Why beans and pulses are your new best friend

Because they're tasty AND good for you!

As we move slowly (so very slowly!) into Spring, the change of the seasons has got me thinking about putting some slightly different foods on rotation.

One food group that's always on the menu for me is beans, pulses and legumes.

They are absolutely the best! Why?

They're a fab source of fibre.

Fiber acts as a prebiotic meaning they encourage the growth and activity of gut bacteria which are responsible for keeping things - ahem - moving;as well as reducing inflammation in the gut.

They're full of slow-release carbohydrates

This means they take longer to convert into simple sugars so insulin's released more slowly; your blood sugar stays stable for longer; and you reduce the risk of diabetes.

They help reduce bad cholesterol, while increasing good cholesterol

Bad cholesterol's the type that furs up your arteries and increases risks of heart attacks.

Good cholesterol actually clears the excess out of your system!

Hello essential vitamins and minerals

Take your pick, mix and match - here are some of the essential vits and minerals you get with some of my faves:

- Lentils: one of the most iron rich legumes. 175g also contain 90% of your daily recommended intake of folate (tissue and cell growth, including brain cells).

- Black beans: 175g contains about 1/3 of your daily magnesium requirements (muscle and nerve function, bone density maintenance, blood pressure regulation).

- Butter beans: Rich in polyphenols which help control blood sugar spikes and reduce inflammation.

- Kidney beans: 175g has around 1/3 of your daily requirement of copper (helps form collagen and connective tissue, and works with iron to help synthesize red blood cells)

- Peas: a particularly rich source of vitamin K that's necessary for proper blood clotting and for bone health.