Chickpeas are one of the staple foods in our pantry. We use them for beautiful colorful hummus varieties with peppers and beetroot or plain classic hummus. They are great for delicious dhals or salads. Chickpeas are part of the diet of some of the healthiest populations in the world today and it is one of the oldest consumed crops in the world. On the nutritional side, they are a powerful little package of protein, vitamins, and minerals.
Adzuki beans are a great source of protein and are used in eastern medicine for treating several kinds of conditions like kidney, bladder and reproductive functions. They are said to be the most “yang” or warming of the bean family. Because of their unique flavor, adzuki beans can be used in both sweet and savory recipes.
Mung beans are considered one of the most precious foods in Ayurvedic medicine. They are great for soups, dhals, they perfectly complement adzuki beans in salads and are great for sprouting. They are one of the healthiest sources of plant protein there is.
Green and brown lentils are low in calories and high in nutrition. They are perfect for salads, spreads, stews and soups. Great for lentil loaves and veggie burgers as well.
Kidney beans have high fiber content which prevents blood sugar levels from rising too rapidly after a meal, making these beans an especially good choice for individuals with diabetes, insulin resistance or hypoglycemia. When combined with whole grains such as rice, they provide high-quality protein.
Black beans are a food that everyone should have in their kitchen cabinet. They are a great source of protein, fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins and minerals. They can help protect against inflammation, heart disease, weight gain, diabetes, certain cancers, and common nutrient deficiencies.
White beans are loaded with antioxidants and have detoxifying properties thanks to molybdenum. They are also a good source of fiber and protein and rank low on the glycemic index.
Red lentils are great for curries, soups, and dhals. If you have issues with blood sugar they are great for balancing it out because of their low glycemic index. Archaeologists found lentil seeds dating back to the Bronze Age, so they’ve been with us for some time.
Split peas are high in protein and fiber, and low in fat. There are two types of split peas: green and yellow. Besides classic split pea soup, you can use them to make delicious spreads.
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