Kidney beans

Characterized by a strong flavor and a color that is reddish brown in nature, the kidney bean is a versatile kidney shaped bean that can be used in a variety of hot and cold recipes. Kidney beans grown in many different locations, and is usually sold in dry or canned varieties. While a true kidney bean is dark red/brown in color, a light red bean, phaseolus vulgaris, is often referred to as a light red kidney bean, owing to the similar shape and texture.

Beans are believed to be native to equatorial America, 7000 years ago, as archeological indications of their use have been found in the ancient villages. Kidney beans are very high in molybdenum, a half cup providing nearly half of the daily requirement.

Kidney beans are often an excellent dietary selection, as they contain no cholesterol. As a source of potassium, kidney beans provide a source of nutrition that is similar to that of apotato, but with only a moderate amount of carbohydrates. Kidney beans also contain trace amounts of iron and calcium.

Health Benefits of Kidney beans

• Being a major source of protein, kidney beans provide all the eight basic forms of amino acids or the eight essential amino acids. These amino acids act against a number of diseases and are important to maintain a healthy immune system. It is estimated that a single cup of uncooked beans provides around 85% of the daily protein requirement.
• Certain natural antioxidants (anthocyanins) present in these beans also have a number of beneficial health effects. Studies have revealed that the darker the color of the skin of the beans, the higher these antioxidants.
• The soluble fiber present in the kidney bean regulates the blood glucose absorption from the body. This is done by forming a gel-like substance, by absorbing water from the intestines. This gel-like substance slows down the metabolism of carbohydrates in the body, thereby regulating the blood sugar levels and preventing their sudden elevation after meals. Hence, it is essential for diabetics (insulin resistance) to consume kidney beans on a regular basis.
• The dietary fiber in these beans also helps lower the blood cholesterol levels in the body. This is achieved by the bonding of the fiber with the bile acids in the intestines. As the bile acids are used for the synthesis of cholesterol, their bonding with the dietary fibers results in lesser availability of the acids for the synthesis of cholesterol. Hence, the risk of certain diseases, like stroke, high blood pressure and coronary heart disease, is reduced to a considerable extent.
• A high source of certain nutrients involved in the process of detoxification, kidney beans reduce the risk of a number of inflammatory, degenerative and cardiovascular diseases and also help promote and maintain optimal health.
• As these beans prove to be a high source of iron, their regular intake helps in the process of respiration at the cellular level, by synthesizing hemoglobin to aid in the carriage of oxygen to the cells.
• Kidney beans also have considerable amount of the mineral molybdenum, which helps in the detoxification of sulfites from the blood.
• The copper present in these beans aids in the reduction of inflammatory conditions like Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). They also act as an important factor in promoting certain enzymatic activity that is required to maintain the normal elastic properties of ligaments, joints and blood vessels.
• The magnesium in kidney beans helps relieve fatigue by relaxing the muscles, nerves and blood vessels. This, in turn, prevents the adverse effects of conditions like asthma, muscle soreness, and migraine headaches.
• A prime effect of consuming kidney bean is prevention of conditions like stroke, heart attack and PVD (Peripheral Vascular Disease). This is done with the help of folic acid present in the plant. The folic acid lowers the levels of homocysteine (a potentially dangerous molecule), which is produced as a result of the metabolic process of methylation. Elevated levels of this molecule lead to the above mentioned harmful and life-threatening conditions.