When it comes to heart health and better digestion, baked beans may be one of your best allies. There is truth behind the adage “beans, beans are good for your heart”, as this staple food is full of nutrients that promote heart healthy functions, along with aiding in proper digestion.
Baked beans are full of fiber, a nutrient that is extremely important for overall health, particularly heart health.
When eaten as part of a healthy diet, fiber can help lower cholesterol levels in the body. It does this by reducing the amount of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or “bad” cholesterol in the body. Baked beans can help reduce LDL levels in the bloodstream, which can help prevent clogging of the arteries and promote a healthy heart. The American Heart Association recommends eating foods high in soluble fiber, such as baked beans, to help maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
The fiber in baked beans has another advantage: it promotes healthy digestion.
Diet high in fiber have been shown to prevent constipation and promote regular bowel movements. Fiber acts as a prebiotic, meaning that it feeds the good bacteria in the gut, allowing it to flourish and promote a healthy digestive tract, which allows the body to extract the most nutrients from food.
Fiber isn’t the only nutrient that baked beans have to offer-the are also high in plant-based protein, which is excellent for building and maintaining lean muscle mass.
They are a healthy alternative for people looking to reduce their consumption of meat, as they provide essential amino acids without the added saturated fat. Saturated fat raises bad cholesterol levels and promotes unhealthy heart function, so swapping out some meat for baked beans can have enormous health benefits. The protein in baked beans also promotes satiety, meaning you’ll feel full for longer after eating them.
Finally, baked beans are chock-full of essential vitamins and minerals.
They are particularly rich in folate, iron, and magnesium. Folate is a B-complex vitamin that promotes healthy cell growth and replication. Iron is an essential mineral for the creation of red blood cells, and magnesium promotes healthy muscle function and lowers blood pressure.
While beans are healthy, one thing to consider is that canned baked beans often have added sugars and sodium.
Luckily, there are many low-sodium options on the market, and even better you can make your own homemade baked beans to ensure there are no unwanted additives.
You can add baked beans to your diet in countless ways, such as a side dish, tossed into salads, or used in recipes such as soups or casseroles. Their versatility in the kitchen makes them ideal for adding to any meal, and their delicious taste make them enjoyable for the whole family!
So next time you are at the grocery store, or even in your own pantry, be sure to pick up a can or two of baked beans. Your body will thank you for the boost in essential nutrients that promote heart function and digestion.