Pinto beans are regarded as the most common beans on the planet. Just like other beans, they are excellent sources of protein most especially among vegetarians. Loved especially for their mild nutty flavor, pinto beans are harvested when immature and sold fresh, frozen or canned. By the way, pinto beans are called that way because of their mottled appearance, similar to that of the pinto horse.
Without further ado, let us take a look at some of the reasons why you should include pinto beans in your everyday diet:
They Help You Lose Weight
Pinto beans are packed with a lot of fiber. It’s because of this why eating them makes you feel really full right away and for several hours. We all know that overeating can make you gain weight like crazy, and that’s something that pinto beans can save you from. What’s more, these popular legumes are low in calories and fat, and contain no cholesterol.
Pinto Beans Ward Off Constipation
Thanks to their fiber content, pinto beans can help ward off constipation and all the unfavorable symptoms associated with it. It’s not just keeping your bowel movement regular that fiber in pinto beans is very good at, but also lowering one’s risk of colon cancer. But do cook and chew very well these beans to avoid ending up with excess gas!
Eating Them Prevents Anemia
One of the numerous minerals found in pinto beans is iron. Experts say that iron is important for the production of oxygen-carrying red blood cells, and this is the reason why it helps in preventing anemia, in particular the kind that is due to iron deficiency. Pinto beans have copper that also aids in the formation of new red blood cells.
Their Consumption is Ideal for Pregnant Women
Women in the family way should include pinto beans in their diet to help prevent constipation, which is very common during pregnancy. But more importantly, pinto beans are excellent sources of folic acid, a nutrient that’s so important for the prevention of neural tube defects in developing babies as well as being underweight during delivery.
Consuming Pinto Beans is Good for the Brain
Your brain can benefit from the inclusion of pinto beans in the diet in more ways than one. For instance, there’s choline in these legumes, which is important for the production of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter which is vital for your memory. As earlier mentioned, pinto beans have folic acid, and it helps prevent Alzheimer’s disease, say the experts.
They Help Stabilize Glucose Levels
Diabetics and non-diabetics alike should serve more pinto beans on the table. It’s for the fact that they help slow down the release of sugar into the bloodstream, which helps keep blood glucose levels normal. Spikes in glucose levels are a no-no for everyone, most especially those who have diabetes as well as at risk of it.
Pinto Beans Help Maintain a Healthy Blood Pressure
There are 3 reasons why pinto beans help lower high blood pressure. First, they are very low in sodium which is known to cause high blood pressure when consumed excessively. Second, it is packed with potassium that helps keep a normal blood pressure. Third, it also contains folate that promotes the relaxation of the walls of the blood vessels.
Eating Them Lowers Osteoporosis Risk
Another nutrient found in pinto beans is calcium. Everyone knows that calcium is vital for keeping the bones strong. It’s for this reason why the inclusion of pinto beans in the diet helps lower one’s risk of osteoporosis, a disease characterized by the softening and weakening of the bones, making them prone to breaking.
These are the reasons why pinto beans should be consumed on a regular basis. Speaking of which, how do you like to incorporate pinto beans in your diet? Feel free to share some wonderful ideas below!
