Kidney Beans Benefits and Uses for Skin Hair and Health

Kidney beans (Rajma) are dark red in color and are shaped like a kidney. It is very tasty and has a good flavor and texture. Popularly known as ‘Rajma’ in Hindi, it is full of minerals and vitamins. It also has antioxidant properties.

Benefits of Kidney Beans for Skin:

Anti-aging:

Red kidney beans are loaded with antioxidants. They have anti-aging properties and help in preventing cellular damage. They protect your body and skin from various health problems caused as a result of consuming unhealthy foods.

Healthy skin:

Kidney beans are very beneficial for maintaining the metabolism of amino acids, gluconeogenesis, neurotransmitter synthesis, fatty acids, histamine synthesis, lipids and hemoglobin synthesis. This way it helps in providing you healthy skin.

Benefits of Kidney Beans for Hair:

Healthy hair:

Kidney beans are loaded with biotin, protein and niacin, which are essential for providing you strong hair and nails. Biotin also helps your nails and hair to grow fast.

Health and Medicinal Benefits of Kidney Beans:

Brain function:

Vitamin K is present in high amounts in kidney beans. This is very essential for the proper functioning of the brain and the nervous system. This is because vitamin K helps in the synthesis of sphingo-lipids, which is needed for the proper functioning of the myelin sheath. Thiamine present in kidney beans is makes sure about the cognitive functioning of the brain.

Blood sugar:

Soluble fiber present in kidney beans is very beneficial for decreasing the metabolism rate of carbohydrates. As a result, an increase in the levels of blood sugar is prevented. Proteins are also found in high amounts in these beans, which help in lowering the levels of blood sugar.

Bone strength:

Kidney beans are rich in manganese and calcium, which help in building up strong bones, thus preventing osteoporosis. Kidney beans also help in lowering the risk of bone and hip fracture because of the presence of folate in them, which can maintain the levels of homocysteine.

Cardiovascular benefits:

Being rich in fiber, kidney beans are great for lowering the cholesterol levels. The folate in these beans lowers the homocysteine levels and reduces the risk of strokes, cardiovascular diseases and heart attacks. Magnesium present in these beans also plays an important role in the healthy functioning of the cardiovascular system.

Digestive tract health:

Kidney beans are rich sources of insoluble fiber, which help in regularizing the bowel movements and increasing the stool. This helps dietary fiber to get fermented in the large intestine and makes sure that good bacteria are present in the digestive tract. You can lower the risk of colon cancer by ensuring proper movement of the bowel.

Energy booster:

Kidney beans are rich in iron, which can help in increasing the energy levels. Iron is also needed for the metabolism of the body. Manganese in kidney beans also helps in the production of energy.

Free radicals:

White kidney beans are rich in antioxidants and have anti-cancer properties. Free radicals are produced as byproducts of metabolism in our body. Kidney beans help in detoxifying these free radicals, thereby reducing the risk of cancer and other chronic diseases.

Food for kids:

Being rich in proteins, iron and fiber, kidney beans are the right food for children. They are soft and easy to chew, and are also tasty.

Flavonoids:

Flavonoids like proanthocyanidins are found in high amounts in red kidney beans. They are great for reducing the appearance of wrinkles on the skin and help in making your skin look young and glowing.

High in protein:

Consuming kidney beans with rice provides you many of the essential nutrients you need. It is high in protein and can be a good substitute for meat and dairy products.

Niacin:

Niacin present in kidney beans is very effective for curing cataract. These beans are also rich in magnesium, which can get you relief from migraine and also has other health benefits.

Prevents cancer:

Manganese present in kidney beans provides them antioxidant properties. This helps in reducing free radicals at their cellular level. Moreover, Vitamin K present in kidney beans reduces the risk of cancer by protecting your cells from oxidative damage.

Prevents the risk of diabetes:

Carbohydrates with low glycemic index are present in kidney beans. So, it is very beneficial for preventing the risk of diabetes.

Relieves fatigue:

Kidney beans help you get relief from fatigue and also relax your muscles, blood vessels and nerves. This is because of the presence of magnesium in kidney beans.

Rich in fiber:

White kidney beans are rich in soluble as well as insoluble dietary fiber. Soluble dietary fiber binds itself with the bile acids in the digestive tract and helps in its elimination from the body. So, it is good for curing the formation of bile acids in the liver and thus reduces the bad cholesterol in the body. Insoluble fiber helps in preventing constipation, irritable bowel syndrome and diverticulosis.

Sulfite detoxification:

Sulfites are often added as preservatives when preparing foods like salads and salad bars. These can cause problems in people prone to sulfite allergies. Kidney beans contain molybdenum, which can detoxify sulfites and lower the symptoms like headaches associated with sulfite allergy.

Vitamin C:

Kidney beans contain Vitamin C, which is good for the production of collagen of cartilage. This vitamin helps in providing you healthy skin and hair, and also lowers the risk of macular degeneration.

Weight loss benefits:

Presence of fiber, protein and complex carbohydrates in red kidney beans help in maintain the blood sugar levels in the body. Consuming red kidney beans is recommended in case of insulin resistance, diabetes and hypoglycemia. When the blood sugar level is stable, less insulin is produced by the pancreas. As a result, insulin level is kept low in the body and you will be able to maintain healthy weight.

Zinc:

Kidney beans are rich in zinc or Vitamin B6, which can repair damaged hair and skin. Zinc is also good for preventing macular degeneration. Moreover, Vitamin B6 can prevent memory loss and hair fall that are connected with age.