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Move over blueberries - here come the beans
Move over blueberries, beans have been found to provide a powerful punch of antioxidants, the nutrients that help prevent and repair cell damage in your body.
In June 2004, the USDA released results showing that a serving of red beans (1/2 cup) can provide twice the amount of antioxidants than a serving of blueberries (1 cup). This means you would have to eat about 2 cups of blueberries to get the same amount of antioxidants that a 1/2 cup of red beans would provide. The researchers measured the Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) of more than 100 different foods commonly consumed by the U.S. population from four different regions and across two seasons. Kidney and black beans also scored high antioxidant levels, ranking in the top five out of 100 tested.
In December 2003, the USDA shared results from a separate study in which the antioxidant properties of black beans were revealed. The researchers stated that ". . .beans are an integral part of diets in a significant portion of the world population, but the potential benefits of consuming beans from a 'health benefits' point of view have largely been overlooked."
Conclusion – Both studies show that beans are a rich source of antioxidants. Beans with deeper colors appear to have a higher antioxidant level, and eating a variety of colored beans is an important dietary source of these compounds. Check out our recipe section on ways to include beans in your diet.
Move over blueberries, beans have been found to provide a powerful punch of antioxidants, the nutrients that help prevent and repair cell damage in your body.
In June 2004, the USDA released results showing that a serving of red beans (1/2 cup) can provide twice the amount of antioxidants than a serving of blueberries (1 cup). This means you would have to eat about 2 cups of blueberries to get the same amount of antioxidants that a 1/2 cup of red beans would provide. The researchers measured the Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) of more than 100 different foods commonly consumed by the U.S. population from four different regions and across two seasons. Kidney and black beans also scored high antioxidant levels, ranking in the top five out of 100 tested.
In December 2003, the USDA shared results from a separate study in which the antioxidant properties of black beans were revealed. The researchers stated that ". . .beans are an integral part of diets in a significant portion of the world population, but the potential benefits of consuming beans from a 'health benefits' point of view have largely been overlooked."
Conclusion – Both studies show that beans are a rich source of antioxidants. Beans with deeper colors appear to have a higher antioxidant level, and eating a variety of colored beans is an important dietary source of these compounds. Check out our recipe section on ways to include beans in your diet.
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