Legumes are large, fleshy, colorful plant seeds. Beans, peas, and lentils are all types of legumes. Vegetables such as beans and other legumes are an important source of protein. They are a key food in healthy diets and have many benefits.
Beans, lentils, and peas come in many options, cost little money, and are easy to find. Soft and earthy-flavored, legumes can be eaten in many ways.
Information
TYPES OF LEGUMES
Beans:
- Adzuki
- Black beans
- Black-eyed peas (actually a bean)
- Cannellini
- Cranberry (not the same as cranberry fruit)
- Garbanzo (chickpeas)
- Great Northern
- Kidney
- Lima
- Mung
- Navy
- Pinto
Other legumes:
- Lentils
- Peas
- Soybeans (edamame)
WHY THEY ARE GOOD FOR YOU
Beans and legumes are rich in plant protein, fiber, B-vitamins, iron, folate, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and zinc. Most beans are also low in fat.
Legumes are similar to meat in nutrients, but with lower iron levels and no saturated fats. The high protein in legumes makes them a great option in place of meat and dairy products. Vegetarians often substitute legumes for meat.
Legumes are a great source of fiber and may help you have regular bowel movements. Just 1 cup (240 mL) of cooked black beans will give you 15 grams (g) of fiber, which is over half the recommended daily amount for adults.
Legumes are packed with nutrients. They are low in calories, but their fiber and protein make you feel full. The body uses the carbohydrates in legumes slowly, providing steady energy for the body, brain, and nervous system. Eating more legumes as part of a healthy diet can help lower blood sugar and blood pressure.
Beans and legumes contain antioxidants that help prevent cell damage and fight disease and aging. The fiber and other nutrients benefit the digestive system and may even help prevent digestive cancers.
HOW THEY ARE PREPARED
Legumes can be added to any meal, for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Once cooked, they can be eaten warm or cold.
Most dry beans (except peas and lentils) need to be rinsed and soaked before cooking.
- Rinse beans in cold water and pick out any pebbles or stems.
- Cover the beans with 3 times their amount in water.
- Soak for 6 hours.
You can also bring dried beans to a boil, take the pan off the burner, and let them soak for 2 hours. Soaking overnight or after boiling makes them less likely to give you gas.
To cook your beans:
- Drain and add fresh water.
- Cook the beans according to the instructions on your package.
To add cooked or canned beans to your diet:
- Add them to salsas, soups, salads, tacos, burritos, chili, or pasta dishes.
- Include them as a side dish at breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
- Mash them up for dips and spreads.
- Use bean flour for baking.
To reduce the gas caused by eating beans:
- Always soak dried beans.
- Use canned beans. Drain and rinse them before consuming.
- If you do not eat a lot of beans, gradually add them to your diet. This helps your body get used to the extra fiber.
- Chew them well.
WHERE TO FIND LEGUMES
Legumes may be purchased at any grocery store or online. They don't cost a lot of money and can be stored for a long time. They come in bags (dried beans), cans (already cooked), or jars.
RECIPE
There are many delicious recipes using beans. Here is one you can try.
Ingredients
- Two cans low-sodium black beans (15 oz), or 425 g
- Half medium onion
- Two garlic cloves
- Two tablespoons (30 mL) vegetable oil
- Half teaspoon (2.5 mL) cumin (ground)
- Half teaspoon (2.5 mL) salt
- One quarter teaspoon (1.25 mL) oregano (fresh or dried)
Instructions
Carefully drain the liquid from one can of black beans. Pour the drained black beans into a bowl. Use a potato masher to mash the beans until they are no longer whole. Set the mashed beans aside.
- Chop the onion into one quarter inch pieces. Set the onions aside.
- Peel the garlic cloves and mince them finely. Set the garlic aside.
- In a medium saucepan, heat your cooking oil over medium high heat. Add the onions and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic and cumin and cook for 30 seconds more.
- Stir in the mashed black beans and the second can of black beans, including the juice.
- When the beans begin to boil, reduce the heat to low, stir in the salt and oregano and simmer for 10 minutes, uncovered.
Source: United States Department of Agriculture
Alternative Names
Healthy food trends - pulses; Healthy eating - beans and legumes; Weight loss - beans and legumes; Healthy diet - beans and legumes; Wellness - beans and legumes
References
Physician Committee for Responsible Medicine. Protein. www.pcrm.org/good-nutrition/nutrition-information/protein. Accessed May 27, 2024.
United States Department of Agriculture: My Plate.gov website. Beans, peas, and lentils. www.myplate.gov/eat-healthy/protein-foods/beans-peas-lentils. Accessed November 26, 2024.
US Department of Agriculture and US Department of Health and Human Services. Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025. 9th ed. www.dietaryguidelines.gov/sites/default/files/2020-12/Dietary_Guidelines_for_Americans_2020-2025.pdf. Accessed June 11, 2024.
Review Date 5/14/2024
Updated by: Stefania Manetti, RDN, CDCES, RYT200, My Vita Sana LLC - Nourish and heal through food, San Jose, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.