Healthy Benefits of Beans and Legumes

By Terry Ravary 

Beans, peas, pulses, lentils all belong to the legume family. It is evident from many studies that the legume family facilitates in preventing heart diseases and cancer. Beans and legumes also help in stabilising the blood-sugar levels. By keeping the cholesterol level low, they also prevent obesity. The varieties of beans and legumes like black beans, dried peas, garbanzo beans, kidney beans, lentils, lima beans, navy beans, pinto beans, soybeans, tofu, etc could be consumed as dietary food.

A single cup of beans contains 12 - 17 grams of fiber. Some portion of this fiber is soluble while some of it is insoluble fiber. The usual recommended fiber intake per day is around 30 grams. Usually, 10 large potatoes or eight cups of corn is needed for 30 grams of fiber. But, beans and legumes compensate the daily requirement with just 2 cups. Beans and legumes also prevent diabetes. Its high fiber content slows the pace and quantity of sugar progressing towards the blood stream. If a diabetic patient consuming beans and legumes regularly, the possibility for depending on insulin almost reduces by 40%. By controlling the blood and sugar levels, the diabetic patient runs a low risk of heart attacks.

Certain cancers like the pancreatic cancer, colon cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, etc can be prevented by including the protein and fiber rich beans and legumes in the regular diet. Ligins or phytoestrogen is a compound of the legume family that exhibit properties similar to estrogen. This may help in reducing estrogen related cancers like the breast cancer. Bioflavonoids are another compound that prevents cancers of the male reproductive system because of the soluble fibers. Compounds like phytates avoid intestinal cancer.

Heart diseases can be prevented by including beans and legumes in the diet as they are mainly able to lower cholesterol level in blood. The bad cholesterol (LDL) level is specially reduced along with the blood-lipid levels. The beans and legumes are rich in fiber content can help in reducing cholesterol levels by approximately20% with just half a cup of dry beans each day.

Beans, lentils and legumes are food sources with high nutrition value and little fat. These are rich in proteins, fiber, vitamins and calcium and are easy to cook within a less time. With high protein contents and little fat, this could make a good substitute for vegetarians who don't prefer meat as a part of their diet. Compared to the western countries, the Asian countries are aware of its health benefits and have been consuming these varieties since ages. The reason is also, these are extensively grown in Asia. These foods with soluble fibers are easy to digest and hence could be consumed by anybody. Beans, lentils, peas and legumes come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors and flavors could be taken in any form: dried, frozen, fresh and could be included in salads, soups and casseroles. If preserved under proper conditions, these could be stored up to 2 months for packaging.

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What Can You Eat on a Gluten Free Diet?   

by Chelle Stein

When I first realized that I would need to put my family on a gluten free diet, it was pretty overwhelming at first. Learning that we had an intolerance to the protein found in wheat, rye, and barley was hard to believe. All of the foods we had come to known and love - cookies, cakes, bread, pasta, cereal, and more, all needed to be eliminated from our diet. Finding suitable and nutritious choices seemed impossible!

Fortunately, we didn't stay hungry for long and we learned many different things that we could easily make. Having a list of things you can eat while following a gluten free diet is definitely helpful, especially when grocery shopping or visiting with family and friends.

Since everybody has individual tastes and likings, one thing I've found to be incredibly helpful when first starting out is to make a list of everything you like to eat. This way you're not limited only to diet plans you find online or read in a book. When you make a list of everything you like to eat on a regular basis, put stars next to everything you like that doesn't contain gluten next to it. This will give you a ton of immediate choices and help you feel a lot better about going gluten free.

If you're staring blankly at that sheet of paper, here are some ideas to get you started:

Vegetables: You can eat just about any vegetable you want. Potatoes are a good source of a starch, and green leafy vegetables are always full of antioxidants and healthy nutrients for you. Carrots, broccoli, asparagus, cucumbers, zucchini, peas, and beans are just a couple of examples. If you don't have a lot of vegetables on your list, consider making a pledge to try one new vegetable every week.

Meats: You can pretty much eat any meat that you like as well, though you'll want to be careful about foods that have added ingredients or breading. Fried chicken for example would not be a good choice because the breading typically includes flour, though gluten free versions are available. Pork, lamb, fish, poultry and beef can all be options for you to eat.

Dairy: A lot of people who are gluten intolerant may also have problems with a protein found in dairy products called casein. However, if you do not have a casein sensitivity or lactose intolerance, you can safely enjoy many dairy products such as milk, cheese, yogurt, ice cream and more.

Fruits: There are many fruits you can eat, from apples to oranges to more exotic flavors such as mangoes or kiwi. Again, if you don't have a lot of favorite fruits make a pledge to try a new one each week.

Gluten Free Grains: Fortunately there are many gluten free grain substitutes. You can eat as much rice as you like, and you can also look for gluten free breads, pastas, and even cookies.

It's comforting to know on a gluten free diet you don't have to starve to death, and with a little brainstorming you'll be able to find some great tasting things to eat in no time! 

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