There are a several varieties of red beans, including small red beans, red kidney beans and adzuki beans. Adzuki (sometimes spelled azuki or asuki) beans are easy to digest and are very flavorful, with less of a “beany” taste than other beans. Kidney beans pick up the flavors of whatever you cook them with, making them very versatile for soups, stews and chili. Small red beans are the most common, and also go by the names Mexican red bean or red chili bean. These are the beans traditionally used to make red beans and rice.
Health Benefits of Red Beans
1. Source of fiber
Cup of red beans provides half your daily requirement of fiber, which not only keeps the digestive system health, ease digestion and prevent constipation, but shrinks the cholesterol levels, lowering the risk associated with cardiovascular disease and regulate blood sugar levels.
2. Alternative to meat
When you want a lighter meal or are in post, replacing the consumption of meat with red beans. Excellent source of protein, red beans will help to strengthen your body and muscles, to prevent cardiovascular disease and live a life full of energy! A cup of red beans is over 15 mg of healthy protein for your body.
3. For a great memory
Source of thiamine (vitamin B1), red bean consumption stimulates attention and memory, is particularly beneficial during periods of intellectual overloaded, eliminate insomnia, combat depression, fatigue and anxiety and lowers Alzheimer’s risks .
4. Prevents diabetes
Red kidney beans fall in the category of low glycemic index foods and they do not spike the blood glucose levels post meal in diabetics. In other words, they raise the blood glucose levels very slowly. Also, they contain good quality carbohydrates and lean protein which makes them a healthy option. And the cherry on the cake is that they are low in fat too. Also, the two amino acids which regulate insulin levels — arginine and leucine are present abundantly in red kidney beans.
5. Lowers cholesterol levels
Rajma is a tremendous source of soluble fibre which helps lower cholesterol levels. Soluble fibre forms a gel when it comes in contact with the stomach contents and this binds the cholesterol and prevents its re-absorption back into the system, thus lowering blood cholesterol levels.
6. Helps lose weight
These fibre-rich beans when consumed, occupy a lot of space in the stomach thus providing a feeling of fullness for a longer period of time and they are low in fat too. This makes it an appropriate pre-workout option as it will provide sustained energy throughout.
7. Strengthens the immune system
The health benefits of rajma are not just limited to its fibre and protein content as it is full of antioxidants too. These antioxidants boost our immune system and protect it from the harmful effects of free radicals by scavenging them and limiting the damage. Antioxidants are also believed to have anti-ageing properties.
Sources:
http://www.livestrong.com/article/4692-need-health-benefits-red-beans/
http://www.naturelivings.com/2012/01/red-beans-pure-health-top-5-benefits.html
http://www.thehealthsite.com/fitness/5-health-benefits-rajma-or-red-kidney-beans/
http://www.all-creatures.org
