Azuki Bean

Get yourself some nutritious treats with Azuki beans. Although beans are haunted by the reputation of causing too much stomach gas, sure you’ll forget about the rumours once you’ve got a share of these healthy provisions. Feel free to make the most of your meals by dashing a couple of beans for optimum nutrition, not to mention natural therapy. 

Also known as red bean in many Asian countries, the azuki bean comes with red outer covering although some varieties may also appear in black, grey, or white. This sort of bean originated in Korean Peninsula prior to its introduction in Japan. The same was also known to have been cultivated in the Himalayas.

Azuki bean may speak for itself since the phrase “azuki bean” literally means “small bean” in Japanese language. Fair enough, the little bean only measures approximately 5mm but compact with nutritional elements. That explains why the bean happens to be one of the most popular legumes in Japan. 

Small but terrible, the azuki bean comes loaded with nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Other than the key nutrient protein, it is also stuffed with niacin, riboflavin, thiamine, iron, manganese, and zinc. What is even more interesting is that the bean is rich in soluble fibre less sodium and less calorie contents.

Besides the nutritional advantage, the azuki bean is well renowned for its therapeutic properties. As a matter of fact, Traditional Chinese Medicine revealed that azuki beans can provide treatment for bladder, kidney, and urinary problems. Most likely, that is ascribed to the diuretic elements found in beans according to Wendy Esko of the Kushi Institute. 

Azuki beans may come in many different culinary delights to warm your kidneys as well as adrenals. For instance, you may prepare an azuki bean soup coupled by complementary ingredients such as cumin known to counteract flatulence. Azuki bean tea may also be prepared by boiling the beans for a refreshing hot cup. Since this type of legume already contains natural sugar, you should be watchful in adding some sweeteners. After all, sugar tends to weaken your kidneys.

Of course there are bonus health treats aside from renal health courtesy of azuki beans. Since it contains less sodium and fewer calories, this legume is known to promote cardiovascular health by lowering blood cholesterol. In the same way, it favours weight reduction ascribed to more protein and less calorie content. 

As a natural detoxifier, azuki beans are rich in soluble fibre to flush out unlikely toxins in the body. Fibre is also beneficial for thorough digestion and excretion processes, not to mention nutrient absorption. As a result, you can expect healthy bowel movement for regular body waste elimination. 

Saving the best for last, you can get a share of anti-cancer treatment from azuki beans, too. Thanks to the phytoestrogen contents of this legume ideal to fight breast cancer. According to Dr. Erika Schwartz, phytoestrogen tricks the female body to believe that the system generates real oestrogen. This natural technique works best in breast cancer prevention.

This time I bet you won’t pass up for an azuki bean treat filled with health and wellness.