The Amazing Health Benefits of Beans
Beans have some of the most diverse-array of nutrients that can be found in any food. They are also very easy to store over the long-term. Different varieties provide us with different levels of benefits, but most of them are worth stocking up on in order to offset nutritional losses that can occur during a crisis. Let’s take a look at some of the more potent varieties and see why they should be an integral part of your food stockpile.
Black Beans
These beans are commonly found in many Latin American dishes, but they are also readily available in bulk. They are meaty, yet tender with a smooth flavor. Black beans are loaded with vitamin B1, folate, fiber, phosphorous, magnesium and iron. They are known for reducing cholesterol and helping to regulate blood sugar. These are one of the best beans to use as meat substitutes because they have a similar texture when chewing, and they are loaded with protein.
Garbanzos
Garbanzo beans, or chick peas have a round, nutty shape and a grainy but chewy texture. They are widely-considered to be the healthiest beans on the planet. A single serving packs a good deal of protein, fiber, phosphorous, iron and magnesium. They are one of the best beans for lowering bad cholesterol and boosting antioxidant levels in the blood. They are also known for their energy-producing qualities due to their high carbohydrate content.
Kidney Beans
Kidney beans are perhaps the most familiar, and they are very easy to prepare and digest. They also are an excellent choice for those with diabetes as they slow the elevation of blood sugar after eating. Kidney beans are also associated with the ability to detoxify compounds that are found in many food preservatives. They are also well-known for their ability to lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and heart attacks if eaten on a regular basis as part of a healthy diet. This is in addition to their high concentration of antioxidants, vitamin B1, magnesium and iron, which helps the body to convert carbohydrates into energy.
Soybeans
Soybeans are high in healthy fats, and potassium. They also are the only plant that contains all of the amino acids that give us the same protein we find in animals. They are loaded with a wide range of vitamins and minerals, including a range of peptides, which are enzymes that are essential for maintaining blood health. They are also high in antioxidants, and one in particular, genistein, has been linked to killing certain cancer cells. Soy is one of the most powerful plant foods on the planet, but they should be eaten whole in order to receive their full-range of health benefits.
Peas
Peas are considered to be part of the bean family. Aside from the typical benefits of added fiber, protein and carbohydrates, peas are loaded with phytonutrients as well as nearly the full-range of B vitamins. They are also high in most minerals that we need on a daily basis, and they also are good for circulatory health. Peas also aid in digestion, help nourish the skin and provide lasting energy.
Pinto Beans
Pinto beans nutrients that are essential for repairing tissue and muscle fibers. They also contain a high amount of protein that can be used to substitute what we get from dairy products. Pinto beans are also very inexpensive and provide a great and healthy way to get carbohydrates, protein and huge amount of vitamins and minerals into our systems. They are also very easy to prepare and can keep for long periods of time.
These are just a few of the dozens of varieties of beans out there, and they should make up a significant portion of your long-term survival stockpile. Very few fruits or vegetables pack such a well-rounded nutritional portfolio, and they can offset nutritional deficiencies that you can expect to encounter in a long-term survival situation.
Start eating more beans today, and see if you don’t notice an improvement in your overall health and sense of well-being. Most importantly, start stocking up on beans today so you will have a reliable source of nutrition if the SHTF tomorrow.
