Is Rice & Beans Good for You?
What you should know about the nutrition in this simple dish
Rice and beans, a classic comfort food combo in Latino and Caribbean communities and some parts of the American South, is one of the healthiest dishes you can eat. It's rich in plant protein—12 grams per cup—and it provides nutrients that most Americans don’t get enough of.
Top among them is fiber. One cup of white rice and beans has 10 grams of fiber, mostly supplied by the beans. Compare that with a cup of chicken and rice, which has less than 1 gram.
“A diet that’s high in fiber helps regulate blood sugar and prevent certain types of cancer,” says Michelle Schelske-Santos, Ph.D., a professor in the nutrition and dietetics program at ...
The Many Health Benefits of Beans
These nutrient-packed foods are key contributors to lasting weight loss and good health.
Though the term “superfood” is applied to many foods these days, beans really may be deserving of the title. In addition to being inexpensive (dried beans can cost just pennies per serving), they’re full of nutrients, including copper, folate, iron, magnesium, potassium, and zinc, as well as protein and fiber.
One study found that eating beans four times per week reduced heart disease risk by 22 percent. Another showed that bean eaters may be less likely to develop type 2 diabetes and may have better blood sugar control if they do have the disease.
“Beans promote good health and can be used many ways, including in soups, salads, dips, and ...
The health benefits of soya
High in protein and a popular plant-based meat and dairy alternative, soya is the world's most widely cultivated legume. Nutritionist Jo Lewin shares nutritional highlights, recent research and recipes.
An introduction to soya
Like other beans, the soya bean (Glycine max) grows in pods enclosing edible seeds. They are usually green but can be yellow, brown or black. The texture is so adaptable that soya beans are frequently processed into a variety of foods. Soya beans – also known as edamame beans when eaten fresh from the pod – are consumed as an alternative to meat. They are the basis of soya milk, tofu, miso, tempeh and soya protein.
Origins
The soya bean plant is native to China, where ...