How to use black beans in cooking, cosmetology and folk medicine: benefits and harm to the body

Black beans are a plant of the legume family and a unique food product. It is famous for its excellent taste and many beneficial properties. Let's consider what the benefits and harms of black beans are, as well as what diseases it treats and whether there are contraindications to its use.

Description and characteristics

The beneficial qualities of black beans are expressed by the fact that the protein in the vegetable is almost similar in chemical characteristics to protein of animal origin. The plant does not overload the gastrointestinal tract and saturates the body with useful micro- and macroelements and vitamins. In addition, beans regulate blood cholesterol levels, which minimizes the risk of damage to the cardiovascular system. Black beans have been clinically proven to be effective in preventing cancer and diabetes.

The composition of the legume plant contains a large number of vitamins (B1, B2, B4, B5, B6, B9, K, R), macronutrients (potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium and phosphorus) and microelements (iron, manganese, copper, zinc and selenium).

Black beans are a high-calorie food: 100 g contains 314 kcal.

Reference. Per 100 g of asparagus beans there are 31 kcal, the red variety - 333 kcal, green flageolet contains 71 kcal.

Benefits for the body

Black beans have a beneficial effect on the condition of internal organs and systems:

• improves the functioning of the heart, blood vessels, and digestive organs;
• prevents the development of gastritis;
• stabilizes blood pressure;
• maintains the required concentration of hemoglobin in the blood.

For men

Men who regularly consume legumes are less likely to experience inflammation of the prostate gland due to the high percentage of zinc in the composition, which has a beneficial effect on the functions of the genitourinary system. In addition, doctors believe that black beans improve potency.

For women

Black beans are good for women at any age, but especially after 40 yearswhen menopause begins. The plant facilitates the course of menopause, reduces the severity of symptoms of menopausal syndrome (feelings of heat and cold, rapid heartbeat, dizziness). Thanks to a large number of vitamins and macroelements, it helps maintain youth and beauty.

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Medicinal properties

The beneficial properties of black beans are varied. They contain macro- and microelements that have a beneficial effect on the body, the functionality of individual organs and systems:

• removes excess liquid;
• reduces blood sugar levels;
• destroys pathogenic microflora;
• accelerates the healing of soft tissues;
• cleanses of impurities and toxins;
• normalizes blood cholesterol levels;
• reduces weight;
• improves the condition of hair and nails;
• calms the nervous system.

For the gastrointestinal tract

Gastroenterologists recommend eating black bean dishes for peoplesuffering from chronic gastrointestinal diseases. Legumes promote the production of butyric acid, which has a beneficial effect on the gastric mucosa.

For diabetes

Endocrinologists advise people with diabetes to diversify their diet with dishes that contain beans.. The product lowers blood sugar levels, zinc activates the production of insulin by the pancreas.

Important! The legume plant is classified as an auxiliary therapy, so it is used in combination with the main treatment.

When losing weight

Beans are indispensable in the fight against extra pounds: it helps remove toxins from the body, gives a feeling of fullness for a long time, protein starts metabolic processes, zinc speeds up the digestion of food. This helps not only to lose weight, but also to maintain the results in the future.

For the cardiovascular system

Black beans are rich in iron, which is involved in the formation of red blood cells and increases hemoglobin. It also contains potassium, which is necessary for the prevention of heart disease.

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Use in folk medicine

Due to their beneficial qualities, black beans are widely used in folk medicine.. For example, for the treatment of diabetes, it is recommended to take decoctions and tinctures based on bean leaves. They help lower blood sugar levels. In addition, tinctures have antibacterial properties, help remove excess fluid from the body, and help dissolve stones in the kidneys and bladder. There is a wide variety of healing recipes based on black beans for diabetes. The most popular of them are presented below.

Tinctures:

1. Grind the bean shells into powder so that the output is 50 g of powder, pour in 400 ml of boiling water, and leave overnight in a thermos to infuse.Take ½ glass of tincture before meals.
2. 2 tbsp. l. Combine the powdered wings with 600 ml of cold water and leave for at least 7 hours. Take the strained liquid orally, 200 ml in small portions throughout the day.

The decoction is prepared according to the following scheme:

1. Add a tablespoon of bean powder to a glass of boiling water.
2. Place in a steam bath for 20 minutes.
3. Strain the broth and cool.
4. Take 3 tbsp. l. three times a day.

Use in cooking

Black beans are used in a wide variety of dishes., especially Latin American cuisine. The product is so versatile that it can be used as an independent dish, pre-seasoned with spices, and added to salads, sauces, and soups. The plant also has a fairly affordable price, which explains its popularity.

Benefits in cosmetology

Black beans are also used in cosmetology. Legume-based masks have a rejuvenating effect: nourish the skin with beneficial enzymes, moisturize, improve the condition of the epidermis.

To prepare the mask, you need to pass a small amount of boiled beans through a meat grinder. Combine the resulting slurry with olive oil and lemon juice. Apply to pre-cleansed skin of the face and neck for 20 minutes. Rinse off any remaining residue with warm water. Repeat the procedure every 5-7 days. Creases and wrinkles on the skin will be smoothed out, the face will acquire a beautiful and healthy tone. Additionally, such masks have an antibacterial effect and reduce the number of skin rashes.

Storage rules

To preserve black beans for as long as possible, it is important to dry them well and remove any spoiled ones.. It must be stored in a cool, dark place where the temperature is below 7 degrees.If it is impossible to create such conditions, there are other options for storing the plant. The beans must be heated in an oven preheated to 90 degrees for several minutes and placed in glass jars, sealed with airtight lids. After this treatment, the beans can be stored for up to five years.

Advice. Beans can be canned without losing their beneficial qualities. However, this method is only suitable if you are storing it for consumption.

For whom it is contraindicated

The health benefits of black beans are undeniable, but in some cases they can be harmful to health.. There are diseases for which the use of the product is contraindicated. These include intestinal colic, ulcers, gout, and increased stomach acidity. Another contraindication is considered individual intolerance to the plant.

Beans should not be introduced into a child’s diet before the age of two., since the child’s body cannot cope with the large number of enzymes that are present in the vegetable. It is also better for adults not to overuse legumes in order to avoid unpleasant sensations: the formation of gases and flatulence.

Conclusion

Black beans are an indispensable food product. It must be included in the diet of children and adults, provided there are no contraindications. Despite the benefits of the plant for the body, you should not overuse bean-based dishes. Otherwise, you may encounter unpleasant consequences from the gastrointestinal tract.