Monday, September 15, 2014

I Love Beans, But I'm Not Too Keen On Their One Side Effect

I adore beans, which is why I enjoy mild Mexican and Cuban food.

Yet, it amazes me how many people I’ve talked to who don’t care for beans. And most of those people have said that it’s because they don’t like how the texture of beans feels in their mouth.

I eat beans probably about four times a week and consume them in a variety of ways. But I think my favorite two ways are (black or pinto beans) with either a side of white rice, or I just toss the beans into a big bowl and drizzle some olive oil over them with a sprinkle of cheese, and then scoop them up with warmed tortilla chips. And I usually have them with a side salad with guacamole dressing.

What I really like about beans is that they seem to fill me up, because for a little guy, I have a mammoth appetite.

And I quite fancy that they're good for you too.

Nutritionally, beans are a great source of protein. The exact nutritional composition of beans depends on the type you consume. Beans contain an average of approximately 116 calories per 1/2-cup serving, along with 8 grams of protein, 6 grams of fiber and almost no fat. Beans are good sources of copper, folate, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and zinc. Beans are also heart healthy and beneficial for blood sugar levels.

Some of my personal favorites are:

• Black Beans
• Lima Beans
• Pinto Beans
• Dark Red Kidney Beans
• Black-eyed Beans
• I also eat a lot of hummus, which is made with Garbanzo Beans.

Yes, I’m a big bean lover. However, there is one side effect to eating beans that I’m not too keen on.

“Beans, beans, 

The magical fruit,

The more you eat,

the more you toot.

The more you toot,

the better you feel,

so let’s eat beans 

with every meal.”

Well, I don't know about "the more you toot the better you feel" because about an hour after I eat beans I feel like I could go sky riding!

Happy Monday, y'all!

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