Are You Eating This Super Food?

There aren't many foods that pack a nutritious wallop like the good ole bean.  One cup of cooked pinto beans has 45 grams of carbohydrates (15 of those grams are dietary fiber), 15 grams of protein, and only 1 gram of fat.  They are also pack full of B-vitamins, iron, calcium, phosphorus, and potassium.

Beans also have several health benefits.  The soluble fiber helps lower cholesterol.  They contain no sodium but the salt added so they aid in reducing blood pressure.  Beans are also very low on the glycemic index so they help to control blood sugar.

The easiest way to prepare pinto beans is to boil them for 1.5 to 2 hours or until they soften.  After boiling, add spices such as salt, pepper, onion, and garlic.  You can also add bacon or sausage for more flavor and more protein.  Eat them hot and refrigerate or freeze leftovers for more beanolicious meals!

Worried about gas?  Experts say soaking beans overnight will reduce gas.  Just replace the water before you start boiling them.  Soaking them overnight also makes them easier to digest and easier to absorb all the nutrients this super food provides.