
Advantages of eating beans. A plant that contains pods, beans are a nutrient-dense, practical, adaptable, and affordable legume. Beans have numerous health advantages, including lowering blood sugar and cholesterol and facilitating digestion, thanks to their special blend of fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals.
ADVANTAGES OF EATING BEANS
Increasing your weekly intake of beans can help you reach your fiber goals. Depending on gender, 25–38 grams of fiber should be consumed each day.3 In addition, beans are high in calcium, magnesium, zinc, potassium, antioxidant, iron, folate, and more.
1. Reduced Cholesterol

Complex carbohydrates, including dietary fiber, are abundant in beans. Fiber lowers cholesterol, helps control blood sugar, regulates the bowels, and increases feelings of fullness. Like a sponge, soluble fiber absorbs liquids and forms a gel-like substance that draws cholesterol from the body.
2. A Good Iron Source
Plant-based iron, found in beans, serves a number of purposes. Neurological development, cellular activity, hormone synthesis, and physical growth all depend on iron. Nonheme iron, which is found in beans, is not well absorbed by the body. Nonetheless, consuming foods strong in vitamin C along with foods high in iron can improve absorption. Try some sautéed peppers with beans.
3. Lower Blood Pressure

Because they are naturally high in potassium and low in fat and sodium, beans may help decrease blood pressure. Potassium is an electrolyte that lowers blood pressure by promoting sodium excretion through urine and easing blood vessel wall tension.
4. Has Folate in It
The natural form of vitamin B9 is called folate. To reduce the risk of congenital defects, pregnant women must consume enough amounts of folate. Folate is also involved in DNA synthesis, homocysteine metabolism, and fast cell division.
5. Reduces the Chance of Type 2 Diabetes

About 11% of your magnesium requirements can be met by eating half a cup of beans. A necessary mineral, magnesium serves a variety of purposes in the body. It is a cofactor (coenzyme) in about 300 enzyme systems that are involved in the production of proteins, the regulation of blood pressure and sugar, and the function of muscles and nerves. Magnesium-rich diets are linked to a decreased risk of type 2 diabetes.
6. Boosts Immune Function
Polyphenols, which are chemicals with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities, are abundant in plant-based meals like beans. Their function in immunological health is still being studied, though. Zinc, a necessary mineral that strengthens the immune system, is also found in beans.
7. Gut Health with Prebiotics

Pulses and beans contain a fiber called resistant starch. By stimulating the formation of fatty acids in the colon and encouraging the growth of good gut bacteria, it functions as a prebiotic. This can enhance the gut microbiome’s diversity of bacteria and other species, which is good for general health.
8. Maintains Bowels

Regular fiber-rich foods, such as beans, may give stool more volume and speed up its passage through the intestines.15 To lower the risk of gas and bloating, add modest amounts of beans gradually while drinking enough water if your diet is poor in fiber.
Summary
Beans, of which there are hundreds of varieties, are a nutrient-dense, handy, and adaptable supplement to most diets. Protein, fiber, minerals, and plant-based chemicals linked to improved intestinal health, lower blood pressure, blood sugar management, and other health benefits can be found in beans. Try preparing your own beans to manage the sodium amount, flavor, and texture. Choose low- or no-sodium canned or boxed alternatives if you are short on time and need something quickly.