Kidney Beans, better known as Rajma form an important part of a healthy Indian diet. Most Indian households will have Rajma at least once in a week as part of their diet. While most people use it as a substitute for dal, it is only recently that people have realized how important kidney beans or Rajma is and the myriad of benefits that it has to offer. In this article, we will elaborate more on the Kidney bean benefits and how it can affect your health in a good way.
Great for diabetics
Research has indicated that a ton of the Indian population suffers from diabetes and most of them are searching for new and novel ways to keep their diabetes and blood sugar under control. Doctors have found out that Rajma is a great way to keep your blood sugar under control because of the low glycemic index it has. Not only does it help in reducing the blood sugar levels, but it is also a great way to reduce your chance of getting diabetes.
Source: rakshaskitchen.com
Reduces Cholesterol
Kidney beans can also help to reduce cholesterol in the body. A research conducted showed that having kidney beans at least once a month can reduce the level of LDL cholesterol without affecting much of the HDL cholesterol. Kidney beans contain a large percentage of soluble content that is used to increase the excretion of bile and reduce the LDL levels of cholesterol.
Scientifically, regular consumption of kidney beans is also good for colonic fermentation of soluble fiber that in turn produces short-chain fatty acids like butyrate and propionate. These are responsible for reducing the hepatic cholesterol synthesis and therefore decreasing circulating LDL cholesterol levels.
Source: decasaproducts.in
A good substitute for animal proteins
For most vegetarians, having a good source of proteins is essential for the daily upkeep of their bodies. When had with rice, it can be a good substitute for meat and should be regularly included in a vegetarian’s diet. They are also not as heavy and fattening as animal proteins.
Source: healthyvegrecipes.com
Reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases
In today’s world, heart disease has almost become a norm. Hundreds of people suffer from different heart diseases due to the hectic but sedentary lifestyle we lead. Rajma has been known to prevent such cardiovascular diseases. It reduces inflammation in the body that in turn prevents and related heart diseases. Among the Kidney bean benefits, this is one of the most sought-after ones.
Improves your brain health
Rajma is very rich in Vitamin B1 that is essential to promote a good cognitive health. When you have a certain quantity of Vitamin B1 in your body, it leads to an increase in the levels of acetylcholine or a neurotransmitter that ensures the proper functioning of the brain. Vitamin B1 is also said to slow down the onset of Alzheimer’s or Dementia.
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Helps To Treat Certain Types Of Cancers
One of the most breakthrough benefits of rajma bean is the fact that it could actually help to cure or prevent certain types of cancer. In the US, for instance, colorectal cancer is one of the third most common cancers. This can be attributed to the high prevalence of a meat-eating society – especially preserved meat or canned items.
It has been proved that having kidney beans that contain a high level of flavonols can be inversely related to the occurrence of tumors that can lead to cancer. Research by the International Journal of Biological Macromolecules found that “white kidney bean lectin exerts anti-proliferative and apoptotic effects on cancer cells.”
Source: thalii.com
Thus, in conclusion, kidney beans are very strong cancer-preventing foods and can also help reduce your chance of getting the dreaded disease.
A good anti-oxidant powerhouse and an energy booster
Rajma has a lot of manganese that can help the body’s anti-oxidant agents fight against the free radicals. The anti-oxidant rich foods are a great way to detoxify your body and keep it in tip-top shape.
Source: foodwrite.co.uk
Since kidney beans remove the free radicals from your body, they are a great way to keep your energized and boost your metabolism to a huge extent. A good metabolism means that your nutrients are utilized well by your body and you have more energy to go on longer.
Source: enlightenmentportal.com
Strengthens your bones
Most people might not be aware of this benefit of kidney beans but they also contain a good amount of calcium that can help to keep your bones stronger. The manganese present in the beans reduces osteoporosis or the chances of getting it. They also contain folate that essentially keeps your bones and joints healthy. This marginally decreases the risk of you injuring yourself or getting fractures.
Source: osgpc.com
So you see the tremendous benefits that this tiny brown bean can have? Rajma can be cooked in a myriad of delicious ways and can be a great ingredient in your diet. Make sure you at least have rajma twice in a week to improve your overall health.
