The Beaning Of Life: Our Favorite National Bean Day Recipes

If you are familiar with Dherbs, you know that we always stress the importance of shopping the perimeter of the grocery store. This helps you make more wholesome and healthy food choices. We have to break this rule for beans, though, especially on National Bean Day, which occurs annually on January 6^th.

The Basics Of Beans

Beans are some of the most undervalued and neglected food items, despite the fact that they are great sources of complex carbs, plant-based protein, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. The most common beans include lima beans, black beans, pinto beans, navy beans, kidney beans, garbanzo beans, and red beans. All of these varieties and more belong to the Fabaceae family and are classified as legumes, which also include peanuts, lentils, and peas.

Bean Fact: There are over 40,000 bean varieties around the world, but only a fraction of these are mass-produced for regular consumption.

The Benefits Of Beans

Regular Bowel Movements

Due to the high fiber content, beans work to promote bowel regularity, which helps prevent constipation. In order to maximize your fiber absorption, consume your beans with ample fluids, preferably water or herbal tea. People who are gluten intolerant or require plant-based protein should incorporate beans into their diet.

Rich In Nutrients

Beans are rich in many essential nutrients, including folate, zinc, fiber, magnesium, complex carbohydrates, and iron. Several studies have shown that folate helps prevent neural tube defects to a fetus during pregnancy. When it comes to getting the most folate for your legume buck, it is best to opt for dried beans. Canned beans can contain other chemicals and high amounts of sodium, while dried beans are much better for you and higher in folate.

Beans Are Versatile

Whether you’ve bean (wink wink) down with beans for a while or you are just starting to add them to your diet, there are endless possibilities with the different bean varieties. You can add them to homemade soups, chili, rice, salads, dips, and more. Take advantage of the different shapes and use them wisely, pairing them with powerful flavors that entice you with every bite.

Good For Your Heart

The more you eat the more you…improve your heart health is the correct answer. According to a 2013 analysis of many studies, there is a clear link between the consumption of beans and an individual’s reduced risk of coronary heart disease. Additional research has shown that regularly eating beans may lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Our Favorite Recipes

Cinnamon Roasted Chickpeas

Finding healthy snacks that you can consistently enjoy can feel like a chore. We’ve alleviated that search with this sweet & crunchy snack.