Benefits of white beans for liver and kidney health


White beans are rich in many different nutrients, making them a preferred choice for many compared to other types of food. They are also considered beneficial for liver health in general. In this context, my Dalili Medical will review the most prominent benefits that white beans provide for liver and kidney health, in addition to some potential harms.

Are beans good for the liver?

 

Yes, beans are considered a food that belongs to the category of grains, and they have a significant positive effect in treating many problems that affect the liver, including fatty liver. Beans also contribute to activating the liver and enhancing its health in general. Among the benefits of white beans for the liver is that they help get rid of toxins.

**Do white beans affect the colon?**

 

White beans are considered a food rich in proteins, which makes them one of the ingredients that may cause gas and bloating, especially in people who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome. As it can exacerbate their health condition and cause them to feel cramps.

**Do beans affect the kidneys?**

 

White beans are considered beneficial for kidney health, as they help reduce the level of sugar in the urine, and also help cleanse the kidneys and purify them from stones and sand. Therefore, it is recommended to eat them to improve the overall health of the kidneys, especially for kidney patients.

**Do white beans contain iron?**

 

Yes, white beans contain a high percentage of iron, which helps promote overall health, especially for people suffering from anemia. One cup of beans contains about eight milligrams of iron.

**Types of beans**

There are three main types of beans, as follows:

1. **Dried white beans**: These beans are considered very important, as they contain dietary fiber and protein, and are characterized by their low fat content.

2. **Red beans**: They are one of the most famous types of beans used in European countries, where they originate. They are characterized by their soft texture and nutty shape, and are used to add a distinctive flavor to foods and stews. Red beans contain dietary fiber and minerals such as magnesium, calcium, iron, and phosphorus, in addition to vitamin B9 and folate, which helps in cell growth and regeneration, and is considered important for pregnant women and their fetuses. Despite its health benefits, red beans should be cooked well before eating them, as eating them raw may cause harm.

3. **Green beans**: Green beans are known for their popularity all over the world, as they are considered a staple food rich in vitamins and minerals. There are more than 150 types of green beans in the form of beans, and all of these types have the same benefits and importance.

**Nutritional value of white beans**

White beans are a rich source of many essential nutrients. The following are details of their nutritional value:

- **Calories**: 142 calories.

- **Protein**: 8.97 grams.

- **Fat**: 0.64 grams.

- **Carbohydrates**: 25.81 grams.

In addition, white beans contain:

- **Calcium**: 73 mg.

- **Iron**: 2.84 mg.

- **Sodium**: 2 mg.

- **Folic acid**: 137 mcg.

Despite not containing vitamin C or vitamin A, white beans are still an excellent nutritional choice thanks to their protein and carbohydrate content.

White beans contain 8.97 grams of protein and 25.81 grams of carbohydrates. They also contain 144.88 calories, of which 103.24 calories come from carbohydrates, 35.88 calories from protein, and 5.76 calories from fat.

In addition, white beans contain a range of important minerals, such as:

- Calcium

- Iron

- Magnesium

- Phosphorus

- Potassium

- Zinc

- Copper

- Manganese

- Selenium

- Fluoride

White beans also contain 8.97 grams of protein, including essential and non-essential amino acids.

**Benefits of white beans for the liver**

White beans are a rich source of nutrients and plant compounds that promote liver health and contribute to improving its performance. Among their most prominent benefits are:

- **Reducing liver inflammation**: White beans contain antioxidant compounds such as flavonoids and polyphenols, which contribute to reducing liver inflammation and enhancing its functions.

- **Reducing liver fat levels**: White beans contain dietary fiber, proteins and minerals that help reduce the accumulation of fat in the liver, which contributes to improving its health.

- **Improving liver function**: White beans contain amino acids, proteins, vitamins and minerals essential for liver health, which helps enhance its ability to eliminate toxins and harmful waste.

- **Improving digestive health**: White beans contain dietary fiber that acts as a natural laxative, facilitating the movement of food through the intestines, thus improving digestive health and reducing constipation problems that may negatively affect liver health.

**Reducing the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease:** White beans are a rich source of dietary fiber, proteins and minerals, which contribute to lowering fat levels in the liver, thus reducing the likelihood of developing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, which negatively affects liver health.

White beans can be included in a variety of healthy recipes, such as salads, side dishes and soups, making them an excellent choice within a balanced diet aimed at promoting liver health. However, it is preferable to consult a specialist doctor before eating them in case of certain health conditions.

**Liver detoxification:** White beans are also useful in supporting the liver cleansing process, hIt contains substances that help remove toxins from the body.

**Benefits of white beans for kidney health**

White beans are rich in many nutrients that promote kidney health, and provide a range of important health benefits, including:

- **Improving kidney function**: White beans contain dietary fiber, minerals and vitamins that contribute to enhancing kidney function and reducing the risk of kidney disease. Therefore, white beans are considered one of the recommended foods to support kidney health.

- **Reducing the risk of kidney infections**: White beans contain antioxidants and natural substances that contribute to reducing the risk of kidney infections and maintaining their health.

- **Reducing the risk of kidney stones**: Thanks to their dietary fiber content, white beans help improve digestive health and reduce the risk of kidney stones. Therefore, including white beans in the diet is an important part of preventing kidney stones.

**Promoting nervous system health**: White beans contain a group of vitamins and minerals necessary for the health of the nervous system, which contributes to improving its functions and maintaining the balance of the nervous system.

**Improving Digestive Health:** White beans contain dietary fiber that acts as a natural laxative, helping to move food through the intestines, thus promoting digestive health and reducing constipation problems.

**How ​​to use white beans to support liver health**

There are many ways to eat white beans to benefit from their benefits for liver health, the most prominent of which are:

1. **Adding white beans to meals**: White beans can be incorporated into salads, various types of soups, or added to main dishes. They can also be used in sandwiches as a rich source of protein and dietary fiber. In addition, they can be eaten as a snack with a little lemon juice.

2. **Eating white beans with vegetables**: You can prepare a special dish of white beans with vegetables such as tomatoes or hot peppers, or add them to coriander to promote overall liver health.

3. **Ways to prepare white beans**: White beans can be cooked in multiple ways such as steaming, boiling water, or roasting in the oven. For best results, it is preferable to use fresh white beans and avoid canned beans that may contain high amounts of salt and preservatives, or are subject to poor storage and spoilage.

**Disadvantages of white beans**

White beans are considered safe to consume when consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet, as they contain many beneficial nutrients. However, they may cause some harm when consumed in large quantities or in certain health conditions, the most prominent of which are:

- **Digestive problems**: Some individuals may experience digestive problems when consuming large quantities of white beans, such as bloating, gas, diarrhea or constipation, due to their high content of dietary fiber.

- **Allergy**: Some people may be allergic to white beans, which may lead to symptoms such as rash, itching, swelling, and difficulty breathing.

**Interaction with medications:** White beans may interact with some medications, such as antioxidants and high blood pressure medications. Therefore, it is preferable not to eat white beans with these medications except after consulting a doctor.

**Interaction with other foods:** It is recommended to avoid eating white beans with some other foods, such as fatty foods, as this may lead to an increase in body fat and an increased risk of obesity.

**- Poisoning:** White beans contain a protein known as lectins, which may cause poisoning when consumed in large quantities. To avoid this problem, it is recommended to soak white beans for a long time before cooking, or boil them for at least 10 minutes.

- **Migraine**: Some people may suffer from a migraine after eating white beans, but this condition is rare.

- **Reducing blood sugar levels**: White beans contain a high percentage of fiber, which contributes to slowing the absorption of carbohydrates in the digestive system, thus leading to a decrease in blood sugar levels. Therefore, diabetics should be careful to monitor their sugar levels after eating white beans.