Beans are infamous for being high in fiber and playing an integral role in digestive health. There are many studies to support the body of research suggesting that a high-fiber diet is excellent for reducing the risk of premature death, amongst other chronic diseases.
But did you know that a diet rich in fiber containing foods can play an important part in improving lung health? One recent study showed that 68% of people with high fiber consumption had normal lung function when compared to 50% of people with a low fiber intake. While 15% who ate mostly fiber had airway restriction compared to the 30% who consumed the least.
High fiber diets have been associated with a lower risk of breast and colon cancer in studies. Women who ate a high-fiber diet were found to have slashed their risk of breast cancer by 16% and this was especially noticeable in those eating plenty of fruits and vegetables.
A low fiber diet can reduce bacterial diversity in the guts as various studies have shown. But when a fecal transplant was placed inside of the test subjects along with a high fiber diet, the lost microbes were restored. Healthy gut bacteria are vital if you want good digestion as this is where true health begins.
Beans are the Best – and Not Just For Fiber
Some of the best foods for getting more dietary fiber are beans such as legumes: black beans, chickpeas, mung beans and red lentils amongst others.
Legumes are excellent for helping with blood sugar control and research has shown that women with a high soluble fiber intake have a 42% less insulin resistance. Studies have also shown that legumes can promote heart health with those eating a high-fiber diet having a 40% less risk of heart disease.
Other benefits include sustained weight loss and management, good skin health, reduced risk of diverticulitis and hemorrhoids, along with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Reduced stroke risk and less chance of getting gallstones and kidney stones are all possible benefits of consuming more dietary fiber.
New Ways with Legumes
For all of these reasons and more, eating beans on a regular basis is a good idea to improve your health through diet and nutrition. Eating plenty of legumes is one idea, but another is to try Really Healthy Pasta™. Made from legumes and nothing else, Really Healthy Pasta™ is a great option for anyone looking to add versatility into their diet.
Available in Black Bean, Buckwheat, Chickpea, Mung Bean and Red Lentil, Really Healthy Pasta™ is an excellent source of dietary fiber. It is organic, non-GMO, suitable for coeliacs and vegans. It’s also excellent for anyone wanting to avoid grains. It is the ‘perfect healthy meal replacement’ for traditional wheat based pastas.
Along with being high in protein, iron and numerous vitamins and minerals, legumes are a great way to stay feeling full for longer. For more information about Really Healthy Pasta™, please visit: www.reallyhealthypasta.com