Serious health benefits can come in teeny packages.
Are beans healthy? You bet, and they're not just for chili and schoolyard bathroom humor anymore, either. They've been elevated to powerfood status. Beans can be the superstrength behind any diet because the high fiber and protein help keep away hunger. Plus, if you swap out a meat dish with a protein dish a couple of times a week, you'll help knock out some saturated fat.
So that makes beans great diet foods, but what makes them powerfoods? Turns out, these protein-packed wonders have some secret superpowers. The 8-Hour Diet hails to the might of the little beans because they have properties that help strengthen your body and prevent diseases. Here’s your field guide to the major benefits packed in 6 different kinds of beans.
The Heart Healer: Navy Beans
"Beans, beans they're good for your heart." When they came up with this song, they must have been thinking of navy beans. Navy beans have the most cholesterol-clobbering fiber of any bean at 10.5 grams per 100-gram serving, plus tons of potassium. In fact, a study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that a high-potassium diet helped people lower their blood pressure more than just limiting salt.
"Beans, beans they're good for your heart." When they came up with this song, they must have been thinking of navy beans. Navy beans have the most cholesterol-clobbering fiber of any bean at 10.5 grams per 100-gram serving, plus tons of potassium. In fact, a study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that a high-potassium diet helped people lower their blood pressure more than just limiting salt.
To show your heart some love, try a Mediterranean Tuna and Bean Salad. (We recommend tuna from Wild Planet or Vital Choice).
The Diabetes Destroyer: Garbanzo Beans
If sugar is your villain, let garbanzo beans come to your rescue. Also known as chickpeas, garbanzos are high in fiber, which helps stabilize blood sugar, lowering the risk of type 2 diabetes. Garbanzos can be eaten whole and added to salads and soups. Mash them, and you have the main ingredient in hummus. Hummus comes in a variety of great flavors and can be eaten spread on crackers or used on sandwiches as a healthy swap for mayo.
If sugar is your villain, let garbanzo beans come to your rescue. Also known as chickpeas, garbanzos are high in fiber, which helps stabilize blood sugar, lowering the risk of type 2 diabetes. Garbanzos can be eaten whole and added to salads and soups. Mash them, and you have the main ingredient in hummus. Hummus comes in a variety of great flavors and can be eaten spread on crackers or used on sandwiches as a healthy swap for mayo.
Always look for a hummus that uses olive oil—or better yet, make homemade hummus.
The Cancer Killer: Lentils
In the battle against cancer, lentils are the champions. Women who eat lentils frequently have a lower risk of developing breast cancer, says a study in theInternational Journal of Cancer. Other studies show that lentils may protect against prostate and colorectal cancers, as well. Start your day off right with thisegg with braised lentils and greens dish.
In the battle against cancer, lentils are the champions. Women who eat lentils frequently have a lower risk of developing breast cancer, says a study in theInternational Journal of Cancer. Other studies show that lentils may protect against prostate and colorectal cancers, as well. Start your day off right with thisegg with braised lentils and greens dish.
The Antiaging Agent: Red Kidney Beans
Kidney beans and chili go together like Superman and red capes. But this chili staple also contains more antioxidants and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids than any of its bean brethren. Importantly, omega-3s have been linked to better cognitive outcomes in older adults. Plus, kidney beans are highest in thiamine, a nutrient that may be protective against Alzheimer's disease. Warm up with a bowl of Winter-Veggie Chili. (If you use canned beans instead of cooking your own, we recommend using a brand like Eden Foods that doesn't use cans with BPA in the lining.)
Kidney beans and chili go together like Superman and red capes. But this chili staple also contains more antioxidants and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids than any of its bean brethren. Importantly, omega-3s have been linked to better cognitive outcomes in older adults. Plus, kidney beans are highest in thiamine, a nutrient that may be protective against Alzheimer's disease. Warm up with a bowl of Winter-Veggie Chili. (If you use canned beans instead of cooking your own, we recommend using a brand like Eden Foods that doesn't use cans with BPA in the lining.)
The Brain Booster: Black Beans
Every team of heroes has the supergenius behind the scenes. In this bean team, that would be the black bean. Great in everything from burritos to soup, black beans are full of anthocyanins, compounds that have been shown to improve brain function.
Every team of heroes has the supergenius behind the scenes. In this bean team, that would be the black bean. Great in everything from burritos to soup, black beans are full of anthocyanins, compounds that have been shown to improve brain function.
The Muscle Builder: Soybeans
Ever wonder how superheroes get those rippling muscles? They must eat a lot of soy. Technically a legume, soybeans are one of the only common plant foods that contain complete protein, meaning all nine essential amino acids. This makes them terrific muscle-building meat substitutes for vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. From edamame to tofu, there are tons of cooking-ready ways to enjoy soy. Just be sure to eat soy in moderation and to always look for organic—otherwise, you could be eating genetically engineered soy, a food that's never been tested for its long-term impact on human health.
Ever wonder how superheroes get those rippling muscles? They must eat a lot of soy. Technically a legume, soybeans are one of the only common plant foods that contain complete protein, meaning all nine essential amino acids. This makes them terrific muscle-building meat substitutes for vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. From edamame to tofu, there are tons of cooking-ready ways to enjoy soy. Just be sure to eat soy in moderation and to always look for organic—otherwise, you could be eating genetically engineered soy, a food that's never been tested for its long-term impact on human health.
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