Black Beans Are Brain Food
It’s a good thing that our four-year-old son, Nicholas, enjoys black beans as much as he does, especially since they are considered to be one of the Top 10 Brain Foods. He’s certainly onto something at his young age! In addition to being good for your mind, Science News also reports that black beans are invaluable in warding off heart disease. Already tagged as one of the World’s Healthiest Foods, I can’t say that I’m surprised by this.
Beans contain numerous nutrients known to fight off heart disease. Says Campos, “It’s a very good package in terms of a single food,” she says. “Like other legumes, black beans contain folate, magnesium, alpha-linolenic acid, vitamin B6, and fiber. Beans make up a large portion of Costa Ricans’ intake of these protective nutrients. For instance, beans make up 25 percent of their total fiber and 17 percent of their folate consumption,” says study coauthor Edmond Kabagambe, also of Harvard. Additionally, they are also great for lowering cholesterol and since they also prevent blood sugar levels from raising to high, they’re perfect for those with diabetes.
Now that you know that you should be eating this magical bean, what recipe should you use? Whether you use them in a side dish, main course, or even in an appetizer, there are countless ways to sneak the bean into your diet. And even better news, it’s quite easy on your wallet as well. Since both dried and black beans are readily available throughout the year, they’re a terrific go-to resource when planning your menu. The Husband, being Cuban, makes Cuban Black Beans and Rice quite often, pairing it with Roast Chicken. I don’t know about you, but my mouth is already watering. One of our new favorite ways to eat black beans is with this dip that was recently featured in Coastal Living magazine – it’s so good that you won’t even notice that you’re eating healthy food. It takes just a few minutes to throw everything into the food processor. Pair it with some homemade tortilla chips or cut fresh vegetables, and you’ll be on your way to enjoying one of the Top 10 Brain Foods in no time. Enjoy!
Black Bean Dip
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1/4 cup olive oil
1-1/2 Tbsp cumin
1 Tbsp lime juice
dash of hot sauce
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
1/4 tsp salt
Mix in food processor and serve with chips or your favorite raw vegetables.
