The benefits and harms of red beans for the human body

Regardless of the variety, beans are a valuable protein for the body. If we compare the varieties of beans, then the most valuable composition is the Azuki beans or red beans. It is used in various diets, especially those aimed at losing weight. What are the benefits and harms of red beans, and in what cases is it necessary to refrain from using it?

Composition and calorie content of red beans

Red beans contain 3 main ingredients:

• protein, similar to what a person gets from meat products;
• fiber - an irreplaceable source of energy;
• complex carbohydrates that allow the body to remain saturated for a long time.

Plus, red beans are high in vitamins and minerals.

Nutritional value per 100 g of product is:

• 337 kcal raw and 94 kcal boiled;
• 2.2 g of proteins.

The large amount of nutrients in legumes allows them to be used in the treatment of many diseases.

The benefits and harms of red beans

Why are beans useful? The main advantage of red beans is the high concentration of nutrients in the composition, which are not lost after heat treatment. Beans bring invaluable benefits to a growing body. The product is recommended for children over three years old. Beans help assimilate nutrients, so it is recommended to combine it with vegetables and fruits. Thus, the body will absorb the maximum amount of nutrients from the foods consumed.

But on this useful properties of beans do not end. It is actively used in the fight against excess weight. This is due to the fact that it contains unique substances that slow down the synthesis of alpha-milase. Eating beans reduces appetite and at the same time improves metabolism.

What is important, red beans are used for weight loss. During the week of the bean diet, women lose 5 to 7 kilograms. The undoubted advantage of legumes is that after cooking they do not have a characteristic odor, so even the most demanding "eaters" can consume them.

As for the harmful properties, it is worth noting that beans have some contraindications. It is not recommended to include it in the diet of children under three years old. In the first years of life, almost all babies suffer from colic and have problems with gas formation.

The beans will only make the situation worse by increasing stomach cramps and bloating. The same applies to those who suffer from flatulence or other intestinal problems.

For men

Men are advised to consume red beans in order to prevent potency. This is especially true for those who spend most of their time at the computer. Beans prevent obesity and many related diseases. Together with the product, men receive strength, vigor and energy.

For women

The healing properties of beans for women are invaluable. Due to the content of magnesium, calcium and other beneficial components, red beans have a number of positive effects:

• prevents dental diseases;
• has a positive effect on the reproductive system;
• prevents complications during pregnancy;
• improves hair condition, strengthens nails;
• used for the preparation of cosmetics with anti-aging and moisturizing effect.

For kids

For children who, for whatever reason, cannot eat meat, red beans are the main supplier of protein. It is perfectly absorbed by the child's body and improves the digestion process. Red beans saturate the child's body with energy, promote its development and growth. Vitamin B contained in the product has a calming and toning effect on the nervous system. Thus, red beans are good for children with anxiety.

Red bean varieties

Red beans come in several varieties. American varieties are widespread. They are characterized by long, flat beans that provide the maximum amount of nutrients. The varieties of red beans include:

1. Kidney red beans. It has a rich purple color, in shape it resembles an organ of the human body, namely the kidney. Kindi is rich in protein and dietary fiber, which are not lost after heat treatment. The homeland of small red fruits is South America. Since the beans have a hard shell, they do not boil over even after long periods of cooking. Kidney beans are a favorite of many gourmets. Snacks, various salads, stews, soups are prepared from it, and even used for stuffing vegetables. A characteristic feature of Kidney is its ability to absorb the taste and aroma of other foods. As a result, the dishes are as rich as possible.
2. Azuki. Red beans are native to Japan. They have an unusual angular shape and a slightly sweet taste. The main advantage of Azuki red beans is that they cook quickly, unlike other varieties of beans. It does not need pre-soaking. In addition, Azuki beans are used not only for preparing familiar dishes. Desserts are made from the product with equal success. Eating Azuki beans stimulates the digestive tract, improves blood circulation and boosts immunity.
3. Coloraado. South America is considered the homeland of this variety of red beans. It is characterized by a reddish-brown tint and an oblong shape. Prepares relatively quickly, but must be soaked before cooking. It is used to prepare side dishes, first courses, salads. Ideal for traditional Georgian dishes and canning.

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Growing and care

Since beans are a heat-loving plant, it is best to grow them in well-lit areas that are well protected from the wind. It is important to keep the soil moist with regular watering. But it is also undesirable to allow an excess of moisture.

Red beans grow well in soils that were used for cucumbers, tomatoes or eggplants last season. The best neighborhood in legumes is observed with beets, tomatoes, carrots and especially cucumbers. To prepare the soil for digging, you should add a special compound made from ammonium nitrate, dolomite flour and potassium chloride. Many gardeners use humus, for 1 square meter of land, 4 kg of fertilizer will be needed.

Planting red beans at a temperature of at least 10 degrees, when the spring frost is over. As a rule, this is the end of May - beginning of June.

Note! At temperatures below 0 degrees, seedlings die.

Before planting, the seeds are carefully sorted out, the spoiled ones are removed. Then they are soaked for 6 hours in warm water, after which they are dried in the fresh air and planted in the ground. To disinfect seeds and stimulate growth, before planting, they are dipped in a potassium permanganate solution for 20 minutes, after which they are dipped in an ash solution for 2 hours.

The optimum distance between rows is 35 cm, between seeds - 7–8 cm. The planting depth should not be less than 3 cm. It is not recommended deeper, otherwise the seeds will die during swelling. It is recommended to cover the area with a film immediately after planting.

Seedlings do not require abundant watering. The need for moisture increases as they grow. It is important to prevent the soil from drying out during flowering, otherwise the beans will fall off.

For the entire ripening season, it is necessary to carry out 2-3 feeding. At the same time, do not forget about weeding and loosening of the soil, which are carried out when the plants reach a height of 5–7 cm. The soil is loosened again after the formation of two true leaves. At this time, the plants are thinned out, leaving a distance of about 30 cm between them.

How to store red beans properly?

For storing red beans it is important to consider 2 main indicators:

1. Humidity (not higher than 50%).
2. Temperature (no higher than 10 degrees).

This suggests that the best place to store beans is in the refrigerator. The algorithm of actions when preparing beans for storage is as follows:

• Dry. The fruits are laid out in the sun and put in baskets or boxes in the evening.
• Check for readiness for storage. The ripeness of the beans is determined by the dried pods, the valves of which have already begun to open slightly.
• Remove the fruits from the pods and place in a prepared container.

The beans are stored exclusively in a cool place. If stored properly, they are suitable for consumption for more than two years.

Can beans be pregnant?

In order for pregnancy to proceed without complications, women must receive vitamins of group B. Often, experts prescribe medications containing folic acid to pregnant women. However, regular consumption of red beans automatically eliminates the need for synthetic vitamin complexes. This is due to the fact that it does not contain a sufficient amount of vitamin B9.

Often anemia develops during pregnancy. In this case, it is recommended to combine beans with vegetables and herbs. Thus, the body replenishes the lack of iron and vitamin C.

The calcium found in legumes is essential for women throughout their pregnancy. This element takes an active part in the formation of the child's skeletal system.

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Nursing mothers

The diet of a woman who is breastfeeding a baby should be rich in vitamins and minerals. This helps maintain the nutritional value of breast milk.

Red beans during breastfeeding saturate the body for a long time, preventing the accumulation of fat masses. Together with breast milk, the baby receives the necessary amount of nutrients necessary for his development and growth.

To maintain a good quality of lactation, a nursing mother is recommended to consume the product at least 2 times a week.

Losing weight

Losing weight with red beans is relatively new. Nevertheless, the popularity of bean diets is growing steadily. For weight loss, nutritionists recommend using red beans, and after the end of the diet, it should not be completely excluded from the diet.

Red varieties of legumes are allowed for everyone, regardless of gender and age. During the diet, they should be a staple food. Most often, a bean broth is used for weight loss.This remedy is used during lunch and dinner.

To prepare the solution, the beans are soaked for at least 12 hours in water, then boiled. The liquid obtained during the cooking process is filtered into a separate container. The cooled broth is ready for use.

With diabetes mellitus

Red varieties of the legume family are recommended for patients with diabetes mellitus. They lower blood sugar levels, which is important for diabetics. The onset of the disease in most cases is associated with improper diet. Therefore, it is extremely important for diabetics to stick to their diet. Red beans can help dilute a poor diabetic diet, as they can be used to prepare various dishes.

Note! The use of red beans is permissible only cooked. Raw beans contain substances that can cause poisoning.

With diseases of the gastrointestinal tract

Red beans contain a product useful for the digestive tract, namely sulfur. It improves the functioning of the digestive system. Beans are especially useful for infectious diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. However, for flatulence and other intestinal problems, the use of legumes is not recommended.

Folk remedies

Since the health benefits of red beans are known to everyone, it is not surprising that it is actively used as an alternative treatment for some diseases. Here is a small list of pathological processes in which red beans can help:

• rheumatism;
• hypertension;
• stones in the kidneys;
• pathology of the gallbladder;
• burns and cuts.

To alleviate the condition with rheumatism, bean broth is prepared in a steam bath. Before use, the product is filtered and applied before each meal.

Since ancient times, kidney stones have been treated with tea made from bean flowers. A medium like regular tea is brewed and drunk before every meal.

Red beans are also successfully used in cosmetology. Most often it is used to prepare face masks. The boiled product is wiped through a sieve, after which lemon juice and olive oil are added to it. The product is applied to the face, avoiding the areas around the eyes. After 15 minutes, the mask is washed off with warm water. Regular use of this product will noticeably smooth out wrinkles and make the skin tightened.

In cooking

Bean dishes are characterized by their variety. A side dish, first courses, and many salads are prepared from the product. The dense structure of legumes and long-term saturation of the body after their use allows them to be used as independent dishes.

The easiest way to cook is boiled red beans. But before that, the product should be soaked in water, otherwise the cooking time will take 3-4 hours. Serve boiled beans with fried onions and herbs.

Another simple and delicious red bean dish is the vegetable stew. The soaked red beans are placed in a slow cooker and put on simmering mode. Meanwhile, carrots and onions are fried in vegetable oil, garlic, spices, and vegetables are added to them to taste. After a little frying all the ingredients in a pan, they are added to the already finished main ingredient.

What are red beans combined with?

Red beans go well with vegetables and fruits. This tandem is especially useful for anemia. Most Suitable Cooking Companions for Beans:

• onion;
• garlic;
• eggs;
• walnuts;
• soft cheese;
• tomatoes;
• spicy greens.

Also, beans go well with meat.