Striving4Zen

Beans have the highest antioxidant content, period.

One cup of beans provides a whopping 13 g of fiber-- half of what we need daily--with no saturated fat. Beans are loaded with protein (about 15 g per cup) and dozens of key nutrients, including a few most women fall short on--calcium, potassium, and magnesium.

Studies also tie beans to a reduced risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and breast and colon cancers. And surprisingly, red, pinto, and kidney beans are the highest antioxidant food, beating out both blueberries and cranberries.

Health benefits : Bean by bean

Black
Rich in anthocyanins, the same heart disease– and cancer-fighting antioxidants that are found in grapes and cranberries.

Garbanzo (chickpeas)
A recent study found that a chickpea-fortified diet slashed “bad” LDL cholesterol levels by almost 5%.

Kidney
The thiamin (vitamin B1) in this bean protects memory and brain function; a deficiency has been linked to Alzheimer’s disease.

Navy
Potassium regulates blood pressure and normal heart contractions.

Pinto
Fiber helps stabilize blood sugar, lowering the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Source

Labels: beans, eating healthy, health food, healthy diet, nutrition