Beans

Health Benefits of Beans Many legumes, especially soya beans, are demonstrating impressive health benefits. Diets rich in beans are being used to:lower cholesterol levelsimprove diabetics' blood glucose controlreduce risk of many cancerslower blood pressureregulate functions of the colonprevent and cure constipationprevent piles and other bowel problemsAlso richly coloured dried beans offer a high degree of antioxidant protection. In fact, small red kidney beans rate even higher than blueberries.A lesser-known benefit of beans, though, is their high levels of isoflavones, compounds that are similar in structure to oestrogen produced by your body (which is why they are also called phytoestrogens).These isoflavones may ease the symptoms of menopause, prevent some form of cancer, reduce your risk of heart disease and improve your bone and prostate health, among other benefits.Beans, a Rich Source of FibreThe health benefits of beans are many also because they all contain a lot of fibre.Depending on the type of legumes, they vary between 5 and 8.6 grams of fibre per 100 g (30 ounces) serving.When you eat dried beans, they are not entirely digested, so the undigested material lies around in the colon, where bacteria attack it and start to feed on it.In the process, lots of chemicals are released, which tell your liver to cut down its production of cholesterol and your blood to speed up clearing out dangerous LDL cholesterol. Plus, fibre can actually mop up cholesterol from the intestine and whisk it out of the system.Also, chemicals that block formation of cancer cells are released. In fact, beans are concentrated carriers of protease inhibitors, enzymes that can counteract the activation of cancer-causing compounds in the colon.