The importance of beans for healing the gut was not an article I thought I would be writing. After years of expensive prebiotics and probiotics and supplements to heal the junctions within the gut, who knew it would be beans that brought stability and healing.
Beans are Gluten Free, Healthy and a Cheap Protein
Beans are a cheap easy pantry staple that has gained importance in my home. My curiosity started when I began watching videos on utilizing beans and their fiber to help keep my blood glucose levels more even. I implemented beans in a variety of ways, from easy bean salads for lunch to bean pudding for a way to slow down dinner. It absolutely stabilized my blood sugars. What I did not expect was what it did to my gut.
I have alot of health issues, and a healthy gut was never part of my life. My gut was compromised by it all. I understood the impact of Celiac’s disease, but the galactosemia I have lived with has been just as damaging to my gut health. It has been a challenge.
The Importance of Beans for Healing the Gut
I usually have a long drawn out summer cold. It sits in my lungs and does not budge. This year was no exception. This years it went into my ears, into my sinuses and impacted my teeth. I needed a long course of antibiotics that I did not relish. Long term antibiotics will destroy anyone’s gut biome. Mine was no exception. Until this year.
As i awaited the devastation of my gut this year due to the antibiotics, I can say that it never happened. Normally day two of an antibiotic course will cause all kinds of issues, from inflammation to loose bowels. Not this year. Not once. It was crazy to me. The most antibiotics I have been on in years and no issues in my gut. That was shocking as the only difference in my diet was the beans.
I understand that if I stop eating beans, I also stop the stability. So, I don’t plan on stopping the beans. I appreciate what they bring on multiple levels. Plus, I really like beans. Lentils are wonderful too.
In Times of High Inflation, Beans Offset the Costs of Proteins
I buy beans both dry and in cans. Either way, they are cheaper than the cost of meat right now. Even if I am using meat, I am also adding beans or lentils to be able to use less meat to keep the costs down.
Now, if I make taco meat, I add a can of seasoned black beans and less beef. Soups are an easy place to add soft white beans which can be comforting in the cold months. I have an amazing tuna and bean salad for dinners that is just amazing. Refried beans and eggs are one of my favorite comfort foods.
While their protein is a wonderful nutritional boost, it is the fiber that amazes me. Once I understood the importance of fiber with type 2 diabetes, I became hooked. Having avoided carbohydrates for 5 years to keep my blood sugars down, I had been hungry for most of it. Figuring out what fiber did to my blood sugars meant I could eat again. It is amazing for me to feel full and happy from a meal instead of walking away hungry, but knowing I had enough protein and veg to be healthy.
All this had me looking very differently at beans and lentils. I was not sure if what I was experiencing in my body was backed up by any science. It was. The most beneficial thing I saw was that beans actually pull toxins out of the body. With my galactosemia and the toxins it creates, I was overjoyed. For me, ridding the body of the toxins created from galactose was a win win situation.
Beans really are a Nutritional Bonus for Our Bodies
My pantry has become half beans and lentils. I am not kidding about this. Beans are a simple and nutritious way to boost our health. High in fiber, High in protein and an inexpensive addition to any meal. Dry, they are more work and less cost. Canned, they are a quick way to boost a meal. Either way, they are cheap and nutritious. If you have a health issue that impacts your gut health, beans are a quick way to settle those intestines down and create a stability you may never have know.
To me, beans are nothing but a positive. They provide a comfort that we need in or food and our diets. They slow down blood sugars and they boost our gut health. We will be including more recipes with beans in them. I make an amazing bean dip that rivals hummus for a fraction of the cost. I get over 650 grams of white bean dip for less than the cost of 8 ounces (226 grams) of hummus. Love that.
Related information:
Modulating a prebiotic food source influences inflammation and immune-regulating gut microbes and metabolites: insights from the BE GONE trial
From blood sugar to gut bacteria, how beans can improve your health
Did you ever wonder what the are the health benefits of beans?