Beans and lentils are an excellent way to add quality carbohydrates into your diet. I know all of you were able to finish the quote about beans (Beano?). According to The Cancer Fighting Kitchen studies show that diets high in beans or lentils lowered breast cancer recurrence in women. Beans are high in fiber and also lower colon cancer risk. They also help to control blood sugar and help to carry toxins from the body. This can be especially important for someone taking chemotherapy or under a lot of medication. Beans are also a fabulous source of protein and many minerals including phosphorus, iron, protein, and molybdenum, which, when low in the body, has been linked to stomach and esophageal cancers.
Back to the above quote - the more you eat them - the more....OK I have three boy's. I had to go there. You get the idea. Beans are one of the most difficult foods to digest. Many times cooking beans longer than we think is necessary will help. Joshua Rosenthal uses Mexico and Central America in an example of cooking beans longer. Beans are a fundamental part of their diets. The beans are cooked once and then refried in oil or butter to help ease digestion.
Rosenthal also states that soybeans are the most difficult to digest. Soy is also a very common food allergy. Many people do not realize this because they think of soy as being a health food. Eating edamame, the young whole soybean, is easier to digest than soy dogs, soy milk or soy ice cream. Soy has also been linked to thyroid disease. Some research shows that a certain chemical found in soy, called genistein, can possibly damage fertility, especially in men. Soy can also increase estrogen in women which can help ease symptoms of menopause in women. Research also links increased estrogen to higher risks of developing breast cancer. What to do? Eat soy in moderation.
I must be honest and share that beans are not my favorite food choice. I am learning to appreciate different ways of adding beans into my diet. One of my favorite choices is hummus. An added bonus? The kids love it too!
Hummus
2 cups chickpeas
1/3 cup chickpea water
3 tablespoons tahini
3 cloves garlic
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/8 teaspoon cumin
Combine all ingredients in a food processor or blender. It's easier to do it in smaller batches.
Once it is all blended, stir in a mixing bowl and taste. Season again to your liking. Serve on a platter and sprinkle paprika or chili powder and a little olive oil over the whole plate.
I love hummus with fresh cut vegetables. My children love it with triscuits.
Add beans to salads, sandwichs, casseroles, and many other foods. Be creative. You may find you like them Sam I Am. They are growing on me.
I would also like to thank my sweet sister-in-law Elizabeth Rodgers for the terrific book The Cancer-Fighting Kitchen that she sent us today. If you know of anyone fighting cancer this makes a terrific "I'm thinking of you" gift. Thank you Elizabeth and we look forward to visiting with you soon.
Blessings -
Emmie
Love!
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