Benefits of eating beans
Beans are a plant-based staple and for good reason. Not only are they nutritionally packed, but they are a super cost-effective way to add flavor, protein, and fiber to your plant-based diet. Plus, some studies suggest that eating more beans in place of beef may actually have some beneficial environmental impacts.
Ahead, we’re diving deeper into four benefits of eating beans, plus some yummy ways to include them in your diet.
4 Benefits of Eating Beans
#1 Boost Your Plant-based Protein Intake
Beans happen to be an excellent source of plant-based protein and can easily be enjoyed in place of animal protein. In just one cup of black beans, you’ll pack in about 15 grams of delicious plant-based protein. So, sprinkle them into things to replace meat, or if you’re already eating plant-based, consider switching up the kinds of beans you eat every now and then to add some variety.
#2 Supercharge Your Fiber Intake
Making beans a regular part of your plant-based diet is a great way to up your fiber intake. Try adding them to salads, pasta, veggie burgers, or even mixed into healthier brownie recipes — you won’t even know they are in there!
#3 Use Beans Instead of Meat
Beans also make a great meat replacer. You can swap out ground beef and use beans instead in your favorite taco or even burger recipes. You can also add beans to pasta dishes for an added boost of plant-based protein and fiber.
#4 Eating Beans May Be Good For The Environment
Researchers from four different universities in the US suggested that if Americans simply swapped out beef for beans, there would be significant environmental benefits, thanks to a reduction in greenhouse gases.
Here’s just one more reason to consider adding more plant-based foods, like beans to our diet!
Add Variety to Your Diet By Switching Up The Type of Bean You Enjoy
There are also a handful of different beans to choose from, each of them offering plant-based protein, fiber, and important vitamins and minerals.
Here are some of the delicious bean options to consider adding to your plant-based diet.
- Kidney beans
- Garbanzo beans
- Black beans
- Pinto beans
- Cannelini beans
How to Include More Beans in Your Plant-based Diet
Ready to add more beans into your plant-based diet? Here are some delicious ways to enjoy them more often.
- Make a bean salad with a mix of your favorite beans, onion, tomato, and a plant-based dressing.
- Add beans to your soups and stews
- Make a homemade black bean dip
- Whip up a batch of homemade hummus with garbanzo beans
- Try making black bean brownies using almond flour and use flax or chia eggs in place of regular eggs
- Add beans to stir fry dishes.
Or, if you want a done for you option, consider some of the delicious and nourishing options on Veestro’s menu. From Tortilla Chili to Golden Chickpea Stew, Veestro’s plant-based meals make it easy and delicious to incorporate more beans into your diet.
