Food Focus: Beans
Logan Cable avatar
Written by Logan Cable
Updated over a week ago

We're not talking about your grandma's lima beans! With over 40,000 types of beans, there's a bean for everyone!

Due to the variety in size, texture, taste, and nutrients, beans are popular in almost every culture.

While most of us might think of black beans as the most commonly eaten bean in the US, chickpeas, lentils, and soybeans are quickly becoming more popular.

Some of the benefits include:

  • Protein: muscle repair

  • Folate: helps make more red blood cells

  • Lower risk of heart disease (compared with animal protein)

  • Fiber

Common reactions to beans:

  • Mouth tingling

  • Hives

  • Cramps

  • Diarrhea

It's also important to remember that soy is one of the 10 most common food allergens.
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Endless Options:

Beans are an amazing option when you are trying to rotate your proteins. Here are a few fun options where beans are your main protein:

  • Hummus: Grab a blender, your favorite spices, and a lot of chickpeas

  • Bean tacos: Wrap some black beans in jicama with pico de Gallo and add some spices

  • One- pan tofu and veggies: Bake cubed tofu and veggies together for an easy meal

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