B is for Beans.

FNG-BOMBS.

B = Beans.

Beans are inexpensive, versatile and really good for you. Packed with protein and fibre, beans make a great addition to your meals. Recently a book has suggested that beans aren’t a healthy choice. I am not even going to mention the author of the book, because it’s little more than marketing. 

The claim that lectins in beans are dangerous or more accurately, lectins should be avoided is pseudoscience that should be ignored. There are some negative effects of some types of lectins, but to eliminate beans because of some lectins is like believing that eating grapes is the equivalent of drinking wine.

Some of the benefits of lectins include helping the immune system, they are antimicrobial and have anti-cancer benefits. Studies on the dangers of lectins have been done on isolated nutrients, not with actual food and the lectin-free fad isn’t limited to beans. The lectin-free diet lists whole grains, beans, peas, lentils, nuts, seeds, tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, and fruit. Unsustainable and unhealthy, don’t buy this fad.

• 

There are so many health benefits. Beans are an important component in all the diets of all the longest living, healthiest people. One of the largest cancer studies found that beans have so many anti-cancer properties that people should eat beans not just daily, but at every meal.

Beans help to lower blood pressure, improve blood sugar, insulin and cholesterol levels. Packed with folate and phytates that reduce the risk of having a stroke and colon cancer.

Need some ideas for eating more beans? Here are a couple of ideas to eat more beans!

Spicy Black Bean & Quinoa Enchiladas

Black Bean, Spinach and Corn Soup

Black Eyed Peas and Greens

Change your mind, change your health,

Shayla