Top

Nutritional value of dried beans

December 5, 2008



Bean seeds are being eaten in a number of ways. They are edible in fresh, sprouted, dried, and flour forms. Since they can be easily stored, beans very often get dried and shipped even to far off places. Through drying, we are able to enjoy the benefits of beans throughout the year. Thousands of beans varieties flourish in different parts of the world. Navy, red, black, lentils and split peas; fava and lima beans, kidney and white beans; cowpeas and black-eye peas are but a few of them. It is true that some bean varieties take more time to be cooked, but those like lima beans need only less than half an hour to be served on your plate.

Along with other pulses, dried beans are considered as an important source of protein. The particular kind of amino acids found in dried beans are found to be effective in fighting against certain diseases. It is due to this quality that dried beans get substituted as a dietary staple. Apart from protein, dried beans also supply various other nutrients such as vitamins and minerals. That is why the comparatively inexpensive dried beans become an inevitable part of a common man’s diet.

A serving of half a cup of cooked dry beans provides our body with approximately 120 calories of energy. It also supplies many complex carbohydrates, though the glycemic index value is lower. This means that the carbohydrates in dried beans do not result in a steep rise in blood sugar levels as is done by other carbohydrate-rich foods. Dried beans get digested only at a slow pace.

Beans are a good source of B vitamins including folic acid. Beans also provide the minerals iron, potassium, selenium, magnesium and even some calcium. Dried beans are also an abundant source of insoluble fibre, which enhances digestive health and cures constipation. The fat levels in the blood also get minimised by beans. Obese people take solace in bean-based dishes, as they are absolutely free from cholesterol.


What's More today?

alt text How to choose the right cookware

Its difficult to think something novel about spoon, knives, forks and plates but you cannot say so for... 

alt text How nutritious is bitter gourd

What comes first in your mind when you think of bitter gourd? Obviously, its strong and bitter taste.... 

alt text How to help your child read better

“Babies are born with the instinct to speak, the way spiders are born with the instinct to spin webs.... 

alt text How to choose right pair of sunglasses

What better idea to protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses that are funky, cool and fashionable. Eye... 

alt text Diabetes and alcohol

A man who was fond of wine was offered some grapes at dessert after dinner “Much obliged”, said he,... 

alt text How to choose a right panty

Panties not the best thing on earth but next to best thing on earth say a Chinese proverb. Panties are... 

alt text How nutritious is fenugreek

Fenugreek is a wonder herb and its no wonder that Jews customarily eat fenugreek on the occasion of the... 

alt text How to care for your bonsai

If you have a bonsai plant and you always complaint about the bonsai withering and dying, then probably... 

alt text How nutritious is bottle gourd

Bottle gourd is a wonder vegetable that is curing people worldwide and more and more people are accepting... 

alt text Hormones and headache

Hormonal headache occur only in women since a normal female cycle is associated with various hormonal... 

alt text How to improve your handwriting

Have you ever felt that your writing could be as elegant and distinct as the writing of the signers of... 

alt text How to tackle your double chin

Double chin is a chubby layer of skin hanging below your chin. The facial look of a woman can be improved... 

alt text Benefits of fish and cod liver oil

You consume fresh raw green vegetables and fresh fruits to keep yourself healthy and to prevent you from... 

alt text How to tackle wisdom teeth problems

Wisdom teeth usually appear when you are 17-25 years old. These are the last set of teeth to appear.... 

alt text Follow urine therapy to get rid of diseases

Won’t you be horrified if you are told to drink your urine to remain healthy? Won’t you be amazed... 

Bottom