Beans

In terms of nutrition, the traditional meal of beans has always been offered as one of the most staple foods in a diet. They taste great, are extremely satisfying and are easy to digest along with being economical and easy to prepare so make a fantastic snack food.

With such widespread concern about the impending epidemic of obesity, especially in our children, it is vital to develop good eating habits. Beans are a perfect way to deliver all of the good quality nutrients that are essential for optimum health. They are a vital part of the modern diet.

They are low in fat and contain protein. When served with a grain such as bread or rice they make a complete protein and so serve as a great alternative to meat.

They have a good fibre content, which is important for intestinal health and complex carbohydrate, which provides “slow-release” energy, which is the optimum way for energy to be delivered to the body and plays a big role in preventing the onset of diabetes.

They are rich in vitamins and minerals in particular Calcium, iron and vitamins A, B and C. The B complex vitamins are essential for the release of energy from foods and also play a big part in controlling mood swings. Vitamins A and C are well known anti- oxidants and prevent the onset of major diseases. Beans also contain minerals such as selenium, magnesium and the tomato sauce contains lycopene. All these minerals are crucial in maintaining optimum health through their anti-oxidative properties and lycopene in particular has been strongly linked with the prevention of prostate cancer.

Calcium is essential for the development and maintenance of healthy bones and Iron is essential for healthy red blood cells and carrying oxygen around our bodies to give us energy. The vitamin C in beans works with Iron so that they are both readily absorbed by the body, this is the best way to ingest vitamins and minerals, not through a pill!

Emma Buckley B.Sc