The Benefits of Healthy Legumes for Weight Loss

Legume is a plant that comes from the plant family Fabaceae or Leguminosae. They produce grains or also known as a pulse when it's dry. These seeds are being agriculturally produced for food. It can also be fed for livestock, silage, or even for enhancing the soil to have it ready to be used for planting.

Soybeans, beans, chickpeas, peas, peanuts, lentils, and many more are the most known legumes. Lupins, carob, mesquite, alfalfa, tamarind, and clover are also other types of legumes around. It produces a pod that has seeds inside of it and that's why it's called legumes which means seeds of these plants.

They are the healthiest beans and they come cheap as well. That's why it's a staple of some developing countries. It's also popular among vegans since it's a plant-based legume protein. There's no need to consume meat to get your protein. It's also common for those who want to lose weight.

What Are the Health Benefits of Legumes?

1. Provide Key Nutrients

Legumes have similar nutrients found in meat but the difference is that they have lower iron levels and they don't contain saturated fats. It doesn't contain cholesterol either and they are high in folate, iron, and magnesium, as well as potassium. It contains both soluble and insoluble fiber that will aid in digestion.

Legumes are a good source of protein which makes them a great meat substitute. It's a healthier option since legumes don't contain fat and cholesterol compared to meat. Aside from these key nutrients, legumes are affordable than other food. They can last for a long time which makes them good survival food.

2. Deliver Antioxidants

It contains antioxidants that will help your body to fight different diseases. They are one of the best sources so it's not a bad idea to include them in your diet. You can also find kaempferol in pinto beans. This particular antioxidant is linked to great health benefits such as reducing chronic inflammation and suppressing cancer growth.

This is an impressive and also affordable way to increase your antioxidants. Legumes can also make you feel full faster. That's why it's a good addition to your diet especially if you're trying to lose some weight. Not to mention, it can provide your body more protection from illnesses.

3. Promote a Healthy Heart

Legumes also promote a healthy heart since it helps to regulate the blood sugar, blood pressure, as well as your heart rate. It will lower your risk of developing cardiovascular disease, coronary heart disease, and also high blood pressure. The reason for this is because legume contains many healthy nutrients.

It contains folate, antioxidants, and magnesium to avoid high blood pressure. Legumes also contain fiber which can help a lot in controlling cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Including legumes in your diet will ensure that your heart will be protected. Because legumes are packed with nutrients, it will also keep you healthy.

4. May Lower the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes

Aside from the fact that legumes are packed with essential nutrients, they are also low in calories. Although they can make you feel full faster compared to other types of food. When your body uses the carbohydrates from legumes, it can provide a stable energy source for your mind, body, and central nervous system.

Eating legumes and making them a part of your healthy diet will maintain your blood sugar to its healthy levels. It can lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future which many people are suffering from right now. So, make sure to include legumes in your meal plans, along with other diabetes mitigating supplements.

5. Offer a Plant-Based Protein

If you're looking for a meat substitute, you can go for legumes since it has similar nutrients to meat. But it's more healthy since it doesn't contain saturated fats and it's also cheaper than meat. Legumes are a great source of protein if you're thinking of switching to a plant-based diet.

This is where the vegetarians get their protein in case you're wondering. They usually add legumes to their meal plans to get some protein on their diet. That means that you can also do the same since legumes are nutritious, you will not have to worry about your health.

6. Enhance Digestive Health

The fiber in legumes will help to enhance your digestive health since it's a good source. Fiber helps with maintaining a regular bowel movement. If you're suffering from constipation at times, make sure to eat some legumes regularly. Just a cup of legumes will provide you with the fiber your body requires.

When you're having a regular and easier bowel movement, your digestive system will thank you for it. Legumes will help you to cleanse the toxins from your body as well. That's why many health-conscious individuals make sure to have legumes at least once a week. If you have better digestion, it will keep you healthy. As your gut microbiome has an impact on your overall health.

What are the Best Legumes for Weight Loss?

Technically, all legumes are good for you since it's packed with nutrients your body needs. They are considered to be good carbs since it's not easily absorbed by the body. But if you're looking specifically for healthy legumes for weight loss, there are a few that you can choose from.

The healthiest beans for weight loss include lentils, kidney beans, black beans, and more. It's high in protein as well as fiber. Both of these nutrients have something to do with satiety or the feeling of fullness. Legumes will make you feel full faster and avoid consuming more calories that lead to weight gain.

Are Legumes Bad for Weight Loss?

According to the new analysis of existing research about legumes and weight loss, eating a serving of legumes daily can help you lose some weight. Based on the research, those who include legumes in their diets lost a few pounds. But the subjects who did not eat beans, peas, and legumes, their weight remains the same.

Legumes have a high fiber content, they can cause the feeling of fullness faster. That means that you can also avoid craving unhealthy foods since you're already satisfied with your meal. It will lead to lesser calories consumption which will help you to lose weight. Which takes advantage of the link between our appetite and hunger.

List of Healthy Beans

Peanuts

You read it right, peanuts are legumes which means, you can have them for your snack. They are a good source of polyunsaturated fats, monounsaturated fats, protein, and B vitamins. These nutrients found in peanuts will contribute to having a healthy heart. However, you have to be careful and avoid the salted version. Salted peanuts contain sodium which means it can make you gain weight because of water retention. Just remember to only consume the suggested serving size to avoid gaining weight

Navy Beans

Also known as haricot beans, these are a great source of fiber, B vitamins, and minerals. It appears that it can reduce the symptoms of metabolic syndrome. This may be because navy beans have high fiber content. In one study with overweight and obese adults, eating 5 cups of navy beans and other legumes every week is an effective weight loss practice. Doing that will also help to improve and control blood sugar and blood pressure levels

Pinto Beans

They are common in Mexico and they can be eaten as whole beans, mashed, or even fried. It can help to reduce blood cholesterol which is good for your health and also decreases blood sugar levels and maintaining gut health.

Similar to other legumes, pinto beans can also lessen the rise of your blood sugar levels after a meal. Not only will pinto beans help you lose some weight but they will also keep you healthy

Soybeans

These are common in Asia and they are consumed in many different forms. But the most popular form of soybeans is tofu. They are also packed in nutrients such as protein, fiber, iron, folate, and many more.

Tofu is often used as a meat substitute for vegetarian dishes. It has a good texture and is tasteless so it can easily be seasoned according to taste. Soybeans also contain a high level of isoflavones, which is an antioxidant.

Black Beans

Black beans or also known as turtle beans are one of the staple foods in North America. They have a satisfying texture and also taste mildly sweet. It has antioxidants, fiber, and carbohydrates which makes them nutritious. Including black beans in your diet will help you to reduce the risk of serious health conditions.

This type of beans can also help your body to better process calories. Black beans can help you to regulate your blood sugar levels. It can also prevent cancer, give you better eye health, and also have a healthy heart. Black beans' calories content is about 227 grams per cup.

Kidney Beans

Kidney beans are often eaten with rice and are one of the most common beans around. It's rich in fiber so it will help you feel full faster. These beans contain protein, folate, manganese, vitamin B1, and others.

Type 2 diabetes can also be prevented by eating kidney beans. It can also aid in weight loss since it can reduce fat mass. Since it's common, you can find it almost anywhere and add them to your diet

Peas

This type of legume is also high in fiber as well as protein. Peas can also be used as a supplement to take advantage of its many health benefits. Pea flour and pea fiber can reduce insulin resistance.

It can also reduce belly fat better than using wheat flour. But the overall effect of peas in different forms will benefit anyone to have a healthier body. It will help you to lose weight naturally as well

Lentils

Lentils are a great source of protein for a vegetarian and plant-based diet. You can casually add them to your soups or stews. Aside from being nutritious, it can also lower blood sugar levels which means it can prevent diabetes.

Adding lentils to your dishes will help you to take advantage of its nutritional benefits. Since it's a type of legume, you can expect that it's also packed with fiber and other nutrients

Chickpeas

Chickpeas are also known as garbanzo beans and it's packed with fiber and protein. These are a good addition to the diet. It will make you feel satiated faster since it's high in fiber. These types of healthy legumes can reduce blood sugar while increasing insulin sensitivity. It's a good addition to your salads or dishes and can avoid you from overeating

FAQ

What is the Best Time to Eat Legumes?

The best time to eat legumes is at night since it aids digestion and reduces cholesterol levels. Dinner should be the lightest meal of your day and legumes are the best during that time. Avoid eating legumes in the morning since it can increase your appetite and make you eat more.
Is It OK to Eat Legumes Every Day?

The simple answer to this is yes, you can eat legumes every day. If you can do that, it will help you to lose weight. It will also lower your cholesterol levels which is a good way to start being healthier. It will also reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes. Making it a great choice to include in a body detox diet.

Conclusion

Eating healthy legumes for weight loss is a good start if you want to achieve your fitness goal. They are great sources of fiber and protein to also have better health. Start eating more legumes so you can also start losing that unwanted weight. Having a healthy body will make you look and feel beautiful inside out.