Many people have been telling me lately that beans are not good for you. So I thought I would do this article on Beans? Good or not?
The first site that comes up on the web is Reader’s Digest. They say that beans are high in Fiber, Protein, Vitamin B, Iron, Potassium and they’re low in Fat. So we’re good so far, right?
Yes Chef!
They go on to tell us that beans fight cancer, lower cholesterol, help you loose weight and manage diabetes. And if we turn to WebMD, we hear that “In a U.S. Department of Agriculture study, researchers measured the antioxidant capacities of more than 100 common foods. Three types of beans made the top four: small red beans, red kidney beans, and pinto beans. And three others — black beans, navy beans, and black-eyed peas — achieved top-40 status”. So that’s a pretty good recommendation in my book.
Lectins are what some of our Paleo Diet Eaters are talking about, when they say you shouldn’t eat beans. But according to Live to 110: “cooking neutralizes the lectins found in most legumes”. Another myth debunked!
The Reader’s Digest article talks about ‘surprising’ risks…. (after touting about how good they are).
You know how the ‘rags’ sell newspapers by sensationalizing? That’s just what this headline of their article is. It’s their hook to get you to read the article. So let me sum it up for you, so you don’t have to waste your time:
If you’re allergic, you’re allergic. One symptom of being allergic is to get a migraine.
They also say that Fava Beans can interact with medication and raise your blood pressure.
They also say: “Some beans like soybeans, contain substances that interfere with the absorption of betacarotene and vitamins B12 and D. The heat from cooking inactivates most of these substances, making vitamin absorption more likely”.
They say that beans can trigger gout, if you have gout or are susceptible.
And the Number 1 thing that beans can do? Think hard. Beans beans they’re good for the heart the more you eat, the more you….
Yep! You guessed it! So let’s review: if you’re not allergic, not on medication, want to skip on soybeans and don’t have the gout, the very worst think that can happen? You’ll cut wind. Think of all the benefits and decide for yourself!
Happy Healthy Eating,
