Health Benefits of Black Beans

Health Benefits of Black Beans

When you're trying to keep your salt or sodium intake under control, you have to face the facts that drive-thru meals and highly-processed packaged foods are high in sodium. There's really no way around it other than to avoid these foods and go for healthier options that don't contain a lot of sodium. It's a tough pill to swallow if you've been used to eating burgers and fries, but it doesn't have to be.

To create an eating plan with healthy foods, your diet should include fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds, whole grains, low-fat dairy or soy products, fish, lean meats, plenty of water, and beans (also called legumes). Legumes are especially good to include in your diet because they're low in sodium, contain zero cholesterol, are low in calories, and can help reduce the risk for certain chronic diseases.

One of the tastiest beans that's loaded with vitamins, nutrients, and health benefits is black beans. You'll find black beans among our selection of Low Sodium Meals like Many Bean Soup made with black beans, pinto beans, kidney beans, garbanzo beans, lima beans, navy beans, and other ingredients. Black beans can also easily be incorporated into healthy homemade meals like salads, quesadillas, and burrito wraps.

So what makes black beans such a healthy addition to your diet? They're a good source of calcium, phosphorous, iron and zinc. These nutrients are critical to bone health. They help keep your bones strong and joints flexible. Simply eating more black beans than fast food can also have a dramatic effect on your blood pressure because they're naturally low in sodium. This is important because about 1 in 3 adults in the United States has high blood pressure.

Black beans and legumes in general are also a good source of fiber. Studies show a fiber-rich diet can help lower the risk for heart disease (the leading cause of death in the United States), aid in weight loss, control or prevent diabetes, support digestion, and even prevent certain types of cancer.

Adding more black beans and legumes to your diet is a good way to keep your sodium intake in check. You can soak and boil your own, or use