It seems to me that almost every day, there is a new report out about a certain food being bad for you, or a food that was once thought to be bad for you suddenly becomes the new health trend. It’s no wonder getting your nutrition right can feel confusing!
So, to counter this I will write a post at least once a week on a top food that is, has been and will always be, a good addition to your weekly shop!
Today it’s all about beans, beans, the magical fruit!
Types of Beans
- Kidney beans
- Garbanzo beans (aka chickpeas!)
- Borlotti beans
- Aduki beans
- Cannellini beans
- Flageolet beans
- Haricot beans
- Butter beans
Why are they good for you?
- ‘Beans, beans they’re good for your heart!’ – they really are good for your heart. Beans are high in soluble fibre which can help lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Beans are also a great source of protein. Whether you are a meat eater or not, beans are an easy addition to any meal. Beans are metabolised slowly by the body making them a great ‘filler food’. They will pad out a meal and make you feel fuller without adding too many extra calories.
- ‘B for beans’ – beans are packed full of B vitamins which contribute to healthy liver, skin, hair and eyes. Even cooked beans retain up to 70% of their vitamin content! They are also jam packed with minerals including zinc, magnesium, calcium, copper, potassium, iron, manganese to name just a few!
- ‘Sell your cow for magic beans’ – They are also inexpensive, easy to find in all supermarkets and can be added to almost any meal. Chili, bolognese, casseroles, soups, salads, anything goes. They go with meat, fish, cheese or they’re great as the star of the show too!
So, there you have it. Beans might not be considered the new trend, but trust me, they will never go out of style.
Emma Higgs Personal Training 
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