White Beans: Health Benefits

White beans are one of the most common representatives of legumes. This product is widely used in cooking and has not only unique taste characteristics, but also many useful properties.

Types of White Beans

Specialists divide beans into several varieties, each of which has a different size, shape and even color:

1. Large. This variety is one of the most popular, often used to prepare many dishes. Such beans are characterized not only by large sizes, but also by an unusual shape - square tips.
2. Shallow. The main distinguishing feature of this species is its small size.
3. Great Northern. Another variety of white beans is the Great Northern variety. The seeds of such a plant are round in shape and relatively small in size.
4. Cannellini. This species is very popular in Italy and is distinguished by its unusual shape - the edges of the seeds are slightly angular.
5. Oval. No less popular variety is the white oval bean. It differs not only in its oval shape, but also in very small sizes, which do not exceed the diameter of green peas.
6. Red and white spotted. Seeds have a rounded shape. Such beans are quite large and have excellent taste characteristics.

Each variety of white beans has an excellent taste, delicate texture and can be used to prepare first, second courses and salads.

What is the difference between white and red beans

Despite belonging to one subspecies and some similarities, white beans differ from red beans in the following characteristics:

1. Colour. It is impossible to confuse white beans with red. The seeds of these two plants are colored in different colors. The first has a smooth, white hue and only in some cases can be covered with red spots, the second is painted in a rich shade of burgundy.
2. Calorie content. Red beans contain significantly more calories than white.
3. Vegetable protein content. Red beans contain a huge amount of vegetable protein, which can not be said about white.
4. The content of organic substances. 100 g of red beans have more organic matter than the same amount of white.
5. Vitamin C Content Both varieties of beans contain in their composition many vitamins, macro- and microelements. However, there is much more vitamin C in white seeds than in red seeds.
6. Grain density. White beans are distinguished by their fiber content and softness of the finished grains. While red grains are much denser, which allows them to be used for salads.
7. Time for preparing. The grains of each bean variety are distinguished by their hardness and need to be pre-soaked. However, it is worth noting the fact that white beans soften faster.

Which beans are healthier: white or red

Talking about which of these legumes is more beneficial for humans is extremely difficult. Both white and red beans can have a beneficial effect on the human body. This is easily explained by the content of a large amount of nutrients in these products.

So, for example, red beans are more suitable for people suffering from such pathologies:

1. Lack of weight. The composition of red beans includes significantly more calories that are necessary for weight gain.
2. Violations of the nervous system. The composition of this product includes substances that contribute to the normalization of the central nervous system. They will help prevent the development of nervousness, depression and restless conditions.
3. Frequent colds. Regular consumption of red beans will help improve the functioning of the immune system.

White beans will be an ideal option for those people who have such problems:

1. Malfunctions of the nervous system. As in the case of red beans, the composition of white can have a beneficial effect on the central nervous system. This helps prevent any irregularities in her work.
2. Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. White beans can have a positive effect on the organs of the gastrointestinal tract.
3. Elevated blood sugar (diabetes).

Based on each of the above facts, we can say with confidence that both red and white beans have a beneficial effect on the human body. At the same time, it is simply impossible to isolate the most useful from these varieties.

Composition and calorie content

White beans have a rich composition and includes many vitamins, macro-and micronutrients. Per 100 g of this product accounts for:

• 2.5 micrograms of vitamin K - 2.1% of the daily norm.
• 0.8 mg of vitamin B1 - 64.6% of the daily norm.
• 364.0 mcg of vitamin B9 - 91% of the daily intake.
• 0.2 mg of vitamin B2 - 12.6% of the daily intake.
• 0.4 mg of vitamin B6 - 32.9% of the daily norm.
• 2.2 mg of vitamin B3 - 13.7% of the daily intake.
• 0.7 mg of vitamin B5 - 14.9% of the daily norm.
• 87.4 mg of vitamin B4 - 17.5% of the daily norm.
• 147 mg of calcium - 14.7% of the daily norm.
• 11.0 mcg of selenium - 20% of the daily norm.
• 5.5 mg of iron - 54.9% of the daily norm.
• 1.4 mg of manganese - 61.7% of the daily norm.
• 175.0 mg of magnesium - 43.8% of the daily norm.
• 0.8 mg of copper - 92.7% of the daily norm.
• 407.0 mg of phosphorus - 58.1% of the daily norm.
• 3.7 mg of zinc - 33.2% of the daily norm.
• 1185.0 mg of potassium - 25.2% of the daily norm.
• 5.0 mg of sodium - 0.4% of the daily norm.

100 g of white beans contains 22.3 g of vegetable protein, 1.5 g of fat, 60.8 g of carbohydrates. In this case, the amount of proteins, fats and carbohydrates is 30%, 2% and 20% of the daily norm.

As for calorie content - 100 g of white beans contain 300 calories in their composition.

What is useful white beans

General benefit

Due to its unique composition, regular use of white beans in any form will help maintain health for many years. Macro, trace elements and vitamins that enter the human body through this food product help:

• remove the unpleasant symptoms of atherosclerosis;
• prevent the development of cardiovascular disease;
• cope with the manifestations of hypertension;
• improve the functioning of the central nervous system;
• facilitate the period of rehabilitation after serious surgical interventions;
• prevent the development of diseases in the organs of the gastrointestinal tract;
• improve metabolic processes in the human body;
• get rid of edema;
• reduce blood sugar;
• improve pancreatic function;
• clean the liver and kidneys of toxins and toxins accumulated over many years;
• relieve the unpleasant symptoms of gastritis;
• improve the functioning of the human immune system;
• maintain dental health for many years;
• strengthen bone tissue;
• prevent the development of anemia;
• cope with serious joint diseases.

For women

White beans should be part of every woman’s daily diet. Regular consumption of this product will help:

• keep youth and beauty of the skin;
• improve the condition and appearance of weakened hair;
• strengthen nails;
• maintain healthy teeth;
• cope with depressive, hysterical conditions, nervousness and manifestations of premenstrual syndrome;
• prevent the development of vitamin deficiency;
• reduce the risk of malignant neoplasms.

At the same time, white beans can have a positive effect on the female body both from the inside and outside (as part of home cosmetics). This fact is especially important for those women who seek to preserve beauty with the help of natural cosmetics.

For men

According to many experts, it is impossible to refuse the use of white beans and men. Systematic consumption of this product will help:

• improve the functioning of all internal organs and systems;
• reduce the risk of developing diseases of the genitourinary system;
• energize the body;
• prevent the development of vitamin deficiency;
• reduce the likelihood of cardiovascular disease;
• improve potency;
• build muscle.

It should be understood that the amount of white beans consumed should not exceed permissible norms. Excessive consumption of this product can lead to unpleasant consequences, including flatulence and a feeling of heaviness in the stomach.

During pregnancy

In the diet of a pregnant woman, no other product can replace white beans. Eating dishes whose components are the fruits of this plant will help the expectant mother get rid of such problems:

• toxicosis;
• disturbances in the work of the organs of the gastrointestinal tract;
• frequent constipation;
• low hemoglobin;
• nervousness, depression and other nervous disorders;
• impaired kidney function;
• swelling.

Doctors draw the attention of pregnant women to the fact that you can only use properly cooked beans. Otherwise, there is a risk of serious poisoning, which is extremely undesirable in this period of a woman's life.

When breastfeeding

But during the period of breastfeeding, it is better to completely abandon the consumption of white beans. According to children's doctors, even a small amount of this product can lead to severe flatulence in a newborn baby, colic, restless behavior and severe pain.

This product can be introduced into the diet of a nursing mother only after the permission of the pediatrician. Moreover, the amount of this product should be strictly limited.

For kids

Enter white beans in the daily diet of the child is possible only after he reaches ten months of age. In this case, before introducing the product into the children's menu, it is necessary to consult with the local pediatrician who will help identify contraindications for the use of this product, establish the correct rate of its consumption and tell the young mother about the acceptable methods of preparation.

The use of white beans in childhood will help strengthen the baby's body and have a beneficial effect on its development. The rich composition of this product is capable of:

• protect the child’s nervous system from various stimuli;
• improve the digestive system of the baby;
• prevent the development of serious pathologies of the respiratory system and alleviate the condition of the child in the first stages of the disease;
• normalize the metabolism of carbohydrates in the child's body;
• prevent the development of anemia;
• strengthen bone tissue;
• maintain the health of children's teeth.

Pediatricians draw the attention of parents to the fact that the uncontrolled use of white beans can lead to bloating, colic or a feeling of heaviness in the stomach.

When losing weight

The calorie content of boiled white beans is 122 calories per 100 g of the finished product. This allows you to include it in a diet whose goal is to reduce weight. In this case, even a small amount of boiled beans will help to get rid of hunger for a long time, without worsening the general condition of losing weight.

The use of this product during a diet will positively affect human health. Its regular use will result in:

• to the normalization of metabolic processes;
• saturation of the body with vitamins, macro- and microelements;
• reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease;
• rid of edema.

In addition, the use of white beans during the diet will help prevent weight loss and will not cause diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, which is a common consequence of the diet.

The benefits and harms of canned white beans

On the shelves of modern stores you can find not only raw, but also canned white beans. Canned beans retain all their beneficial properties and are a product recommended for use in the development of such diseases:

• diabetes mellitus of any type;
• atherosclerosis;
• diseases of the bronchi and lungs;
• heart rhythm disturbance.

In addition, regular consumption of this product will be an ideal component of the diet, the purpose of which is to recover from serious operations. Beans will help to cope with disorders in the central nervous system and improve metabolism.

When you include canned beans in your daily diet, you should pay attention to the fact that its calorie content is much higher. 100 g of canned product contains about 99 kcal. Nutritionists advise taking this fact into account when deciding to add canned beans to the diet menu.

However, despite the many beneficial properties and rich composition, canned beans can harm the body. Excessive consumption of this product will lead to the appearance of such manifestations:

• flatulence;
• bloating;
• pain syndrome localized in the abdominal cavity;
• nausea;
• feeling of heaviness.

Canned beans can also have a negative effect on the human body if the finished product contains a large number of dyes and preservatives. Therefore, you should pay attention to this fact when buying and choose the most natural product.

White bean in medicine

Many doctors confirm the fact that the use of white beans helps to maintain human health and helps get rid of serious diseases. Specialists advise using beans and its derivatives to those patients who suffer from such pathologies:

1. Serious diseases of the cardiovascular system. The composition of white beans is unique. Its components will help strengthen blood vessels, establish blood circulation, remove accumulations of bad cholesterol from the human body and normalize heart rate.
2. Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, including pancreatitis and gastritis. The composition of the beans helps to cope with the acute symptoms of these diseases and accelerate the healing process.
3. Frequent constipation. Doctors recommend using beans and those patients who suffer from constipation. Fiber, which is part of it, will help to cope with this unpleasant problem and prevent its return.
4. Joint diseases. Calcium and other trace elements that make up these beans will stop the development of diseases such as rheumatism or gout, strengthen bone and cartilage.
5. Diabetes. Therapists strongly recommend that patients who suffer from any type of diabetes include white beans in their daily diet. It will help control blood sugar levels and prevent it from jumping sharply. There are cases when the consumption of beans and its derivatives became the cause of a complete cure for diabetes.
6. Diseases of the skin. It is difficult to find a dermatologist who will try to refute the amazing ability of beans to heal small wounds, improve skin condition and relieve unpleasant symptoms of skin diseases.

Of course, only a qualified specialist can confirm the advisability of using white beans for the treatment of a disease with one hundred percent certainty. Only a doctor can assess the condition of the patient, identify the presence of contraindications and determine the individual consumption rate of the product. That is why before using the products, which include white beans, it is worth consulting with the attending physician.

Application in cosmetology

White beans are also widely used in cosmetology. The unique composition of this product can have an amazing effect on the skin. The regular use of masks that include these beans will help:

• saturate the skin with the necessary vitamins;
• whiten skin;
• remove facial and age wrinkles;
• make the skin supple;
• remove existing inflammatory processes;
• cleanse your face from acne and black spots.

There are many recipes based on this product, but the most popular is the classic mask. For its preparation, the following components are needed:

• Bean puree.
• Olive oil.
• Freshly squeezed lemon juice.

Mix the specified ingredients in equal amounts and apply the resulting mixture to the skin of the face and neck. Leave the mask on for 15–20 minutes, then rinse with warm water without using soap or other cleansers. Use this mask no more than once a week. This will help improve the condition of the skin, whiten them and prevent the development of inflammatory processes.

In the recipe for a classic bean mask, you can add:

1. Applesauce. This component will help tighten the skin of the face.
2. Sea salt. A mask with sea salt will make the skin elastic.
3. Oatmeal. A small amount of oatmeal will enhance the whitening effect.
4. The eggs. They enhance the anti-aging effect of beans.
5. Mashed potatoes. The product will prevent wrinkles.

Milled beans in a blender after cooking can be mixed with cosmetic clay and a mask 2-3 times a week to nourish the skin. Such a remedy is especially suitable for owners of oily skin.

Beauticians do not recommend the use of such home remedies without first conducting a test for the presence of allergic reactions. To ensure that home cosmetics do not cause a rash, itching, redness, or other undesirable symptoms, test for allergic reactions before using the mask. To do this, apply a small amount of the preparation to the inside of the elbow, leave it on for 7-10 minutes, then remove it with a soft sponge. If skin rashes or other allergy symptoms appear, refuse to use such cosmetics.

Harm and contraindications

Despite the many useful properties, white beans can harm human health, but only if you use it in unlimited quantities or neglect contraindications.

Doctors do not recommend using this product to patients who suffer from such diseases:

1. Gastritis and other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, which are accompanied by an increase in acidity.
2. Gastric ulcers.
3. Colitis and cholecystitis.

In addition, experts recommend limiting the consumption of beans during breastfeeding and in case of personal intolerance to the product.

Remember that you can not ignore contraindications to the consumption of this product! Otherwise, there is a risk of developing serious diseases and worsening overall well-being.

How to choose and store

You can talk about the benefits of beans for the human body only if the product is of high quality. In order not to make a mistake and not to purchase low-grade, spoiled beans, when buying, pay attention to the following characteristics:

1. Flowability. Grains of high-quality beans should be loose and not stick to each other.
2. Colour. The color of the beans should be uniform, without extraneous shades or dark spots. Their presence indicates spoilage of the product.
3. The presence of impurities. In the package with beans, there should not be any impurities in the form of grass, earth, husk or garbage.
4. Smoothness. High-quality beans should be smooth and shiny.
5. The size. Each grain should have the same size. This indicates the high quality of the purchased product.
6. Packaging integrity. Damaged packaging suggests that it is better to refuse the purchase.
7. Density. Grains must be hard. Soft beans are not suitable for consumption.
8. The presence of moisture. Condensation inside the package should result in a refusal to purchase the product.

To preserve the useful properties of the purchased product, it is important to properly prepare it:

1. Remove all damaged and soft grains.
2. If traces of moisture were noticed on the beans, dry the grains.
3. Prepare a clean, dry container. An ideal option for storage is a glass jar, which can be closed with a tight lid. Put dried grains in it.
4. Put her in a dark, cool place.

It is necessary to take into account the fact that the beans should be stored in a room with low humidity and a temperature not exceeding 7 degrees Celsius.

What can be cooked from white beans: recipes

White beans are used to prepare many dishes. It is often added to salads, a variety of soups and even cutlets.

Salad

To make a salad you will need the following ingredients:

• Half a glass of boiled white beans.
• 100 g of boiled chicken.
• 1 medium onion.
• A small amount of mayonnaise.
• 10 ml of vinegar.
• Salt, spices and herbs to taste.

Cooking:

1. Rinse the onion and peel it.
2. Cut the onion into thin half rings.
3. Put chopped onions in any container that is suitable in size, and pour in vinegar.
4. Leave the onions to marinate for 15–20 minutes.
5. After the specified time, drain all the vinegar. You can use a colander or sieve for this.
6. Combine all the ingredients in a salad bowl, which will fit in size.
7. Season the salad with mayonnaise, add salt, spices and herbs.

Such an appetizer will help diversify the daily diet and can decorate the festive table.

Soup

White bean soup is not only tasty, but also a very healthy dish. Try to cook it at least once. You can’t refuse it!

To make this delicious soup, take:

• Half a glass of beans.
• 500 g of any meat.
• 500 g of potatoes.
• 1 carrot.
• 1 medium onion.
• 200 ml of tomato juice.
• Salt, spices and herbs to taste.

Cooking Soup:

1. Prepare the beans. Soak it in water for 6 hours. This will help speed up the grain preparation process.
2. After the specified time, place the beans in a container suitable for cooking, pour it in such an amount of water that it covers all the grains and cook until cooked.
3. While the beans are boiling, start cooking the broth.
4. Place the meat in a pan, fill it with purified water and cook until tender.
5. Prepare a fry of grated or finely chopped carrots and chopped onions.
6. When it is ready, pour it into the broth.
7. Now start preparing the dressing.
8. Pour tomato juice into a deep frying pan, add your favorite spices to it and boil for 10-15 minutes.
9. When the meat is cooked, remove it from the pan and let cool.
10. Cut the cooled meat into cubes and pour into a pan.
11. Peel the potatoes, rinse them under running water and cut them into cubes.
12. Pour into the broth and cook until tender.
13. When the potatoes are ready, add beans and tomato to the soup.
14. Boil another 10 minutes.
15. Add salt and herbs.

Serve the soup after it is infused. This will take only 15-20 minutes.

Lobio

Lobio can be called the most popular dish, the main ingredient of which is beans.Its taste will amaze even the most capricious gourmet.

To make lobio, prepare:

• 2 full glasses of beans.
• 3 carrots.
• 20 ml of vegetable oil.
• 30 ml of tomato paste.
• A bunch of dill.
• A bunch of parsley.
• A bunch of basil.
• Favorite spices and salt.

Cooking Lobio:

1. Fill the beans with water and leave overnight.
2. In the morning, drain the remaining water, fill in new and put the beans to boil.
3. Cooking will take about 90 minutes.
4. Salt the beans 5-7 minutes before cooking.
5. While the beans are cooked, grate or chop the carrots finely.
6. Fry it in a preheated pan.
7. Pour the beans into the carrots.
8. Pour the bean broth into the resulting mixture.
9. Add tomato, spices and salt.
10. Bring lobio to a boil and continue cooking over low heat for another 20–25 minutes.
11. Add finely chopped greens 5-7 minutes until cooked.

The finished dish can be served both hot and cold.

Cutlets

Bean cutlets are very popular among vegetarians and have excellent taste.

To prepare them you will need:

• Beans - 2 cups.
• Onion - 3 pieces.
• Carrots - 1 piece.
• Manka - 40 g.
• Garlic - 2-3 cloves.
• Olive oil.
• A little parsley and dill.
• Salt and spices to taste.

Cooking cutlets:

1. Soak the beans in water for 6–8 hours.
2. After the specified time, pour out the water and boil the beans in a small amount of water.
3. When the grains become soft, drain the water, cool and grind them in any convenient way.
4. Add semolina semolina, spices, salt and mix thoroughly.
5. Lightly fry chopped onions with grated carrots and add to the minced meat.
6. Form small cutlets.
7. Fry them on both sides in a preheated pan.

Sprinkle the finished patties with finely chopped herbs and serve. Enjoy your meal!

How to cook

For the beans to be tasty and soft, you need to cook it correctly. In this case, the first stage of preparation of this product is the most important and involves the soaking of grains in water. So the beans should stand all night. Only after performing these actions will it become soft. Consider the fact that for 1 glass of fruit you will need 5 glasses of clean, cool water.

After soaking, you can start cooking beans:

1. Drain all the water. Rinse the beans under running water.
2. Place clean grains in a container suitable for cooking and pour so much water into it that it covers all the grains.
3. Put the pot on the fire and bring to a boil.
4. Make the fire weak and cook the beans until cooked. Cooking can take from 30 to 150 minutes. When the beans are almost ready, add salt to it.

Important! Do not stir the beans during cooking and do not cover the pan with a lid.

Following these simple rules for preparing beans will help you get the dish you want.

Interesting Bean Facts

The beneficial properties and areas of use of beans are known to many housewives. But only a few know that this unique product:

1. It was known to people as far back as 3000 BC, which is mentioned in Chinese chronicles.
2. It was introduced to the territory of America by the well-known Columbus.
3. It has more than 300 varieties, each of which is used as a food product.
4. It may smell like mushrooms. This statement applies to the varieties Ad Rem and Akito.
5. Got its name from the Greek word "fasheolus", which translates as "long narrow boat."
6. It is present in the diet of all military personnel.
7. Able to protect people from cancer.
8. Helps to preserve female beauty and youth, healthy heart and blood vessels for many years.
9. It contains more protein than chicken.
10. It is used in large quantities by residents of the UK.
11. Helps to cope with depression, nervousness and other disorders of the psycho-emotional state.

Beans can heal the human body and maintain health for many years. In addition, regular use of this product will help prevent the development of dangerous diseases and improve the general condition of a person, but only if you consume the grains of this plant correctly. Follow all recommendations, do not ignore contraindications, experiment, cook new dishes and enjoy the unique taste of white beans!

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