Across the globe, pulses and beans have always been a significant part of the diet in various cultures. Whether it's chickpeas, kidney beans, or peas, beans offer an amazing combination of nutrition and flavor. National Eat Your Bean Day is celebrated on July 3rd, providing an opportunity to appreciate the health benefits and diversity of beans.
If you're hesitant to include beans in your diet or want to try different varieties, this day is special for you.
Beans: Nature's Nutritious Gift
Beans are packed with nutrients. They are rich in fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals, which provide our bodies with strength and energy. The most remarkable thing is that they contain almost no fat, making them an excellent option for those looking to lose weight and eat healthily.
Beans also contain calcium, folic acid, potassium, and iron, which are essential for bones, blood circulation, and heart health. Thus, National Eat Your Bean Day reminds us why it's important to include beans in our diet.
Types and Flavor Diversity of Beans
Around 40,000 types of beans are found worldwide, but we usually eat only a few varieties. Among these, the most popular are:
- Kidney Beans – Eaten as curries or gravies in India and many other countries.
- Chickpeas – Used in hummus, chana dal, and salads.
- Black or White Beans – In soups, stews, and various other dishes.
- Fava Beans – Popular in the Middle East and Mediterranean countries.
- Navy Beans – In soups and other recipes.
Each type of bean is different in terms of taste, texture, and nutrition. You can cook them in different ways to make your food delicious and healthy.
How to Celebrate National Eat Your Bean Day?
1. Try New Types of Beans
If you are limited to only kidney beans and chickpeas, try something new today. For instance, fava beans, lentils, or kidney beans. You can make soups, salads, curries, or stews with them.
2. Make Traditional Bean Dishes
Dishes like rajma chawal and chole bhature are very popular in India. Make such traditional dishes with your family and enjoy the taste and nutrition of beans.
3. Use Beans in Healthy Snacks
Beans can also be eaten roasted or as spicy soup. This allows you to choose healthy and delicious snack options.
4. Share on Social Media
Share photos of your bean dishes with friends and family on social media and use #NationalEatYourBeansDay.
The History of Beans: A Nutritious Companion of Centuries
Beans are one of the oldest foods in human history. Humans began using beans around 7000 BC. At that time, people could not even make pots, but they included beans in their diet.
Beans were also of special importance in the time of the Egyptians. They even had a tradition of burying them with their dead. Beans were considered so important that they are even mentioned in the ancient text 'The Iliad'.
Even today, we eat the descendants of those ancient beans because the genes of modern beans are almost as old and perfect as they were thousands of years ago.
Health Benefits: Why Eat Beans Every Day?
- Heart Health: Beans contain fiber and antioxidants that protect against heart diseases.
- Weight Management: Eating beans keeps the stomach full for a long time, which helps in weight management.
- Diabetes Control: Beans have a low glycemic index, which controls blood sugar.
- Digestive Health: Beans are rich in fiber, which prevents problems like constipation.
- Source of Energy: Being rich in protein, they are helpful in muscle growth.
Easy Tips to Include Beans in Your Diet
- Soak beans overnight before cooking, which makes digestion easier.
- Add beans to vegetables, soups, or salads.
- Make bean-based snacks like roasted chickpeas or bean patties.
- Eat beans with rice or roti to complete the protein intake.
Beans are not just a simple pulse but an excellent combination of nutrition and flavor. National Eat Your Bean Day reminds us that by including beans in our daily diet, we can not only improve our health but also open up new dimensions of taste. So, on this July 3rd, be a part of this delicious and healthy journey of beans and make your food even better.
