Eat Me: Beans — the highly nutritious superfood

Beans are seeds from the Fabaceae family, commonly known as the legume, pea, or bean family.

They are an affordable source of protein, fibre, and vitamins that offer many health benefits.

In Nigeria, beans, considered among the most nutritious foods, are commonly eaten with rice, bread or plantain.

Controlling appetite 

A serving of beans will help you feel full more quickly because the rich fibre content fills your stomach and causes a slower rise in blood sugar.

People may feel fuller after consuming beans, which may prevent overeating and even help with weight loss.

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.

Heart disease prevention

Studies have shown that people who eat more legumes have a lower risk of heart disease, and the phytochemicals found in beans might be partly to thank since they protect against it.

Fight cancer

Beans contain a wide range of cancer-fighting plant chemicals, specifically, isoflavones and phytosterols which are associated with reduced cancer risk.

Lower cholesterol

Beans provide the body with soluble fibre which plays an important role in controlling blood cholesterol levels.

Beans also contain saponins and phytosterols, which help to lower cholesterol.