Increase Fiber Intake with Beans
Fiber is an essential component in our diets for good digestion. It is easiest to include fiber in our diets.Even though it is very easy to increase the amount of fiber in our diets, still people are often deficient in fiber. An adult needs about 25 to 30 grams of fiber on an average on a daily basis. Children require lesser amount of fiber. The amount of fiber required can be calculated using the age plus five formula, where you add the number 5 to the age of the person to find out the requirement.
Low content of fiber in diet causes an increase in the risk of many diseases such as high cholesterol, weight gain, constipation, IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) and colon cancer.The fiber content can be increased in the diet by increasing the intake of certain foods which are rich in fiber, such as beans and legumes. Beans have about 6 to 7 grams of fiber in 1/2 cup per cooked serving. Legumes are also rich in fiber content.
Beans are an energy house for carbohydrates, proteins and dietary fiber. These are low in sodium and fat and have zero cholesterol, making them an excellent food for heart.Increasing fiber content in daily diet helps in good digestion and also diminishes the various type of cancer risk. Beans and legumes can be added to the daily diet as a side dish. These can be added to soups, salads or can be used as a main dish also. Beans are a good source of proteins and healthy fat. Due to the rich content of fiber and protein these keep a person feeling fuller for a longer time.Being cholesterol free makes them a very good source of energy for heart patients. Include beans in your daily diet in order to gain maximum benefits from this gift of nature.
