Beans are of particular value to human health. This is an indispensable source of plant protein, amino acids and rare trace elements. The nutritional value of legumes is extremely high. Vegetarians replace meat and fish with the fruits of this plant. There are many types of beans, each of which has its own taste, cooking features and useful properties. The price of legumes also varies depending on the variety. For example, Kenyan beans, which have a huge amount of vitamins and antioxidants, are considered the most expensive.
Bean Benefits
It contains a lot of useful trace elements. Red beans have a lot of iron, and white beans have calcium and potassium. Dry beans, which are usually used for cooking first courses, are virtually vitamin C-free. Unlike cereal beans, green beans have a huge supply of this important element. The composition of such a product also contains vitamins B1, B2 and B6, A, PP and K.
One hundred grams of asparagus beans contains more than 50 grams of carbohydrates, 22 grams of protein and only 3 grams of fat. The calorie content of Kenyan beans is 30 kcal.
Doctors recommend using this vegetable for the following diseases:
- Violations in the work of the genital area. It has been observed that men who regularly eat beans are less likely to suffer from potency disorder.
- In diabetes, the plant helps lower blood sugar.
- Beans have a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system, heals and restores its function. Thanks to a sufficiently large amount of potassium, this vegetable strengthens the heart muscle and prevents the formation of cholesterol plaques on the walls of blood vessels.
- It is recommended for use in kidney diseases, since it perfectly regulates the water-salt balance and acts as a mild diuretic.
Due to the presence of non-essential amino acids, beans rejuvenates the body and improves the condition of the skin and hair. Not without reason from this product make magnificent face masks.
Types of Beans
It has a lot of variety. Many of them are unaware of some of them. In total, in nature there are about 1 thousand varieties of this plant, many of which do not represent nutritional value for humans. Wild beans can still be found in North America. This continent is home to legumes.
Decorative varieties
Purple string beans, otherwise called "Dragon's Tongue." Its appearance is extremely attractive, so such fruits are often used as hedges. The pods of this plant are quite long and are about 16 cm.
Another species that is grown to create hedges is red decorative beans. It can well be eaten, but only at the green stage.
For diet food
Indian small beans called "Mash" are most often used in germinated form. It is added to salads or side dishes without undergoing prolonged heat treatment. Thus, the maximum amount of nutrients is preserved in the fruits.
Long yellow beans have few calories and is used in diet food. It is eaten in the early stages of maturation. Thanks to the short and gentle heat treatment, it retains all the beneficial substances. Yellow bean pods are extremely long and sometimes reach 20 cm.
Japanese grade "Azuki"
The Japanese consider this type of bean a source of health and longevity. He is credited with unique healing properties. The beans "Adzuki" refers to the grain varieties that are grown to produce grains. Its fruits are saturated red brick shade and small in size. It is extremely easy to grow such a plant, since this variety is unpretentious and frost-resistant. Fruits and stored "Azuki" pretty well.
Asparagus "Saxa"
A feature of this variety is the complete absence of fibers. Due to this quality, Saksu beans are used in restaurants for cooking. She has a great taste and high yield. Usually the first shoots appear a month and a half after planting. This bean is not demanding on soil quality and watering. Bushes grow tall and strong enough. Sometimes their length reaches 60 cm. The pods are short, up to 10 cm in length.
Kenyan Asparagus Beans
This green bean is extremely popular in Africa. She has long, thin pods reaching a diameter of no more than five millimeters. When preparing meals, it is imperative to maintain the rich green color of Kenyan beans. For this, it is not boiled, but only slightly dipped in boiling water. Fresh Kenyan beans are almost never used. The taste of the fruits of this plant is sweet and very pleasant. Ready-made pods are preferred to add as a side dish to meat dishes or salads.
Bean color
There are four types of coloring of the grains of this plant: white (cream), red, black and spotted.
- Red beans contain amino acids and vitamins of group B. It has an extremely beneficial effect on the nervous system, as well as the condition of hair and teeth.
- Black is recommended to use for the prevention of cancer. She has a spicy taste, reminiscent of smoked meat.
- The most common white beans contain a huge amount of protein. It is often used by vegetarians as an alternative to meat. One hundred grams of white grains contains only 110 kilocalories. Therefore, white beans are very often used in diet food.
The more saturated the shade of grains, the more healing properties they have. People who regularly eat legumes have beautiful and healthy hair, clean skin and good immunity.
Features of Asparagus Beans
It is also sometimes called chilli, although this is not entirely correct. The difference between Kenyan beans and green beans (photo of the plant is presented above) in the absence of hard fibers. Moreover, the first type is softer, delicate and sweetish in taste. He has poorly expressed grains, which are not particularly valuable for cooking. Kenyan beans contain a small amount of calories and many healthy substances. At its core, asparagus haricot is an unripe green. Therefore, sometimes it is called green green.
How to Make Kenyan Beans
Due to the lack of fiber, asparagus beans are often used to make fresh salads. To do this, the pods are boiled in salt water, cut and mixed with herbs, onions and garlic. This is the fastest and most useful way to cook this vegetable. If desired, nuts and lemon juice can be added to the salad.
A more sophisticated dish is an omelet or lobio made from Kenyan beans. What kind of dish it is is probably known to many. It consists of tomatoes, onions, garlic and walnuts. Beans are pre-boiled before cooking and only then used. Cooking time should not be too long, otherwise most vitamins and minerals will remain in the water. After the pods are ready, they are pulled out of hot water and slightly squeezed. Already cooled Kenyan beans are cut into small pieces, the size of which will depend on the preferences of the hostess.
Cooking Kenyan beans omelet with photo
For this Italian dish you will need the following ingredients:
- 200 grams of asparagus bean pods (pre-boiled).
- Two raw eggs.
- 50 g of grated cheese.
- 1 onion.
Fry the onion. Kenyan bean pods are cut and lightly fried on margarine.
In some places, a golden crust should form. Beat the eggs with a fork and add the grated cheese. The mixture is poured into a pan over the beans. Cover and bring to readiness.
With cabbage, tomatoes and bell peppers
Beans with cabbage are prepared as follows: half of the head of white cabbage is chopped with a thin straw. It is recommended to scald the vegetable a little so that softness appears. After which, the cabbage is ground with salt, a small amount of lemon juice and fried bean pods are added. This dish can be seasoned with finely chopped dill or basil.
To cook beans with tomatoes, you will need small ripe tomatoes, Kenyan beans and parsley asparagus pods. Tomatoes are cut into small slices and fried in vegetable oil. At the end of frying, pre-chopped scalded pods are added and stewed until cooked. An already prepared dish is sprinkled with finely chopped parsley.
Very tasty beans are obtained together with bell pepper and onions. Pods are added at the end of the stew, after the vegetables are ready. All components are mixed, salted and left under a tight lid. Before the end of cooking, add crushed garlic and two tablespoons of low-fat sour cream.