If we talk about comfort foods in Indian cuisine, then Rajma Chawal has a special place in the hearts of North Indians. If you walk in the bylanes of Delhi or Punjab, the long queue outside the rajma-chawal stalls says it all. Keeping aside its deliciousness, kidney beans benefit your health in several ways as well.
Health Benefits Of Kidney Beans (Rajma)
Professionals often suggest kidney bean or Rajma for a healthy diet due to their high nutritional value. Furthermore, rajma protein content is so high that it can be counted as a great source of plant-based protein
So, before you make it a part of your regular diet, let’s look at the rajma health benefits.
1. Rich Source of Protein
The amount of protein in rajma per 100g is around 9 grams. Being a high-protein ingredient, Rajma is often referred to as “poor man’s meat”.
However, the nutritional quality of rajma protein is much lower than animal protein’s. But it still works as a tremendous plant-based healthy alternative to protein for vegans and vegetarians.
2. Helps to Control Blood Sugar
Being a low-glycemic index food, rajma can regulate your blood sugar levels. These red beans are more effective at controlling blood sugar than most dietary sources of carbs.
Besides, an important health benefit of kidney beans for diabetes is their ability to moderate the effects of foods that can also cause spikes in blood sugar levels. For instance, rajma is often paired with rice to slow the rate at which the rice digests.
3. Reduces the Risk of Heart Diseases
Rajma benefits include its ability to reduce severe cardiovascular diseases. Eating as a replacement for meat or any other protein sources high in cholesterol can lower LDL or bad cholesterol levels.
Apart from their hypocholesterolemic properties, kidney beans contain slightly less fat and saturated fat than other varieties of beans.
4. Kidney Beans for Weight Loss
If you are struggling with your diet, notably a low-carbohydrate diet, kidney beans can be your saviour. Loaded with dietary fibre, kidney beans can keep you full for longer and therefore helps in weight loss.
In addition to that, the use of kidney beans for weight loss is widespread due to the presence of substantial amounts of resistant starch in it.
Kidney beans health benefits include their ability to prevent the risk of cancer. It contains non-digestible fiber, which positively regulates new cell growth in the colon. Therefore, reducing the risk of developing cancer cells significantly.
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5. Helps to boost Memory
Does it feel hard to remember things or concentrate on what you are doing? Then, add rajma to your regular diet plan.
Rich in Vitamin B1, a nutrient contributing greatly to healthy cognitive functions, kidney beans can boost memory power. Rajma benefits your cognitive functions as Vitamin B1 helps in synthesizing acetylcholine to ensure the proper functioning of the brain. It is also beneficial in slowing down the rapid progress of cognitive diseases, including Alzheimer’s and dementia.
6. Strengthens the Bones
Rajma health benefits include improving bone density and strengthening bones. The sufficient amount of manganese and calcium present in the kidney beans makes the bones stronger. It can also help in preventing osteoporosis.
The folate in kidney beans also contributes to maintaining bone and joint health.
7. Promotes Healthy Metabolism
A good metabolism ensures your body works better and energises you. Metabolism is a process where specific proteins help control these reactions that convert the food you eat into energy.
Kidney beans work an excellent deal for regulating the glycemic content of the blood and therefore regulate metabolism as well. Also, rajma benefits your metabolism with its high-fibre content.
8. Good Source for Antioxidative Properties
Due to the presence of manganese in kidney beans, it can aid the body’s antioxidant defence. If your antioxidant defence is great, your body can fight harmful free radicals. Thus, it keeps the risks of chronic diseases at bay.
Rajma benefits your health as one of the best antioxidant-rich foods. For half a cup serving size, the total antioxidant capacity of kidney beans is 13259.
9. Kidney Beans as a Natural Detoxifier
If you consume a lot of packed food items, you must know how many chemical preservatives you are putting in your body. These preservatives are extremely toxic to your health as they contain sulfites.
Kidney beans contain molybdenum which helps detoxify the body by eliminating the effects of sulfites. Moreover, people with sulfite allergies should add kidney beans to their diet plans as it can reduce the symptoms of the allergies.
Also Read:- Home Remedies for Increasing Immunity
10. Good For Diabetic People
The glycaemic index in kidney beans is shallow because the blood sugar level in the body is balanced. Additionally, the high rajma protein content provides the necessary nourishment to diabetic people. So, they are a good food choice for diabetic people.
Kidney Beans Nutrition
Although there is a good amount of fibre and carbs in kidney beans, it is considered a good source of protein as well.
Rajma nutrition facts for 3.5 ounces or 100 grams of servings are,
| Nutrition | Kidney Beans Nutritional Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 127 kcal |
| Protein | 8.7 g |
| Carbohydrates | 22.8 g |
| Sugars | 0.3 g |
| Fiber | 6.4 g |
| Fat | 0.5 g |
| Water | 67% |
Rajma Side Effects
Although there are several health benefits of kidney beans, you should always look out for the side effects. Too much of anything is hazardous for your health and can have possible side effects. Besides, if you have any pre-existing medical condition, it’s better to consult any professional before moving forward with rajma on your daily diet.
1. Allergic Reactions
One of the main proteins in kidney beans is phaseolin which can cause allergic reactions in people.
2. Gastrointestinal Distress
Another rajma side effect is gastrointestinal distress,t such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Rajma offers insoluble fibres known as alpha-galactosides, which may cause health issues.
3. Hard to Digest
Most beans are so high in protein that they are sometimes hard to digest. Similarly, kidney beans are also a little hard to digest and can lead to gas formation.
4. Contains Toxin
Kidney beans contain a toxic agent called phytohaemagglutinin (PHA). Make sure to cook it thoroughly to destroy the toxin.
However, canned beans are cooked during the canning process and are therefore suitable for direct consumption.
Last Words
So, you never know when your favourite, delicious food can be a healthy addition to your restricted diet. To use rajma to benefit your health, try to keep the kidney beans’ side effects in mind.
