Beans

What are beans?

     Beans are a type of legume, one of the most common vegetables in the world. They’re also one of the most controversial. On the one hand, they’re a great source of nutrition and have a lot of flavor. On the other hand, some people are convinced that beans are bad for you.

What's so bad about beans?

• Beans contain toxins like lectins and saponins which can cause digestive problems such as gas, bloating and diarrhea when eaten raw. Other potential health issues that can arise from consuming raw or undercooked beans include hepatitis A, E-coli, kidney failure and even death due to severe allergic reactions.
• One reason not to eat them is because they're considered a poor source of protein. Beans lack essential amino acids like lysine and methionine which make them less than ideal for vegetarians or vegans who need animal sources of protein in their diet.
• There are plenty of other reasons not to eat beans too: they don't taste as good as meat or grains; it takes longer to cook beans; they're hard to digest; they contain anti-nutrients (such as trypsin inhibitors) that make digestion difficult.

What are the benefits of eating beans?

• Beans are a low-fat, high-fiber food that is also rich in protein. They’re not only good for you, but they’re also a great source of iron and folate.
• Beans are also inexpensive and contain few calories. In fact, beans have 6g of carbs per 1/4 cup serving and only 15 calories per serving. Beans can be eaten as a side dish or used in soups or salads to add flavor and bulk to your meal.
• If you're trying to cut back on red meat because it may negatively affect your cholesterol levels, beans could offer you an easy way to get some protein and healthy carbs without worrying about the saturated fat content.
• Beans are also one of the best sources of plant protein on the market today, which means they’re a good option if you want to incorporate more vegetables into your diet without sacrificing taste.
• Some people believe that beans are bad for your digestive system because they contain phytates, which may prevent the absorption of minerals such as iron and calcium, though this might not be true for all beans. However, you should still consider other aspects before deciding whether or not you want to eat them (such as sodium

What are the risks of eating beans?

• There are a lot of risks associated with eating beans. Beans contain a type of sugar called oligosaccharides (short chains of sugars). These sugars, if broken down in the human body, can cause an increase in blood sugar levels. This might lead to weight gain and other symptoms associated with diabetes. It might also lead to blood sugar spikes which could cause a loss of consciousness or even death in extreme cases.
• The oligosaccharides found in beans are also difficult for our bodies to digest and absorb. The protein they contain is harder for our bodies to process than that found in other forms of protein such as meat or nuts. Because it's difficult for our stomachs to break down this protein, we might have gas or bloating when we eat beans.
• It's not just the oligosaccharides that pose risks either; the way in which most beans are cooked can also be risky for your health. Examples of these cooking methods include soaking, boiling, pressure cooking, and baking beans. These methods can alter the nutrients and phytochemicals found within them, leading to potential side effects like digestive issues like flatulence or reflux disease.

     It's true that beans are not the healthiest thing in the world. However, they're not as bad as people make them out to be.

     Beans have a lot of nutrition and flavor, which is why they have so much controversy around them. In fact, when you look at the USDA food pyramid it recommends two-thirds of your daily calorie intake should come from starchy vegetables like beans and potatoes.

     When you eat beans, it's pretty much impossible to get enough starch (a type of carbohydrate) without eating too many calories or gaining weight. So if you're trying to watch your waistline, don't eat beans on a regular basis. But even if you do want to eat them often for their nutritional value, it's still worth it!