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French beans, known as bakla are one of the common ingredients of fried rice and pulav. Usually available during the monsoons, this unripe green vegetable not only tastes good but is also very nutritious. Here are the top ten reasons why you should start adding these beans to your food preparations:
Help with weight loss
French beans are very low in calories and so individuals who want to lose weight or are calorie-conscious can consume these in good amounts. Additionally, these beans contain minimal amounts of sodium, cholesterol and saturated fats, which makes them the best natural aid for weight loss. Read about a weight loss diet plan that you can use.
Improve eyesight
Zea-xanthin is an important dietary carotenoid found in French beans, which protects the eyes due to their powerful antioxidant activity and filtering the harmful UV radiation. These beans are also found to prevent age-related macular degeneration, usually affecting the aged population. Read more about Natural remedies for better eyesight.
Help in fetal development
French beans are rich in folates, that when consumed during pregnancy, prevent the foetus from neural-tube defects. These beans also help in healthy growth and development of the baby's heart along with protecting against asthma in their later stages of life. Read about 7 essentials every pregnant woman's diet should have
Maintain healthy heart
The presence of high amounts of dietary fiber in these beans reduces high cholesterol levels in the body by decreasing the re-absorption of cholesterol binding bile acids in the colon. Potassium present in French beans helps in controlling blood pressure along with maintaining a healthy heart. Read more about Top 10 heart healthy foods
Protect against cancer
Being an excellent source of dietary fiber, French beans act as a laxative that protects the mucus membrane of the colon from the attack of free radicals. The fiber also reduces the time of exposure of toxic substances and binding of cancer-causing chemicals with the intestinal lining. Read about Top 10 food habits to prevent cancer
Regulate blood sugar level
Diabetics can include French beans in their diet as they help in proper regulation of blood sugar levels in the body. The presence of fiber in these green beans slows down carbohydrate metabolism thereby preventing a sudden surge of blood sugar levels in diabetics. Read more about 10 tips to prevent diabetes.
Boost immune function
French beans contain high levels of vitamin C that acts as a powerful antioxidant, scavenging the harmful free radicals. This green vegetable also helps strengthen the body's immune system. The presence of various health essential minerals and vitamins like iron, calcium and B-complex, helps improve the rate of metabolism. Read about 5 amazing tips to improve your immunity.
Prevent premature ageing
French beans contain a good amount of flavanoids and antioxidants that play a key role in anti-ageing by nullifying the attacks of harmful free-radicals. Vitamin A present in this vegetable is found to slow down the signs of premature ageing, like dry skin, wrinkles and dark spots. Read more about 10 tips to prevent wrinkles and other signs of ageing.
Help in proper digestion and urine output
Due to its high fiber content, French beans are beneficial for people suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and constipation. These beans have a moderate diuretic effect on the body, that stimulates the normal flow of urine and also eliminates harmful toxins from the body. Read about how wrong food combinations can lead to indigestion and gas.
Enhance bone health
French beans contain adequate amounts of manganese that help in the absorption of calcium and boost bone strength and density. These beans lower the risk of developing osteoporosis, alleviate gout and prevent rheumatoid arthritis by reducing inflammation of the joints. Read more about 7 surprising foods for healthy bones.
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