GOQii

Blog

By 40 Comments

Are you eating your beans right?

kidney-beans

My friend Neetu, recalls an incident from her childhood when she went to receive her aunt at the railway station who was arriving from Lucknow. On seeing Neetu, her aunt spontaneously asked her, “Guess your favourite thing that I’ve brought for you” and Neetu spontaneously replied “Rajma Chawal”! (Of Course, it was not Rajma Chawal that her aunt was referring too !!)

Kidney beans or Rajma is liked by kids and adults alike. It’s not just the taste but, the nutritional profile which makes it my favourite too. While it’s a rich source of protein and fibre, it’s also packed with several micronutrients, especially molybdenum, folate, copper, manganese, phosphorus, vitamin B1, iron, potassium, and magnesium. Dietary fibre in these beans helps in lowering cholesterol and prevents the rapid rise in blood glucose levels after consuming a meal.

However, in kidney beans, these nutrients exist with certain anti-nutrients or natural substances that can be harmful to our health.

1)   Phytohaemagglutinin (PHA):  This substance is classified as a lectin-glycoprotein. Lectins are known for their ability to agglutinate red blood cell types, alter cell membrane transport systems, alter cell permeability to proteins, and generally interfere with cellular metabolism. Even a small amount of PHA can have a negative effect on health. You may not consume enough to become noticeably sick, but continued exposure can result in poor growth, malnutrition, or liver damage.  White kidney beans contain about one-third the amount of toxin as the red variety.

2)   Raffinose and Stachyose: These are carbohydrates that are not digested in the small intestine by human gastrointestinal enzymes. They are passed into the large intestine where they are fermented by intestinal microflora with the production of gas. It is this behaviour which is responsible for flatulence, bloating that many of us experience after consuming these beans.

Central Public Health Laboratory (PHLS, UK ) and FDA (US) recommends this procedure to render kidney, and other beans safe for consumption:

  • Soak in water for at least 5 hours.
  • Pour away the water.
  •   Boil briskly in fresh water, with occasional stirring, for at least 10 minutes.
  • Undercooked beans may be more toxic than raw beans.

Tips for cooking –

1)     Add salt to the soaking water and cooking water as it helps remove raffinose and stachyose and thus reduces gas producing tendency of beans. Also, salt improves water absorption so beans are evenly softened and cooked.

Isn’t this what we have been watching our grandma and mum doing – Soaking overnight in salt water! Now we know the scientific basis for that.

1)     Acids, including tomatoes, lemon etc; prevent beans from absorbing water efficiently and thus may result in uneven or partial cooking, thereby retaining anti-nutrients. Always add tomato/tomato puree after boiling the beans.

2)     Microwave cooking is not recommended. Microwaves do not heat food evenly. This can cause parts of beans to remain undercooked. Boiling /pressure cooking is best. Cook for 15-20 minutes.

Next time when you enjoy beans, make sure they are safe as well!

 

About Komilla Pareek

I am a Nutritionist with varied experience, having worked with reputed hospitals, research institutes and educational establishments. Eating right is not a choice but our duty towards our body to keep it moving. Along with diet, right amount of sleep and exercise is essential to look good and feel good. Doing what is right starts with motivation, but lasts with a habit. Therefore, my goal here is to motivate you and make ‘healthy living’ your favourite habit.

Coach Skills

Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition. Nutrition Research with emphasis on Micronutrients and their bioavailability.

My Mantra

A Lifestyle with No Finish Line!

Certification

Masters in Food and Nutrition, Fellowship from Indian Council of Medical Research, Member of Indian Dietetic Association (IDA) and Nutrition Society of India (NSI)

Comments

  1. jessica Sinha says

    When you travel to Kolkata you will never truly be alone when you pick up one of the amazing escorts in Kolkata. Your nights here will be filled with passion and desire, and all sorts of sexual fun. Whether you are there for vacation or for business, Kolkata has plenty to offer you. Why not kick back a little and find a Kolkata escort service to provide you with a beauty that can really help you.
    https://www.jessicaescortsservices.com

    Reply

  2. jessica Sinha says

    When you travel to Kolkata you will never truly be alone when you pick up one of the amazing escorts in Kolkata. Your nights here will be filled with passion and desire, and all sorts of sexual fun. Whether you are there for vacation or for business, Kolkata has plenty to offer you. Why not kick back a little and find a Kolkata escort service to provide you with a beauty that can really help you relax.
    https://touchmekissmee.com

    Reply

  10. Neha Jain says

    I never knew that there are certain things to know about beans. I just liked the taste and now I know so much thanks a lot for sharing this amazing article with us.

    Reply

  20. NatashaRoy says

    Hi I am NatashaRoy you have shared here is extremely great article. I extremely like and value your work. The focuses you have specified in this article are useful,Excellent perused, Positive site,

    Reply

  37. Tamil Love Whatsapp Status says

    Thanks for sharing this best stuff with us! Keep sharing! I am new in the blog writing.All types blogs and posts are not helpful for the readers.Here the author is giving good thoughts and Dissertation Help suggestions to each and every readers through this article.Quality of the content is the main element of the blog and this is the way of writing

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Shreyans Ravrani Shifts From Illness to Wellness!

At the age of 38, Shreyans Ravrani led a lifestyle which wasn’t very different from the working professionals of his age group. As a Gujarati, his diet involved regular consumption of oily food and sweets, something he never realized can be detrimental to his health. He didn’t maintain portion control nor eat a balanced meal. […]

Sangeeta Jajodia goes from a Simple Housewife to a Super Woman!

They say being a housewife is a full time job, and quite rightly so. As one among many, 52 year old Sangeeta Jajodia from Mumbai, led a very busy life. Her routine revolved around tending to the needs and demands of her grown up children, cooking, cleaning and regular household chores. During her free time, […]

Shreejit Nandkumar Reaches His Health Goal With Determination and Consistency!

Losing weight or getting fit isn’t just about hitting the gym regularly or having a fitness regime. Pumping iron by itself cannot guarantee sustainable weight loss. It needs to be supplemented with a proper diet as well. One of our players, Shreejit Nandkumar, learned this little fact that changed his life forever.   A 47 year […]