Are Beans Really Rich In Protein? Five Things You May Not Know

If you grow up in Nigeria, there is a possibility that your science teacher may have failed you for listing beans under foods that are rich in carbohydrates. You are expected to list beans under proteinous foods.

Here are five things you may not know about beans:

1. Richer in Carbohydrates Than Protein

Beans are rich in protein, but they are richer in carbohydrates. 

On average, half a cup of beans contains about 8g of proteins and 21 grams of carbohydrates.

2. Rich In Micronutrients

Beans are rich in micronutrients like iron, potassium, and magnesium. 

3. High Dietary Fibre

Fibres occupy about 10-20 per cent of beans’ constituent nutrients. The mystery of this is that, despite containing high carbohydrates, beans remain a good source of dietary fibre.

Research conducted by two English researchers, Hans Englyst and John Cummings discovered that not all starch is processed into glucose by the body in the small intestine.

4. Health Benefits

Some health benefits of beans include:

I. Prevent neural tube defects in fetus during pregnancy

II. Protect the body cells from free radicals

III. May lower cholesterol level; thus reduce heart disease

IV. May reduce cancer risk

V. Stabilise blood glucose, hence reduce diabetes risks.

5. Special Beans Recipe

In case you are tired of cooking rice and beans, try cooking beans with cauliflower rice; add non-starchy veggies like grilled pepper and onions. Top with a third sliced avocado.

Send Us A Press Statement Advertise With Us Contact Us

 And For More Nigerian News Visit GWG.NG