8 Health Benefits of Kidney Beans!

The health benefits of kidney beans are diverse as they are packed with nutrients, and being a common addition to most delicious meals around the world is what makes kidney beans so popular. Its name comes from its close resemblance to the kidneys, and its nutritional profile is linked to reduced rates of cancer and heart disease. Well, there’s more to beans than most of us know. That’s why you need to read this post.

How are kidney beans good for you?

The health benefits of kidney beans are high in protein and are some of the richest sources of plant protein, a nutrient that helps build muscle. And the fiber in grains boosts digestive health and keeps serious illnesses like colorectal cancer at bay .

Kidney beans contain other essential nutrients such as Iron , Copper , Folate and Manganese , which maintain several vital bodily functions. This is the brief. And now, we get to the details – how beans can enrich your life in a wonderful way.

Health benefits of kidney beans:

1. Helps in the treatment of diabetes:

Plus, this food can help regulate blood sugar levels – better than most other starchy foods. Protein also helps in this regard.

Grains also contain what researchers call slow carbs – meaning the carbs break down and are slowly absorbed by the intestines – preventing sudden spikes in sugar.

And the fiber in grains helps too – it helps lower cholesterol levels. High cholesterol is another problem with diabetics. And thanks to the low glycemic index, beans can be a good addition to the diabetes diet.

2. Protect the heart:

Another health benefit of kidney beans is to reduce the risk of heart disease. In other studies, consumption of kidney beans caused lower levels of bad cholesterol and an increase in good cholesterol levels.

Colonic fermentation of soluble fiber has been found to reduce bad cholesterol levels and beans, being high in fiber, can help achieve this. In addition, it is also rich in potassium , another important nutrient known to regulate blood pressure levels .

3. Help prevent cancer:

Kidney beans are an excellent source of antioxidants that help fight cancer. And the fiber they contain, as we discussed, helps fight various forms of digestive cancer.

4. It can help with weight loss:

The number one reason for this is the fiber in kidney beans. Dozens of studies have shown how fiber can positively impact weight. And then there’s protein in the grains, which is more filling than fat or carbohydrates.

They have also been invested in isolating alpha-amylase inhibitors from bean extracts – these inhibitors help prevent starch absorption and breakdown and may therefore aid weight loss .

5. Helps strengthen bones:

The calcium and magnesium in kidney beans can strengthen bones and prevent osteoporosis . And the folate in beans helps maintain joint health – thus reducing the risk of bone disease.

Some research also shows that beans may be good for individuals with gout – due to their protein content (even if they contain moderate amounts of purines).

6. They are good for babies:

Kidney beans contain essential nutrients that help in the growth and development of babies. They are rich in calcium and potassium , which are important for bone strength.

They also contain protein, an essential building block for growth and development. Folate also plays an important role in babies’ brain development.

7. Help with bodybuilding:

As beans are rich in carbohydrates , they provide sustained energy for your training sessions. Research tells us how important carbs are for post-workout muscle recovery. Kidney  beans also contain protein – a nutrient that provides all the essential amino acids for the body.

Kidney beans are also high in calories, which can be a big plus for bodybuilders. And the magnesium in grains plays an important role in protein synthesis – the nutrient also helps with muscle contraction and relaxation.

8. Benefits for pregnancy:

The best part about kidney beans is that they contain protein, fiber, iron and antioxidants which are essential especially during pregnancy. Your blood volume increases during pregnancy, which means you need more iron to make more hemoglobin. And iron, along with folate, helps in the baby’s cognitive development.

The fiber in beans helps your expectant mother’s digestive tract work. That’s because during this time, hormones can interact with the digestion process and lead to constipation. Also, the optimal amount of fiber in beans can help prevent this.

What are the side effects of kidney beans?

Kidney beans contain hemagglutinin, an antibody that can cause red blood cells. Excessive amounts of this compound can cause diarrhea , nausea , abdominal pain, and vomiting.

However, the danger is in raw grains only when the substance becomes inactive after cooking. In addition, it can also bring about digestive problems, risk of cancer and organ damage.