10 Health Benefits of the Interesting Adzuki Bean

Adzuki Beans are small beans, usually red, but can be white or black. Although the name “Adzuki” is Japanese, it is unknown if these beans originated in China, India, or Japan. However, these small beans have been around for more than 1,000 years. Adzuki beans may be small, but they are mighty! They are considered a superfood because of their high protein content, as well as, potassium, iron, magnesium, fiber and more. Adzuki beans are sweet in flavor, which makes them a great addition to savory recipes, such as soups, salads, and even pancakes or ice cream!

Weight Loss

Weight loss fads can be hard to stick to because they leave you feeling hungry and unsatisfied. However, people looking to lose weight should add adzuki beans to their diet. These beans are high in fiber and protein and low in carbohydrates, leaving you feeling full for longer. Adzuki beans have less starch and absolutely no sugar per serving, unlike other beans.

Kidney Health

Eating adzuki beans or drinking the liquid from cooked beans, is a natural medicine for kidney, bladder, and reproductive problems. The fiber found in adzuki beans is known to heal and prevent bladder and urinary infections. Anyone who has had a urinary infection knows the pain and discomfort that are associated with it, however, fiber is a natural way to soothe the pain and heal the urinary tract.

Liver Health

Instead of spending a lot of money on detox tea and juices, try adding adzuki beans to your diet. The mineral, molybdenum, found in these beans is known as a natural detoxification to your body and liver. Toxins that remain in the body can lead to a long list of diseases and health problems. Removing the toxins helps to purify the body and reduce the likelihood of these health problems.

Diabetes

Adzuki beans are a natural way to prevent and manage the symptoms of diabetes. These beans are high in fiber which stabilizes blood sugar levels, preventing spikes and drops. People with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes often take alpha-glucosidase inhibitors medication. However, research shows the protein found in adzuki beans contains an enzyme that breaks down starch and glycogen, acting as natural medicine.

Congenital Disabilities

Adzuki beans are high in B vitamins and folic acid, which aid in the development of unborn babies. Folic acid is important to consume before and during pregnancy because it prevents congenital disabilities in the brain and spinal cord of the unborn baby. Vitamin B aids in the prevention of congenital disabilities by promoting healthy skin, vision, bones, muscles, and nerves.

Heart Health

Adzuki beans are great for heart health because of their high content of fiber and potassium. Fiber controls cholesterol levels in the body, which prevents heart diseases and blood clots. Potassium increases blood flow because it relaxes blood vessels. Adding adzuki beans to your diet will prevent heart diseases and lower your risk of heart attack and stroke.

Bone Health

Magnesium is a critical mineral for bone health. Adzuki beans are high in magnesium making them a great addition to your diet. Eating adzuki beans will prevent bones from becoming weak and brittle, a condition known as Osteoporosis. There is no cure for Osteoporosis, but adding magnesium to your diet will delay the onset.

Tissue Growth and Repair

Those who are vegetarian, vegan, or do not eat a lot of animal protein can benefit from the protein found in adzuki beans. Protein is critical for the body because breaks down amino acids, building new cells, tissues, and organs needed for healthy growth and repair. Another benefit of protein as it relates to growth and repair is increased energy levels.

Building Muscle

It’s no secret that protein helps build muscle. Adding high protein foods, such as adzuki beans, to your diet will aid in building strong, lean muscles. People who engage in regular physical activity should consume more protein than those who do not, however, protein is also important for maintaining muscle mass.

Digestive Health

High fiber content makes adzuki beans a great way to improve digestive health. High fiber diets stabilize and maintain bowel movements, eliminating constipation, diarrhea, bloating and more. Fiber creates movement in the bowels, reducing the time it takes to remove waste from the body, therefore reducing the chance of harmful substances to absorb. Fiber is important for those who have frequent constipation.