The small adzuki beans are native to the Himalayan region and the Eastern parts of Asia. The beans are basically red in color. However, black and white colored beans are also found in some areas. It is used for sweet culinary preparations such as natto in Japan. These legumes are a good source of protein, they are nutrient dense, which means they provide plenty of minerals and vitamins and are low in fat. Besides its unique flavour, the adzuki beans also have a number of health benefits. Mentioned below are some of the benefits of consuming adzuki beans.
Benefits Of Adzuki Beans
Heart Health
Magnesium, potassium, folate and dietary fiber all contribute towards boosting cardiovascular health. Potassium has the ability to relax blood vessels and improve blood flow, thus decreasing blood pressure as well as strain on your heart. Fiber balances cholesterol level. This helps in lowering the chances of atherosclerosis thereby protecting you from strokes and heart attack.
Regular Bowel Movement
Being a good source of dietary fiber and energy, adzuki beans supports regular bowel movements. It speeds up the removal of waste and prevents the absorption of harmful substances from the body.
Prevents Cancer
The presence of protease inhibitors in adzuki beans is known to prevent the growth of cancerous cells. It helps in prevention of breast and colon cancer. Consuming a cup of these tasty beans regularly will lower the risk of breast cancer in women.
Treats Urinary Dysfunction/Bladder Infections
The rich soluble fiber present in the beans will help in treating urinary dysfunction/bladder infections in men as well as women. The fiber provides soothing effect, which makes it perfect to heal the urinary tract as well as bladder infection.
Improves Metabolism
The high amounts of potassium, iron, zinc, copper and manganese present in the beans play a crucial role in maintaining the healthy metabolism of the body.
Diabetes Prevention
The high percentage of dietary fiber found in adzuki beans also helps in regulating the action of insulin receptors thereby ensuring that the sugar levels in the blood remains normal. It will not only help in preventing diabetes, but also manages the symptoms and checks the drops or spikes in diabetic patients that could be dangerous for them.
Digestive Issues
The beans have high content of dietary fiber, which is quite essential for the digestive health. The peristaltic motion is stimulated by fiber, which moves food easily down the digestive tract. This enables smooth absorption of nutrients from the food. Also, fiber helps in eliminating conditions such as bloating, diarrhoea, constipation and also serious diseases such as colon cancer.
Weight Loss
The protein and dietary fiber satiates your appetite and keeps you full for a long time. Moreover, the beans are not high in calories too. About ½ cup of adzuki beans is equal to 150 calories. This means, you will get the required nutritive benefits without piling on any pounds.
Growth And Repair
Being a good source of protein, adzuki beans are just right food for vegans and vegetarians, who don’t get the required quantity of protein from their diet from animal sources. Protein helps break down the amino acids to create new tissues, cells and organs for repair and growth. Also, the beans provide energy boost due to its high protein content.
Detox The Liver
The presence of molybdenum, a type of unique mineral in high concentration is the reason behind the detoxifying property of adzuki beans. This trace mineral is generally not present in many foods. Even a 1/2-serving of the beans offers you almost 100% daily-recommended dosage of molybdenum.
Bone Strength
Osteoporosis is one of the conditions associated with old age. Including minerals such as magnesium, copper and zinc in your daily diet can boost the bone strength. Also, it prevents demineralization of bones. Adzuki beans contain all these minerals thereby preventing osteoporosis.
Birth Defects
Abundant presence of B vitamins, especially the folic acid in adzuki beans helps in preventing birth defects. Neural tube defects results due to deficiency of folic acid in mothers. So, intake of adzuki beans during pregnancy ensures healthy delivery.
Kidney Diseases
People suffering from any kidney related ailments can benefit by eating these beans. The nutrients present in adzuki beans helps in improving the performance of kidneys and at the same time prevents kidney disorders too.
Anemia
As adzuki beans are rich in folic acid and iron, it helps in treating and preventing anemia. Iron transports oxygenated blood to the entire body while folic acid prevents birth defects.
Brain Health
The presence of thiamine in adzuki beans helps in maintaining brain health thereby preventing brain disorders. It also improves the functioning of nervous system too.
