You all remember that funny saying as a kid right?
"Beans beans the magical fruit,
The more you eat the more you...", well you remember the rest.
Its more than just a saying to get kids to eat their beans, these little bits goodness are actually quite powerful when it comes to health benefits. Now don't worry I'm sure you are thinking about the whole flatulence part of beans right? No matter, those people who eat beans regularly often have much less flatulence. This is because over time the digestive system adapts to the compounds in beans that produce gas and it becomes much less of an issue. In the meantime, try sipping peppermint tea after meals, this can help reduce gas by accelerating digestion, or try a little gas-x or beano to help if you do not like tea.
Now onto the important stuff...what are beans really good for? Well, they will make you stronger; they'll speed your recovery; they'll help you get lean; they'll help you swim/ride/run longer (if you choose to participate in those type of activities); heck they will even help to lift your spirits.
Make You Stronger...
Lets look at Soybeans or if you want to call them edamame, these little guys will help make you stronger. First you ought to know that all beans are rich in magnesium, potassium and calcium, which help prevent muscle cramps during workouts. Guess that means you can work harder and longer allowing you more muscle building potential. Also soybeans are high in iron, one cup provides 49 percent of your suggested daily value and delivers swim/ride/run fueling oxygen to your working muscles.
Speed Your Recovery...
Eating kidney and red beans, these little guys contain more muscle mending and immune boosting antioxidants than almost any other food. Plus, kidney beans contain 40 grams or carbohydrates and 15 grams of protein for a nutrient ration that makes them the perfect recovery food.
Help You Get Lean...
Black and pinto beans both contain about 19 grams of fiber per one cup serving, which helps keep you feeling fuller, longer - and helps to stave off late night refrigerator raids. A study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition found that frequent bean eaters have smaller waistlines and are 22 percent less likely to be obese.
Help You Ride Longer...
Eat lentils for they are rich in iron (with 37 percent of your daily value), this legume improves muscular endurance: University of Sydney researchers found that cyclists pedaled 20 minutes longer after eating lentils (compared with potatoes, glucose syrup, or water). That's because this slow burning fuel prevents blood sugar spikes and curbs production of lactate, which triggers soreness and fatigue.
Lift Your Spirits...
Try some chickpeas if you are feeling blue. A diet rich in beans contributes to feelings of contentedness: Chickpeas are high in the amino acid tryptophan, a main building block of serotonin, which boosts happiness and wards off depression. When you're feeling happy you're more likely to swim, ride, run or just get your workout on.
Whether you use the canned or dried variety make sure you eat them fully cooked as the starches become easier for your stomach to digest when they are fully cooked versus slightly underdone. Now what are you waiting for? Get out there and start eating them magic beans!!!
