Summary
Legumes are among the most versatile and nutritious foods available. They're good sources of protein and can be a healthy substitute for meat, which has more fat and cholesterol.
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Details
When was the last time you ate chickpeas, navy beans or black-eyed peas?
They're good sources of protein and can be a healthy substitute for meat, which has more fat and cholesterol.
Rediscover legumes and all the nutrition and versatility they have to offer.
They also have phytochemicals, a group of compounds that may help prevent chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and cancer.
In addition, they're a good source of fiber --- the part of plant-based foods that your body doesn't digest.
A diet high in fiber can reduce your risk of developing diabetes and help lower blood cholesterol levels, which can reduce your risk of heart disease.
Soybeans, one type of legume, are unique among beans because they contain all of the amino acids needed to make a complete protein, just like meat.
Because it has a bland, spongy texture, tofu absorbs the flavor of other foods when you marinate or cook it, making it very versatile.
Soy milk is a soy beverage made by grinding soybeans and mixing them with water to form a milk-like liquid.
Use soy flour in baked goods for added protein, fiber and phytochemicals.
Peanuts, commonly thought of as nuts, are actually a member of the legume family along with beans and peas.
Peanuts can be eaten in moderation as a snack, or added to foods such as stir-fries.
Here are suggestions to help you select, store and serve these healthy foods.
Many supermarkets and food stores stock a wide variety of legumes --- both dried and canned --- for greater versatility in cooking.
Place dried legumes away from heat, light and moisture.
Beans and other large, dried legumes such as chickpeas and black-eyed peas require soaking in room temperature water, a step that rehydrates them for more even cooking.
About the author: Mike Adams is a consumer health advocate and award-winning journalist with a mission to teach personal and planetary health to the public He has authored and published thousands of articles, interviews, consumers guides, and books on topics like health and the environment, and he is well known as the creator of popular downloadable preparedness programs on financial collapse, emergency food storage, wilderness survival and home defense skills. Adams is an honest, independent journalist and accepts no money or commissions on the third-party products he writes about or the companies he promotes. In 2010, Adams created TV.NaturalNews.com, a natural living video sharing site featuring thousands of user videos on foods, fitness, green living and more. He also founded an environmentally-friendly online retailer called BetterLifeGoods.com that uses retail profits to help support consumer advocacy programs. He's also the CEO of a highly successful email newsletter software company that develops software used to send permission email campaigns to subscribers. Adams volunteers his time to serve as the executive director of the Consumer Wellness Center, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, and pursues hobbies such as martial arts, Capoeira, nature macrophotography and organic gardening. Known as the 'Health Ranger,' Adams' personal health statistics and mission statements are located at www.HealthRanger.org
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Sunday, July 10, 2005
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