11Health Benefits of

Black Beans

Among all groups of food commonly eaten worldwide, no group has a more health-supportive mix of protein-plus-fiber than legumes.

Included here, of course, is the amazing protein-plus-fiber content of black beans.

The modest black beans have the highest levels of antioxidants amongst all the common beans tested and they are at par with the antioxidant-rich cranberry.

Their dark color is a result of the powerful flavonoids, anthocyanins, which are found in nutritional superstars, like red cabbage, blueberries, cranberries, and red beets.

The benefits of black beans come from a few different components, including protein, fiber, antioxidants and micronutrients.

Here are

11Health Benefits of

Black Beans

1 Digestive Health Benefits

1 Digestive Health Benefits

The idea of digestive tract support from black beans may sound

surprising. Many people think about black beans as problem-

causing foods in the digestive tract, perhaps largely because of

gas production.

But recent research has shown that black beans actually

provide special support in the lower large intestine where gas is

often produced.

2 Blood Sugar Regulation

2 Blood Sugar Regulation

With respect to prevention of type 2 diabetes, researchers have

become especially interested in some of the alpha-amylase

inhibitory effects of black beans.

Since these enzymes are important for breaking down starch

into sugar, their slowing down can result in less sugar release

from food starches.

3 Cancer Prevention

3 Cancer Prevention

Chronic excessive oxidative stress and chronic excessive

inflammatory are both risk factors for the development of many

cancer types.

By increasing the body’s supply of antioxidant and anti-

inflammatory nutrients, black beans may be able to help lower

cancer risk.

4 Nervous System Health

4 Nervous System Health

Folate, or vitamin B6, is particularly abundant in black beans.

The nervous system relies on folate to produce the amino acids

it needs to function.

For pregnant women a deficiency in folate can cause the

improper development of the fetus’s brain and spinal cord.

5 Cardiovascular Benefits

5 Cardiovascular Benefits

Much of the original research on bean intake and decreased

risk of cardiovascular disease focused on the outstanding

soluble fiber content of beans.

One cup of black beans provides over 4 grams of soluble fiber,

and this is precisely the type of fiber that researchers have

found especially helpful in lower blood cholesterol levels.

6 Sulfites and Sexual Dysfunction

6 Sulfites and Sexual Dysfunction

Studies have shown that black beans are extremely high in molybdenum, a rare mineral

not found frequently in foods. Molybdenum is important for a number of reasons, primarily

because it can break down and detoxify sulfites.

Sulfites are acidic compounds found in wines, dried fruits, and some vegetables, and

many people are very sensitive to their effects, which include headaches and

disorientation.

Also, molybdenum has been shown to reduce impotence and erectile dysfunction in older

men when regularly consumed in the diet.

7 Pre-Natal Health Benefits

7 Pre-Natal Health Benefits

Another benefit of folate, which is found in such high levels

within black beans, is its role in protecting infants in the womb.

The folate levels in a woman’s body are integral to the normal

and healthy development of the fetus in utero, particularly in the

brain and spinal cord.

8 Weight Loss Benefits

8 Weight Loss Benefits

Packed with complete protein and containing almost no fat,

beans lower cholesterol, prevent heart disease and rid the body

of unwanted toxins.

They are also a good source of complex carbohydrates, the

good healthy type which you need to be fit and strong!

9 Energy Boosting

9 Energy Boosting

In addition to providing slow-burning complex carbohydrates,

Black beans can increase your energy by helping to replenish

your iron stores.

A cup of black beans contains 20.1% of the recommended daily

intake of iron.

10 Building and Reparing Muscles

10 Building and Reparing Muscles

Black beans are loaded with amino acids, the building blocks of proteins.

This is the reason why they are staples in the diets of vegetarians. Protein

is necessary for muscle building, repair and maintenance.

What’s so good about black beans is, unlike other protein sources like

meat, they contain very little amounts of fat and absolutely no cholesterol.

11 Beauty Benefits

11 Beauty Benefits

Apart from providing protection against diseases, the free radical fighting

properties of anthocyanins and other flavonoids present in black turtle

beans can deliver beauty benefits by preventing signs of premature

aging of the skin induced by an overdose of sunlight.

In addition to providing antioxidants that can help keep wrinkles at bay,

black beans provide lots of protein as well as zinc and copper which are

among the best nutrients for fighting wrinkles.

11Health Benefits of

Black Beans

For more information: 11 Health Benefits of Black Beans - Selfcarer