Cold winter days a perfect time for a pot of beans. Beans are just as nutritious as they are flavorful. Rich in B vitamins, including thiamin, niacin, B6, and folacin, beans are an excellent source of plant food protein. Although beans are not complete protein, lacking some essential amino acids, you can over come this deficiency by eating them with grains, seeds, or a small amount of animal protein. Serving pinto beans with a slice of whole-grain bread is as complete a protein as a piece of chicken.
Beans are low in fat.
Most only contain a tiny percentage of total calories in polyunsaturated fat, while red meat may contain up to 70 percent of calories in saturated fat. Fiber is another advantage. On the average, beans offer more fiber than almost any food except cereal brans. If you don't know beans about selecting and preparing different beans, take the guesswork out with these helpful hints. Adzukis, or adukis, favored in Japanese cuisine, have a delicate flavor.