, season with grated cheese and spices. bake in the oven at 180 degrees for 15 minutes.

Contraindications

There are certain contraindications for beans when losing weight:

  • advanced age;
  • increased formation of acid in the stomach;
  • gastritis, ulcers;
  • gout;
  • cholecystitis, colitis.

Are you wondering what the features of white and red beans are, how to cook them correctly and why they are so healthy? Why does this product cause gas and when should you not consume it? Our article will tell you about this and many other interesting facts about beans.

Beans belong to a genus of plants in the legume family. It is native to Central and South America and India. Raw is hazardous to health due to toxic components. Therefore, it must be soaked, thereby speeding up not only the cooking process, but also eliminating substances that cause digestive problems.

Did you know that:

  • Bean stew in Ancient Greece was considered food for poor people, but now for many peoples of the world this product is in first place in terms of benefits.
  • In Korea, Japan and China, they prefer to eat small beans, and they are ground into flour. And they bake pies from flour and make original sweets. And Japanese perfumers even make shampoos and powder from beans.
  • Residents of the UK eat as much refried beans as the whole world consumes.

Composition of beans and calorie content

In terms of the amount of easily digestible proteins, this product is close to fish and meat. It contains carotene, fiber, acids, B vitamins, vitamin C () and a large number of macro- and microelements: zinc, iron, sulfur, chlorine, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, magnesium, calcium. It also contains lysine, arginine, histidine, tyrosine, and tryptophan.

The calorie content of white beans per 100 g of product is 102 kcal:

  • Proteins - 7.0 g
  • Fats - 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates - 16.9 g

The calorie content of red, dry beans is 292 kcal:

  • proteins - 21.0 g
  • fat - 2.0 g
  • carbohydrates - 46.0 g


Beans are a plant-based analogue of meat. The ideal consumption of red is 3 glasses per week. For example, once or twice a week you can eat a bowl of bean soup, and at other times use it as an ingredient in various salads.
The red species has a beneficial cleansing property and is also a diuretic. It is also special in that it is used in dietary nutrition for diseases of the kidneys, bladder, liver, heart failure, and gastrointestinal diseases. Read the review.

Beans also contain a lot of iron, and iron “helps” the formation of red blood cells, ensures the flow of oxygen to cells and improves immunity.

Cooking white beans: after boiling, it is better to immediately drain the water and refill with cold water. This way it will turn out much more nutritious and tastier. It is not advisable to stir it during cooking, and after cooking you need to add a little vegetable oil.

These legumes are considered one of the antidepressants - this is due to the high content of the amino acids tyrosine, tryptophan, methionine, etc. Eating beans helps reduce the risk of cancer.

Beans in cosmetology also noted for its benefits for the skin: bean puree is considered an excellent basis for a rejuvenating and nourishing mask. To do this, you need to thoroughly grind the cooked beans through a sieve, mix them with olive oil and lemon juice and apply them to your face, and rinse them off after a while. With the help of such a mask, wrinkles will disappear, the skin will look younger and fresher.

This product has a beneficial effect on genitourinary function and improves potency, which is important for men. The cleansing beneficial property is manifested in the dissolution and removal of stones from the gall bladder and kidneys. Thanks to its antimicrobial properties, it helps eliminate inflammatory processes in the liver.

Harm and contraindications


Beans are one of the products that cause increased gas formation in the intestines; the harm, although not significant, is there. In general, all legumes cause flatulence. This is due to the fact that the human body does not digest certain polysaccharides and when they reach the lower intestines, bacteria begin to feed on them - which is why a lot of gases are formed. To reduce this, you can add mint or thyme to the water when cooking beans. It is even known that British biologist Colin Leakey was able to grow a new type of bean that does not cause gas at all.

In addition, it also has contraindications. It is not recommended to use it for:

  • gastritis and ulcerative lesions of the mucous membrane of the digestive organs;
  • colitis, cholecystitis, pancreatitis;
  • gout and nephritis (due to purine content).

Video about the benefits of beans.