Healthy diet: From chickpeas to rajma and more, 5 legumes you should add to your diet
Health benefits of legumes: Whether added into soups, salads, curries, or served as a side dish, legumes provide a delicious and nutritious addition to your diet. Here are all the health benefits of legumes.
Legumes are a boon for vegetarians and vegans. Rich in nutrition, these humble beans and peas pack a powerful punch of protein, fibre, vitamins, and minerals that makes them essential for maintaining good health. They are known for their nutritional density and versatility in plant-based diets. According to American Heart Association, legumes serve as excellent sources of plant-based protein, essential for muscle growth and repair. Additionally, their high fibre content aids digestion, promotes satiety, and supports heart health by lowering cholesterol levels (Image: Canva)
Adding legumes into your diet offers numerous health benefits. They are rich in complex carbohydrates, which provide sustained energy and regulate blood sugar levels. Legumes also contain essential vitamins like folate, which is crucial for cell division and red blood cell formation, as well as minerals such as iron and magnesium that support overall metabolic function. Here are 5 legumes you should add to your diet to stay healthy (Image: Canva)
Benefits of chickpeas: Chickpeas are packed with protein and fibre, which help aid in digestion and promote fullness. They also contain folate, manganese, and phosphorus, essential for bone health and energy production (Image: Canva)
Red kidney beans nutrition: Also called Rajma, it is high in protein and fibre. It helps regulate blood sugar levels and promotes digestive health. Rajma is also a good source of antioxidants like anthocyanins, which protect against oxidative stress and inflammation (Image: Canva)
Lentils for heart health and more: Lentils are rich in protein, fiber, and iron. They support heart health by lowering cholesterol levels and are a good source of polyphenols, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Black beans benefits: Black beans are high in protein and fiber, which promote digestive health and aid in weight management. They also contain potassium, magnesium, and folate, important for cardiovascular health (Image: Canva)
Green peas nutrition: Green peas are rich in fibre, vitamins (especially vitamin K), and antioxidants like flavonoids and carotenoids. They support bone health, aid in digestion, and contribute to a healthy immune system (Image: Canva)
Namita S Kalla is a senior journalist who writes about different aspects of modern life that include lifestyle, health, fashion, beauty, and entertainment.
