Beans! Beautiful Beans!

We have always eaten beans. They’re one of the oldest cultivated foods. And the reason the bean has been around so long may have something to do with it being the very healthiest of foods. In other words, those who ate beans were less likely to get sick, and more likely to live a long life.

The high soluble fiber content helps reduce cholesterol, and its effect on heart health is equivalent to that of oat bran. They’re also high in potassium and contain good quantities of magnesium along with other vital nutrients. These two electrolytes are vital for keeping blood pressure low and lowering your risk of stroke. And, as a diet food, soluble fiber prevents cravings. It does this by slowing digestion from the stomach to the intestines. This makes your fullness feeling feel full longer, so you tend to eat less. A downstream bean benefit is that a slower digestion can help moderate insulin production, so that your energy levels are steady, and you don’t get blood glucose spikes. These bean benefits make them perfect for a diabetic diet.