Beans: The Superfood

As a diabetic, many people simply assume they have to either stop or reduce the amount of carbohydrates in their diet. This is true – to a point. What they need to eliminate is the simple carbohydrates found in foods such as white bread, white rice and white pasta. What they can, and definitely should, eat is food that provides complex carbohydrates. One such “superfood” is the bean!

Beans provide a generous amount of soluble fiber. This is very beneficial in managing diabetes since it helps to regulate blood sugar levels by slowing down the absorption rate of sugar entering the bloodstream. Dietary fiber intake also helps to lower blood pressure and the LDL cholesterol. A healthy amount of fiber in a person’s diet will help them to lose weight, and this is also very important when battling diabetes.

The reason beans are considered so-called superfoods, is that they also provide lots of protein. ½ cup of cooked beans offers the same amount of protein as an ounce of meat, without the all the saturated fat. Beans also contain an excellent amount of potassium, which can protect a diabetic against heart disease, hypertension and stroke.

So, black beans, navy beans, kidney beans and lima beans, truly live up to their name of a superfood. A diet for diabetics should include beans, and if you are looking for ways to incorporate beans into your diet, consider making a 15-bean soup. This soup is easy, tasty and very healthy.

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