6 Reasons Why Beans Make A Healthy Snack

Beans, Beans, the Magical Fruit!

Remember that song? We like the alternative next line, “they make you healthy, trim, and cute!"

Nutritionally, beans really are the magical fruit (or, technically, the magical legume). 

Beans have been a nutritious dietary staple for centuries. The history of the humble bean can be traced back more than 20,000 years and was a favorite snack among the Aztec and Inca civilizations.

Their reputation as a cheap and squishy side that leaves you feeling gassy is a disgrace to those of us who know beans a little better.

Below, you’ll find 6 bean facts that may change the way you see these underappreciated nuggets of nutrition.

1. Beans are good for your gut

Did you know that you have more bacterial cells in your body than human cells? About 10 trillion more, to be precise. You’re more bacteria than human! 

While some bacteria have adverse effects on the body, good bacteria are critical for our health. They have anti-aging effects, aid digestion and absorption, and stimulate immunity.

Beans increase the number of good bacteria in your gut. They also strengthen your intestinal barrier—the part of your gut that blocks toxins and allows you to absorb essential nutrients from your food.

It’s time to get over your heebie-jeebies about the trillions of bacteria in your body. Eat beans and boost that number. 

2. Beans are crammed with antioxidants

Rich in disease-fighting antioxidants, beans go to battle for you. Be honest—when was the time you stopped and thanked beans for that? 

These underappreciated packets of goodness help your body fight off free radicals and protect against various diseases. In fact, studies are finding that eating more beans is a practical way to reduce the risk of cancer. 

Even after being cooked, beans retain a significant amount of antioxidants. They’re specifically rich in polyphenols—a type of antioxidant especially good at reducing inflammation, keeping your blood vessels healthy and flexible, and controlling your blood sugar levels. 

3. Beans are brimming with fiber

Most Americans don’t eat the recommended 25-38 grams of fiber daily. That’s a shame because fiber makes us feel great. 

It helps to keep our digestion regular (you know what we mean) and may even protect against digestive diseases. Fiber is also a helpful agent in protecting against heart disease, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure.

Beans are chock full of fiber. Our snacks contain a whole gram of fiber per oz of puffy goodness. 

4. Beans provide plenty of protein

A single cup of beans packs in around 15 grams of protein. Each serving of our puffs will fill your belly with a gram of protein per oz of tasty crunch. 

If you’re vegetarian or vegan, you might struggle to get enough lysine—an important protein building block found in many animal products. Beans are the solution! They’re full of lysine. One cup of cooked beans has plenty of lysine for the day.

So, go ahead. Eat your beans. Your rippling future abs will thank us. 

5. Beans can help you work off excess weight

A bowl of beans might not be the sexiest thing. But you, post-beans, in that bathing suit will be.

Looking for a lower body weight, a slimmer waist, and a lower body mass index (BMI)? Beans might be the most weight-loss-friendly foods you can eat.

Beans promote healthy gut bacteria and they modulate blood sugar levels—two factors that affect our BMI. They’re high in protein, fiber, and resistant starch while low in calories. Beans also help satisfy our appetites and keep us full for longer. 

6. Beans are healthy for your heart

Beans make your heart so strong, you’ll start writing romantic poetry. 

High cholesterol increases our risk for heart disease and heart attacks. But beans crackdown on bad cholesterol (the LDL kind). One meta-analysis found a clear correlation between eating beans and a lower risk of coronary heart disease. 

While meat-based proteins can be high in fat, beans are free from saturated and trans-fats. They’re a tasty, cholesterol-free protein option that’s friendly to the heart. Be a lover, not a fighter. Eat your beans.

Kick Corn to the Curb. Beans are Better.

Most of the packaged snacks you find in the grocery store are made with a load of corn or potatoes. While tasty, these two ingredients offer zilch nutrition compared to their cousin, the bean.

That’s why we’ve made a small swap that won’t sacrifice flavor but will support your body’s nutritional needs. Unlike your typical snack, Bean Thinkin is made with nutrient-bursting beans. 

Grab a free snack bag, and savor the flavor. Our tasty snacks are packed with protein and fiber, so they’ll satisfy your taste buds and your tummy.