Here are 7 health benefits of beans:
- Beans can prevent heart disease: Studies have shown that people who eat more legumes have a lower risk of heart disease, and the phytochemicals found in beans might be partial to thank since they protect against it.
- Beans can lower cholesterol: Beans provide the body with soluble fiber, which plays an important role in controlling blood cholesterol levels. Studies find that about 10 grams of soluble fiber a day—the amount in 1/2 to 1 1/2 cups of navy beans—reduces LDL cholesterol by about 10 percent. Beans also contain saponins and phytosterols, which help lower cholesterol.
- Beans can help you lose weight: A serving of beans will help you feel full more quickly because the rich fiber content fills your stomach and causes a slower rise in blood sugar. That should stave off hunger longer and give you a steady supply of energy.
- Beans can help manage diabetes: Beans are a diabetes sufferer's superfood! The balance of complex carbohydrates and protein provides a slow, steady source of glucose instead of the sudden surge that can occur after eating simple carbohydrates.
- Beans can cause migraines: Some legumes can trigger migraines or an allergic reaction in some people. If this happens, talk to a doctor and eliminate the culprit from your diet.
- Beans can raise blood pressure: if you take a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor to treat depression, avoid fava beans because they can interact with your medication and raise blood pressure.
- Beans can interfere with vitamin absorption: Some beans, like soybeans, contain substances that interfere with the absorption of beta-carotene and vitamins B12 and D. The heat from cooking inactivates most of these substances, making vitamin absorption more likely. But it's still smart to compensate for potential vitamin loss by consuming plenty of fresh fruits and yellow or dark green veggies (to up your betacarotene) and lean meat (for vitamin B12).