Like other very popular legumes, navy beans also belong to the family of staple foods, or plant groups that produce edible seeds. With a unique geographical structure, the region stretching from Mexico through Central America to the Caribbean Sea includes numerous geographically distinct plant species. This diversity provides opportunities to grow beans with different nutritional value, as well as a variety of taste. Among the most valuable traits of this legume is the health benefits derived from consuming adequate quantities of nutritious protein, low in fat and low in salt. This article provides an overview of this nutrient rich food and its many health benefits.
Like other legumes, navy beans contain legume protein, a major source of healthy protein for bodybuilders and athletes. In addition to its major health benefits, research indicates that it contains several types of antioxidants, including anthocyanins, flavonoids, and proanthocyanins. Anthocyanins are considered to be natural cancer protectors by inhibiting tumor growth and possibly by reducing cell death in cancer. Navy beans are also rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin B-complex, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, and potassium, providing a wide range of nutritional benefits.
Aside from its nutritional value, navy beans is widely known for its culinary qualities. It is commonly known as a delicious hot beverage served during the holiday seasons, including Easter, Christmas, and Thanksgiving. Its versatility as a spice can further attest to its culinary and medicinal merits, especially when added to tomato based soups or blended with salsa. It can also be used to season baked potatoes, rice, and corn. The nutty flavor of this legume is also popularly known in many Asian cuisines.
Besides being delicious, healthy snack food, navy beans is also good source of fiber, iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and vitamins C and K. Based on studies, this legume is a good source of fiber, calcium, iron, and vitamin C which helps prevent blood sugar level from fluctuating during the night time. Moreover, it contains good amounts of potassium, phosphorus, and potassium, which help reduce blood pressure and promote proper heart functioning. On the other hand, research reveals that navy bean is a good source of antioxidants, which may help prevent degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and arthritis. Antioxidants may also improve mental health of humans.
Navy beans are rich in protein, fiber, calcium, iron, and Vitamin E. Based on research, navy bean has a good amount of protein, iron, and calcium which help prevent development of blood clots, plaque, and other cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, navy bean is rich in large amount of dietary fiber which improves digestive system functions. High fiber content also helps reduce gastrointestinal problems, such as diarrhea and constipation. In addition to all these benefits, navy bean is also considered as a complete food by somebody experts. Furthermore, these beans contain almost 50% protein which is essential for the human body to grow and mature.
Legumes such as navy and lupin beans are rich in protein, iron, and calcium. These legumes are considered to be legume family because most of its nutrients come from plant compound and not from animal or food protein. Therefore, legumes have better nutrient content compared to grains, which are considered as the major source of carbohydrate in the diet. In addition to this, studies show that there are no negative effects of consuming legume in pregnant women, unlike in grains which have a bad effect on pregnant women’s health.