Monday, September 27, 2010

Black Beans Are Super Protein!

Black beans are full of antioxidants. The beans are a calcium blocker providing relief for the arteries and the heart.

The black bean is very low in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium. It is also a good source of protein, thiamin, magnesium, phosphorus and manganese, and a very good source of dietary fiber and folate.

Dr. Kristie Leong, of Health Mad, states black beans obtain their dark shade from anthocyanins, the identical powerful flavonoids found in such nutritional superstars as red cabbage, blueberries, cranberries, and red beets. Black beans have the highest levels of antioxidants of all of the common beans tested, as much as the antioxidant rich cranberry.

One cup of black beans provides over half of the recommended daily requirement of fiber. They are mostly rich in soluble fiber, the kind that helps to lower LDL cholesterol and stabilize blood sugar levels.

An excellent way of obtaining fiber is through the black bean. What better way to do it than with a steaming bowl of freshly cooked black beans or black bean soup?

Black Beans Before a Work-Out
The complex carbohydrates in the black beans make it an superlative pre-workout breakfast and the addition of spices like cumin, Mexican oregano, epazote and chili powder not only add to the beans already high antioxidant levels, but also make it enormously flavorful.

The black bean, a mere 1 cup (260 g) a serving of the black beans has a 560 mg of potassium, 40% of recommended daily allowance of fiber, 16 grams of protein, 44 grams of complex carbohydrates (30 Net Carbs) and zero cholesterol or fat.

Black beans have one of the highest levels of anthocyanins, a powerful falconoid and antioxidant. Black beans have as much anthocyanin as antioxidant powerhouses similar to red grapes and cranberries. Black beans are the most antioxidant rich

Folate, Found in the Black Bean, can Reduce Heart Attacks
It has been estimated that consumption of 100% of the daily value (DV) of folate would, by itself, reduce the number of heart attacks suffered by Americans each year by 10%.

One Cup of Black Beans provides 64% of the DV for Folate.

Their good supply of magnesium puts yet another plus in the column of the helpful cardiovascular effects. Magnesium is nature's own calcium channel blocker. When enough magnesium is around, veins and arteries breathe a sigh of relief and relax, which lessens struggle and improves the flow of blood, oxygen and nutrients throughout the body.

Manganese for Energy Production and Antioxidant Defense
Black beans are a good source of the trace mineral manganese, which is an important cofactor in a number of enzymes important in energy production and antioxidant defenses.

Protein Power ....and Then Some

Want to replace red meat in a menu? Enjoy the rich taste of these beans. These smoky flavored beans are a high-quality source of protein, and when combined with a whole grain such as whole wheat pasta or brown rice, supply protein comparable to that of meat or dairy foods devoid of the high calories or saturated fat found in these foods.

A cup of black beans will give 15.2 grams of protein, which is 30.5% of the daily value for protein and 74.8% of the daily value for fiber.

Select and Store
Whether purchasing them in bulk or in packaged containers, make sure that there is no evidence of moisture or insect damage and that they are whole and not cracked. Canned varieties can be found in most markets. Unlike canned vegetables, which have lost much of their nutritional value, there is little difference in the nutritional value of canned cooked at home.

Black Bean Salad


Rinse and soak packaged black beans according to directions, 1 small bag

Let drain well

In a large bowl add beans

1 medium chopped onion

1 chopped celery stalk

2 chopped hard boiled eggs, omit the yolk for a cholesterol free salad

½ green or red pepper chopped

½ cup of low-fat mayonnaise

Add salt and garlic powder to taste

Serve on a bed of lettuce with tomatoes. This should feed 2-4 people. If serving a larger group, double or triple the ingredients.

9 comments:

  1. Before reading the article, I have planned on black beans for dinner tonight. Now, I look forward to the nutritional benefits as much as the beans themselves! Thanks for the information that confirms that there are many sources of protein outside the animal world.

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  2. wow! a two thumbs up recipe.. super delicious and nutritious.. I love it..

    Health Is Riches

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  3. Black beans are really good protein resource for vegetarians..

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  4. Black beans are very low in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium. There is also a good source of protein, phosphorus and manganese and a very good source of dietary fiber and folic acid.This is best for the Human Health.

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  5. Great post! I’m looking to make some changes in my own eating habits, so I appreciate your insight a lot! Thank you. I recently stumbled upon this blog like I did yours and I thought your readers may appreciate it: http://burisonthecouch.wordpress.com/2010/11/04/food-for-thought/

    I’ve started to look for their stuff more regularly and I think I’m going to add your blog to my list as well. Thanks for the post!

    -Amy

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  6. Black, Bean says get their dark color from anthocyanins, flavonoids in these same stars nutritional powerful as red cabbage, blueberries, cranberries and red beets. Black beans have the highest antioxidant levels grain test, so that cranberry rich in antioxidants.

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  7. If your total cholesterol is over 200 mg/dl, and you are not sure what your HDL and LDL levels are, more in depth testing can assist you to better evaluate your actual risk.


    health and fitness articles

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  8. Include black beans in your diet to have a healthy serving of protein.

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