So I know a lot of people who stay AWAY from beans, even the most popular: black beans. And to me that’s a shame!!
In my limited experience there are three types of people who don’t eat black beans:
- People who are afraid of getting gassy
- Paleo dieters and others who avoid all legumes (including beans) because of lectins (molecules that MAY cause inflammation)
- And y’know, people who just DON’T LIKE them!
Well guess what? Today I want to help out all three groups, by telling y’all about the benefits of one of the most globally popular beans, black beans!
So first of all, to Group 1…
It’s true that beans make you gassy, but let me explain why. It’s because they’re full of COMPLEX CARBS that aren’t digested in your upper GI, but this is actually a good thing health-wise. It means that it isn’t converted to simple sugars, which means it has a low glycemic index.
And then, when it IS digested in the large intestine, that means your large intestine gets essential fatty acids it needs.
So while that and the fiber are good for your bowels, you will unfortunately suffer from some butt burps! But I think it’s worth it not only for the promotion of your digestive health, but also because of the ANTIOXIDANTS!
Quick note: for an EASY source of not one but NINE different antioxidants sourced from goji berries, green tea, pomegranate and more, you’ll want to check out Shakeology!
Black beans have a rich dark color because of anthocyanins (basically a type of antioxidant, but for these there are studies time showing they improve cell metabolism and strengthen the neurons in your brain).
Okay, now for that pesky group 2, the paleo people. Just kidding! 😉
If you’re on the anti-legume train because of lectins, just know that lectins are ALMOST COMPLETELY GOTTEN RID OF when you cook the beans. And remember that canned beans are pre-cooked. Like, we cook them to get rid of the lectins.
So much for the smear campaign against legumes!
Now, for the last but not least group who just doesn’t like black beans…
I have to rep my favorite thing, black bean burgers, to smash stereotypes about beans (and more so stereotypes about burgers, I guess)!
They taste the best if you make them from scratch, but in my opinion they are really good with garlic, a little salt and pepper and paprika. Best black bean patty ever! And then of course you add your lettuce, tomato, onion, maybe a little vegan cheddar cheese. And there are good brands of vegan cheese!! I promise, I can totally tell you more about that some other time. 😉
If the idea of black beans in a corn tortilla or some toasty soup or chili still doesn’t strike your fancy…
Then the only other thing I can think to tell you is that, in Latin American cultures where black beans are a huge staple like Costa Rica and Chile…Guess what? Life expectancy is a higher than in the U.S.!
Now, I can’t prove those two things are connected. But with the antioxidants preventing cancer and protecting your neurons….all the fiber being good for your digestion…plus all the other nutrients (vitamin B12, protein, magnesium, iron, zinc)…
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