How Beans Can Boost Your Brain Power

July 3rd is National Eat Your Beans Day and it got us thinking about how their key nutrients can boost your brain power, so we did a little digging. Here’s are some interesting facts:

1. Beans fall under the legumes food group, along with lentils and garbanzo beans. Legumes are also called "pulses" and packed full of protein and fiber. They can help lower your blood sugar and cholesterol, which can not only contribute to weight loss and maintenance, but also help prevent type 2 diabetes (especially older adults). 

2. Beans are high in vitamin B, which is vital to help form healthy red blood cells and to produce cellular energy. Because B vitamins are water-soluble, the human body can’t store them, making it essential to get them from food.

3. Kidney and pinto beens contain more omega-3 fatty acids than other beans, which are necessary for brain growth and function. 

4. Black beans (and others) contain magnesium, which has been shown to improve cognitive function and memory.

5. The fiber in beans translates to slower digestion. This, in turn, gives your brain a consistent source of glucose. (Falling glucose levels can cause difficulty with thinking and focus.)

6. Beans are incredibly versatile, making it easy to add them to almost any meal! Here are a handful of ideas to help you increase your bean intake:

• Include them in soup (whole or pureed).

• Add them to salads.

• Stir them into your morning omelette or breakfast burrito.

• Replace the meat in chili with extra beans.

• Make a bean fritter/vegetarian burger.

• Blend them into a dip.

Looking for bean recipes? Check out this piece, "25 Best Bean Recipes": https://www.loveandlemons.com/bean-recipes/