Haricot is one of the most ancient legume plants, which has been cultivated for thousands of years. Today, more than 20 varieties of beans are used in cooking, the benefits of each of them for the human body are the same, and the taste and appearance of legumes are different. Beans are, first of all, protein, an important component necessary for metabolism and strengthening the muscular system. Due to this, beans are valued in sports nutrition and recommended by nutritionists as a dietary dish. For vegetarians, beans are the main source of protein and a substitute for meat products. In this article we will look at how the beans are useful for the body and how it can be used in cooking, cosmetology, as well as in therapeutic and preventive purposes.
Did you know? The first records of the cultivation of beans date back to the 11th century, only then it was cultivated exclusively for decorative purposes. They began to eat beans closer to the XVII century. Egyptian Queen Cleopatra used beans as an ingredient in face masks. In medieval Italy, face powder was made from beans.
The composition and nutritional value of beans
The beneficial properties of beans are due to its exclusively rich composition unique to the product of plant origin. The beans contain vitamins A, B1, B2, B5, B6, B9, C, PP; as well as minerals and trace elements: iron, potassium, calcium, manganese, sodium, sulfur, zinc, fiber, oleic acid, pectins, starches, monosaccharides, disaccharides, etc. Beans are quite nutritious, its calorie content depends on the variety (from 24 to 123 calories ), and the benefits are superior to many other herbal products. The most high-calorie are white bean varieties, the least - green beans (24 kcal total). The protein content in the beans reaches 8.4 g (red beans), fat - up to 0.5 g, carbohydrates - up to 21.5 g
Did you know? Each country has its own favorite type of beans, which is used in cooking most often. For example, in Georgia it is dark red or small black beans; in Mexico, bajos, large white beans. Asian cuisine uses green beans.
What is useful beans for men and women
First of all, the beans are useful because its protein is absorbed by the body by almost 80%: it easily replaces meat and fish products, while not making the body heavier with animal fats. The benefits of beans for the body is manifested in:
- strengthening immunity and increasing resistance to infections;
- regulation of metabolism;
- beneficial effects on the nervous system;
- participation in blood formation and formation of red blood cells;
- removing sand and stones from the gallbladder and kidneys;
- improvement of the urogenital system;
- fight against inflammatory processes in the liver;
- positive effects on the activity of the gastrointestinal tract;
- prevention of diseases of the oral cavity, preventing the appearance of tartar.
Beets, cabbage, carrots, marigolds, pumpkins, strawberries, corn, tomato, potatoes are the best "neighbors" for beans in the garden, as they have a beneficial effect on each other and attract bees for better pollinability.With intestinal infections, bronchial diseases, rheumatism, Red beans are recommended, since its beneficial properties are higher than those of other types and varieties of beans. A huge amount of antioxidants that preserve youth and bring out free radicals, a high content of iron and vitamin B6, which improves the condition of the skin and hair - this is what is the use of red beans for women.
Important! All types of beans, especially red, are very toxic in their raw form. Before use, it should be soaked for a long time (for several hours, ideally left overnight), and then cook on low heat for at least two hours. Only with prolonged heat treatment toxins are destroyed.Popularity also enjoy and white bean varieties. Their use is due to the increased content of fiber, magnesium and folic acid. Especially shown is the use of white beans for people suffering from constipation.
Green bean Especially appreciated by nutritionists, in addition to its benefits, for low calorie, no contraindications and harm to the body. By green beans is meant asparagus and string beans, although these are different cultures. Asparag bean contains a large amount of protein, in cooking both grains and pods of this culture are used. It removes excess fluid and salt from the body, helps the cardiovascular system. Due to its arginine content, similar in properties to insulin, asparagus beans are an ideal product for diabetics. 
Green beans is beneficial to any organism, has no contraindications and does not cause harm even to pregnant women. The culture is rich in beauty vitamins A, C, E, which significantly improve the condition of the skin, giving it a more youthful, fresh look. For future mothers green beans helps to cope with anxiety, excessive nervousness and frequent mood swings. For all the others, green string beans are useful in that they ensure the functioning of the digestive system, normalize the secretion of gastric juice and improve the functioning of the liver and kidneys.
String beans has a significant benefit for men, protecting against prostate adenoma and providing the body with the necessary zinc.
Application in nutrition
People who want to lose weight or just watching their own weight balance, nutritionists recommend to include beans in your diet. In addition to the low caloric content of this culture, it contains fiber, very useful for digestion. Thanks to the fiber, the beans provide a feeling of satiety for a long time, which reduces the number of meals. In addition, this ensures the removal of harmful toxins from the body, prevents the appearance of malignant tumors and normalizes blood sugar levels.
If you are trying to lose weight, you must enter into your diet simple carbohydrates, namely: cabbage, cucumbers, tomatoes, carrots, peppers, buckwheat and barley.
How to use beans in cosmetology
The usefulness of beans is manifested not only in its nutritional value. Culture is actively used in cosmetology. as a component of various skin care products. Masks for the face and neckline on the basis of beans perfectly nourish the skin, have a smoothing and lifting effect. In addition, the beans have a whitening property, thereby smoothing the color and surface of the skin.
These masks perfectly clean, relieve itching and irritation, relieve eyelid fatigue and relieve bags under the eyes. The most common and effective mask that is suitable for all skin types, is prepared very simply: 2 tbsp. l softened bean puree mixed with 1 tbsp. l olive oil and ½ tbsp. l lemon juice. Apply to cleansed skin and leave for 20 minutes, then rinse with warm water. Depending on skin types, you can change ingredients and create your favorite recipe. So, for dry skin, you can add cream and various oils: peach pits, wheat germ, almond, shea, coconut, etc. For oily skin - less oil and more scrubbing absorbent: oatmeal or buckwheat flour.
Is there any benefit to using canned beans?
Bean Preservation - This is one of the most reliable options for preserving this product and its valuable nutritional properties. About 70% of vitamins and up to 80% of the minerals contained in beans are preserved in canned form. However, canned beans can only be useful if manufacturers comply with standards and conservation rules in good faith. For example, according to GOST, beans with sizes ranging from 0.6 to 1 cm are suitable for preservation. The ideal composition for preserving beans must contain no more than four components: water, sugar, salt and beans.
Only acetic acid is allowed as a preservative. Therefore, when purchasing in canned food stores, you need to pay attention to the composition and manufacturer to avoid buying low-quality goods. It is better to buy beans in a glass container to see its quality. Before use, canned beans should be well washed in cold water to wash out residues of preservatives.
Important! Do not abuse canned beans to people who often suffer from flatulence and other disorders of the gastrointestinal tract.
Who is the bean is contraindicated
We can say that the benefits and harms of beans are separated by a thin line - the degree of preparation of the product. What is poisonous in its raw form is very useful for prolonged soaking and heat treatment. Therefore, the main rule, in order for the beans to bring only benefits - eat it well cooked. However, there are some limitations in the use of boiled beans. Care should be taken to dishes from beans to those who suffer from a stomach ulcer, cholecystitis, nephritis, pancreatitis, gout and gastritis with high acidity.
