Legumes are one of the best sources of protein. They are also an excellent source of carbohydrates, calcium, iron and fiber. They are extremely nutritious and are known to increase energy, improve immunity and slow the aging process. There are two classifications of legumes according to their edible parts. They are bean-based legumes such as kidney beans, pole beans and red kidney beans; legumes that have a plant like structure such as black beans, peas, fava beans, split peas, green beans and other similar plant-based foods; and mung beans which are completely natural and have no taste. All types of legumes are rich in nutrients; this is why it is always recommended to eat legumes cooked in whole form or in the form of dried beans.
Legumes are considered to be a legume and as such are an excellent source of a wide range of vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber and other nutrients. Like all other legumes, links beans also contain a high level of protein, iron and other nutrients and therefore are used to provide food energy. As such, the bean based products such as pole beans, kidney beans, fava beans, pole beans & lentils are highly beneficial dietary fiber.
The benefits of legumes go beyond diet and nutrition though, as they can prevent health issues such as hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, cancer and weight gain. The studies conducted on lab rats indicate that legumes can prevent type 2 diabetes, obesity, heart disease and other serious diseases. However, the results of these studies were conducted on animals so no direct conclusion can be drawn regarding the same on humans. A diet consisting of legumes has been associated with a reduction in body fat, higher levels of energy, better cognitive function, reduced risk of cancer and other illnesses and a decreased risk of infection.
Since legumes are natural plant-based foods, they are considered to be much lower in calories than processed or commercialized versions and therefore have a major impact on reducing obesity in our society. In addition to legumes, it is important to include other foods from plant-based diets in your diet as well (i.e. fruits, vegetables, nuts etc.)
Legumes provide protein, potassium and calcium in high amounts. They also contain several B vitamins and magnesium and other nutritional compounds that give them their benefits. They can also help reduce cholesterol, strengthen the immune system, regulate blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health. As for the potassium and calcium which legumes provide; beans provide up to 50% of the daily amount needed by the human body and are rich in essential nutrients such as phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, fiber, potassium and many others.
If you decide to add legumes to your diet to help fight prostate cancer or any other ailment you may be suffering from, it’s important to make sure you eat a wide variety of other whole foods as well. It would also be beneficial to switch to a diet composed primarily of vegetables and fruits. By including these foods in your daily diet you will also be increasing the fiber intake in your daily diet which will further aid with your elimination of toxins and have you feeling better at all times. In order to maximize the health benefits provided by legumes, it would be wise to eat them in their most natural form – fresh.