What are beans?

Beans have been a staple in the human diet for thousands of years. They have remained a staple in human diets thanks to their low costs and versatility and their nutritional value. Beans are known to be rich in protein and fiber as well as a wide assortment of vitamins and minerals.

Where do beans come from?

Because beans are consumed worldwide, they are also grown worldwide. In the Americas, America, Mexico, and Brazil produce a significant amount of beans each year. And a significant amount of beans are also produced in Asia, Africa and Europe.

What types of beans are there?

There are several different types of beans. However, the most popular beans include:

– Black beans: Commonly grown in Central and South America and a staple of Latin American cuisines.
– Kidney beans: These are also most commonly grown in Central and South America and often found in Latin American inspired soups and stews.
– Pinto beans: These beans are most often grown in Mexico and often seen in Mexican dishes like burritos.
– Chickpeas: Chickpeas are a common bean in vegan and vegetarian diets. They originated in the Middle East and have become a main ingredient in Mediterranean cuisines.
– Lentils: Lentils are most commonly grown in East and Central Asia and are a key ingredient in several different types of cuisines, including Indian, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern.

Are beans a good source of protein?

Considering beans are plant-based, they are very high in protein which has made them an important part of vegan and vegetarian diets.

What vitamins and minerals are found in beans?

The types of vitamins and minerals found in beans can vary a bit depending on the type. However, most beans have good amounts of vitamins B1 and B6 as well as minerals such as iron, magnesium, potassium, folate.

Do beans need to be soaked before cooking?

Soaking most dried beans before cooking them will reduce the amount of time needed to cook them while also improving their digestibility.

How long do beans take to cook?

There are many factors that affect the cooking times of beans. For instance, whether they are soaked or not and what type of bean is being cooked. Soaked beans can cook in almost half the time as unsoaked beans.

Are beans good for heart health?

If you’ve ever been told that old saying that goes something like “beans, beans, good for the heart…” and are wondering if you’ve been lied to, we are pleased to tell you that you haven’t. Beans can help lower cholesterol, reduce blood pressure, and improve overall heart health. This is because beans consist of a high amount of nutrients, including fiber.

Can beans help with weight loss?

Yes, many people consider beans to be an excellent food to aid weight loss. This is because beans have a low-fat content while also possessing high amounts of fiber and protein. This blend can help the human body feel fuller, longer which can aid in weight loss.

Do beans cause gas?

Yes, beans can cause gas because they contain oligosaccharides, which is a type of carbohydrate known to cause gas. Soaking beans and cooking them thoroughly will help reduce the effects of oligosaccharides.

Are canned beans as healthy as dried beans?

The main difference between canned beans and dried beans is that canned beans tend to contain high amounts of sodium. The amount of sodium in canned beans can be reduced by rinsing them. By, comparison dried beans have a lower sodium count but take significantly longer to cook.

How should dried beans be stored?

When stored properly, in an airtight container in dry place that is cool or room temperature, beans can last over a year.

How long do cooked beans last?

Once beans are cooked, they generally will remain good for up to five days in the refrigerator, if stored in an airtight container. Cooked beans can also be frozen and stored for up to 6 months.