The Health Benefits Of Black Beans

 
In the past couple of years, there has been a popular food trend making its way onto every menu: the soy bean. It's notorious for appearing in almost every form imaginable from meat substitutes to milk replacements to miso soup at your favourite sushi bar. Lately, though, studies have suggested that soy may not be as beneficial as veggie lovers would like to think due to its high levels of estrogen. 

A rival to the soy bean may be in the lead now, winning the favor of people who are looking to watch their weight and cholesterol intake.The contender is the black bean and, in addition to its flavorful addition to many vegetarian recipes, researchers are finding numerous health benefits to consider over soy. 

Antioxidants 
Black beans are rich in antioxidants, which help fight cancer and various heart diseases. They have protective compounds to slow down and even prevent damage to your body's cells. 

High fiber
Your body needs high fiber content to maintain blood sugar levels and keep them from rising. Diabetics, take note! Adding black beans to a simple rice dish will sustain a balanced diet.

Protein 
Black beans are an excellent source of protein, which increase your energy levels. If you're not a big meat eater, you need plant-based foods that will provide you with sufficient protein, vitamins, and minerals to nourish you. 

Some common favourites for black bean dishes include soups, salads, rice dishes, salsa, even black bean burritos which you can find at any Mexican restaurant. Yes, soy is the chameleon of the bean family and shows off with its impressive menu options of milkshakes and ice cream. When it comes to nutritional value, though, black beans come in first.

Courtney Gilmour
		About the author:
		Courtney is a published writer, stand-up comic, and shameless Internet enthusiast. She holds a double bachelors degree in English Literature and Communication Media Studies, specializing in semiotic theory, however she doesn't get Shakespeare and has never won a game of Scrabble. Currently she lives in Toronto and works as a writer for WOMAN.CA.
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