Beans are in the legume family, which means they're closely related to peanuts, peas, and lentils. They are very versatile and can be eaten alone or added to dishes for extra protein and fibre. The question of whether beans are a carb or protein is not as clear-cut as it may seem, so we'll look at both sides of the issue.
Are Beans Protein?
Beans and peas are classified as a subgroup of the Vegetable Group in the United States Department of Agriculture Food Patterns. The USDA Food Patterns also allow beans and peas to be counted within Protein Foods.
As most vegetarians know, beans are considered a protein food, but yes, they are also considered a carbohydrate.
However, the protein in beans is incomplete, meaning that it doesn't have all of the essential amino acids your body needs to function properly.
So if you're only eating beans for their protein content and not eating enough other protein sources as well, then you might not be getting enough total protein from your diet—which is why it's important to eat a diverse array of foods rich in protein so that your body has all the amino acids it needs to build new proteins!
When eating beans, ensure that you're getting complementary proteins from other sources in your diet (like eggs or meat).
Beans are luscious, but sometimes they can't do the job independently.
To get the most out of your beans, you should ensure you know how to cook them correctly. This is especially true if you have diabetes or high cholesterol.
It's also essential to understand how long it takes for each kind of bean to cook so that you don't end up with mushy beans instead of tender ones.
How Long Do Beans Take To Grow?
Beans take about 50-65 days to grow. The length of time depends on the type of bean, its growing conditions, and the temperature. There are several different kinds of beans available for planting. The most popular types of beans include Black Turtle, Kidney, Lima, and Pinto.
What Are The Benefits Of Beans
Beans are a powerhouse of nutrients, and there are so many different kinds that there are sure to be one or two types to fit everyone's taste.
Additionally, beans are affordable, versatile, and filling, making them a great addition to any diet. So what are you waiting for? Try some beans today!
1: They are high in fibre
Beans are a great source of fibre, and that's one of the reasons I'm so excited to share this post with you!
Fibre is important for your body because it helps improve your digestive system. It also helps prevent constipation, maintain regular bowel movements, and lower blood cholesterol.
Beans have more fibre than most other foods, which is why they're such a great choice for those who want to eat healthier.
2: They are good for digestion
Some people don't realize that beans are good for digestion because they contain soluble fibre and insoluble fibre, which work together to help keep your digestive system running smoothly.
Soluble fibre dissolves in water and forms a gel-like substance as it moves through your intestines. This helps to slow down your digestion, which can be helpful if you have diarrhoea or other issues with constipation.
The insoluble fibre found in beans helps to firm up stool by absorbing water and adding bulk to it. This makes bowel movements easier by eliminating waste more quickly from your body.
3: Fantastic for your heart
Beans also contain potassium, which lowers blood pressure and helps prevent strokes. They also contain antioxidants that help protect your heart against free radical damage, which can lead to atherosclerosis and heart disease.
The best part is that beans are low in fat, so they won't add too many calories or fat to your diet.
4: Help you lose weight
Beans have a low glycemic index, meaning they don't spike your blood sugar as other foods do. This is great for anyone who wants to maintain a healthy weight because high blood sugar levels lead to overeating and fat storage.
A serving of about a 1/2 cup of beans has a glycemic index score ranging from 10 to 40.
Dried chickpeas have the lowest at 10; kidney beans and lentils score 29; black beans score 30; canned chickpeas are at 38; baked beans have a GI of 40.
As you know, beans are also high in fibre, which means that the body takes longer to digest them than it does other foods, so you'll feel full for longer periods and won't be tempted by snacks between meals.
5: They may lower your risk for type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a disease that affects the way your body uses insulin.
Insulin is a hormone that helps your body use glucose (a type of sugar) for energy. When you have type 2 diabetes, your body either doesn't produce enough insulin or can't use its insulin as well as it should. This causes your blood sugar levels to rise above normal.
Although type 2 diabetes can develop at any age, it's most common in adults who are overweight or obese and have high blood pressure and unhealthy cholesterol levels.
But the truth is that the fibre that is inside beans can help to slow down the rate at which sugar enters your bloodstream. This means that beans can help you avoid spikes in blood sugar after eating them.
In addition to helping with blood sugar levels, beans also contain lots of nutrients that may be beneficial for people with diabetes.
Note: You might not always have time to cook beans, but you can still enjoy them in many other ways. You can add them to salads, soups, and stews.
What to add to beans to make them flavourful?
Adding flavour to beans is as simple as adding a few ingredients to your beans. Let's start with the basics:
- Salt. Salt enhances flavour, but you want to make sure you don't add too much salt, as it can overpower the taste of your beans.
- Pepper. This adds a spicy kick to your beans, and it's great for those who like their food spicy.
- Herbs. They are an excellent way to add flavour without overpowering the taste of the beans themselves. Herbs like parsley and rosemary can be used on their own or combined with other herbs for an even more complex flavour profile.