Beans. The more you eat, the ... less you weigh. That's what science says, that bean-eaters weigh less on average than non-bean-eaters. About 6.6 pounds less, to be exact.
RealAge expert John La Puma, MD, author of ChefMD's Big Book of Culinary Medicine, says it makes sense that beans have the power to knock off a few pounds. They are full of fiber, full of protein, and low in fat. This means they'll keep you fuller longer and will make only a small dent in your calorie intake.
Dr. Fuhrman considers beans—also called legumes—are serious health foods. Check it out:
A large recent study examined the eating habits of 32,000 adults for six years and then watched the incidence of cancer for these subjects over the next six years. Those who avoided red meat but at white meat regularly had a more than 300 percent increase in colon cancer incidence.1 The same study showed that eating beans, peas, or lentils, at least twice a week was associated with a 50 percent lower risk than never eating these foods. Beans, in general, not just soy, have additional anti-cancer benefits against reproductive cancers, such as breast and prostate cancer.2
And not only are beans packed with fiber, but they’re also loaded with protein. More from Dr. Fuhrman:
Eating more plant protein is the key to increasing our micronutrient intake. It is interesting to note that foods such as peas, green vegetables, and beans have lots of protein—even more protein per calorie than meat. But what is generally considered is that foods that are rich in plant protein are generally the foods that are richest in nutrients and phytochemicals. By eating more of these high-nutrient, low-calorie foods, we get plenty of protein, and our bodies get flooded with protective micronutrients simultaneously. Animal protein does not contain antioxidants and phytochemical; plant protein does. Plus, animal protein is married to saturated fat. Excesses of saturated fat are not favorable to good health.
Although, not everyone is excited about beans—like this little girl. Take a look:
And, they help you make wonderful music! But seriously, That’sFit passes along some info on beans’ fiber-full powers. Here’s a snippet:
Dr. Fuhrman considers beans—also called legumes—are serious health foods. Check it out:
And not only are beans packed with fiber, but they’re also loaded with protein. More from Dr. Fuhrman:
Although, not everyone is excited about beans—like this little girl. Take a look:
Now, for more on beans and healthy bodyweight, don’t forget about this post: Beans and Obesity Prevention.
1. Singh, P.N., and G.E. Fraser. 1998. Dietary risk factors for colon cancer in a low-risk population. Am. J. Epidem. 148: 761-74.
2. Nelson, N. J. 1996. Is chemoprevention research overrated or under-funded? Primary Care & Cancer 16 (8): 29-30.