The name of long beans pretty much gives you an idea on how they look like — they’re beans inside long pods which can grow anywhere from 10 to 30 inches in length. Because they can be found in numerous warmer parts of Asia, long beans come in many different names. Some of them include bodi, bora, Chinese long beans, snake beans, pea beans, asparagus beans and yard long beans — a misnomer since they don’t really grow a yard in length.
In places where they are native to, long beans are harvested before reaching maturity, and they are consumed as typical green vegetables. Often, they are sautéed or stir-fried together with other vegetables. Mature ones, on the other hand, are often dried, and the beans within can be added to soups.
Getting your hands on some long beans is a great idea given the fact that they are teeming with fiber, protein, vitamins and minerals. Their inclusion in your diet on a regular basis can make it easier for you to remain in the pink of health, and also help you steer clear of certain health issues that can have all kinds of unfavorable effects on your day-to-day living. Let’s take a look at the many, many benefits that long beans are known to offer:
Better Resistance
One of the nutrients you can obtain from long beans is vitamin C. As you may already know, this vitamin is crucial for making your immune system strong. Especially when the season for various upper respiratory tract infections is here, you can lower your risk of getting sick if your immune system in superb shape.
Lovelier Nails, Hair and Skin
Vitamin C in long beans is actually an antioxidant that protects your nails, hair and skin from damage. Also, it’s something that encourages the production of collagen, which is vital for keeping the skin free of wrinkles.
Increased Energy
There are also various B vitamins present in long beans, and some of them include niacin, riboflavin and pantothenic acid. All of these nutrients actually help convert the food you eat into fuel, making you feel energetic. By the way, B vitamins are also essential for healthier brain and nerve cells.
Healthier Eyes
Another vitamin that you can obtain from every serving of long beans is vitamin A. Eye specialists say that this vitamin is particularly good at warding off all sorts of eye problems, many of which can lead to vision loss if not treated.
Optimal RBC Count
RBC stands for red blood cell, which is the component of blood that transports oxygen. Insufficiency in RBC causes anemia, and the most common form of which is due to lack of iron in the diet. Great news: long beans contain lots of iron, and eating them regularly can help prevent and also reverse iron-deficiency anemia.
Tougher Bones
Also present in long beans is phosphorus, and this mineral actually works side by side with calcium. So in other words, the inclusion of long beans in your diet can help strengthen your bones, thus lowering your osteoporosis risk.
Stronger Teeth
Your bones are not the only ones that can become stronger when you eat phosphorus-containing long beans, but also your teeth. Having strong pearly whites can help keep your beautiful smile intact because it helps lower your chances of developing tooth-wrecking cavities and dental carries.
Lowered Constipation Risk
Just like many other vegetables out there, long beans are phenomenal sources of fiber. This only means that adding them to your diet on a regular basis can definitely help promote regular movement of the bowels.
Increased Muscle Mass
If you’re a vegetarian or you simply want to reduce your consumption of animal products, it’s a wonderful idea for you to consume long beans. That’s because they actually supply your body with protein which is necessary for various bodily process, and it includes muscle building and strengthening.
Controlled Blood Pressure
There’s also potassium in long beans, which is a mineral known to help keep the blood pressure normal. As a result, your risk of having a stroke, heart attack and heart disease can be considerably lowered.
Are you surprised to know that long beans have a long list of benefits to offer? If so, kindly share this article on social media to get everybody acquainted with them as well!
