Pinto beans, like anasazi beans, are some of the top cancer-fighting foods you can eat. They contain folate, manganese, copper, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and iron, among many other nutrients. The pinto bean is small but mighty, when it comes to its health benefits. Pinto beans benefits include the ability to slow tumor growth, fight diabetes and reduce the risk of heart disease and breast cancer.
Pinto Beans Benefits
1. May Slow Tumor Growth
Research has shown that pinto beans benefits may include the ability to slow tumor growth. Pinto beans contain polyphenols, which have powerful anti-cancer properties. They also contain a flavonoid called kaempferol, which is known to help fight inflammation. Studies have shown that consuming foods that contain kaempferol can help reduce the risk of cancer. (1)
2. Reduce the Risk of Heart Disease
Pinto beans benefits include the ability to reduce the risk of heart disease. According to research published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, consuming pinto beans on a regular basis can help significantly reduce cholesterol levels. Pinto beans benefits also include the ability to provide the body with a healthy dose of fiber. High-fiber foods can help lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease. (2)
3. Lower Breast Cancer Risk
Researchers have studied pinto beans for their ability to reduce the risk of breast cancer. Studies have shown that women who increase their fiber intake at an earlier age were associated with a lower risk of breast cancer through adulthood. The research suggests that a high-fiber food, pinto beans benefits may include a reduced risk of breast cancer. High-fiber diets are also linked to a reduced risk of breast cancer. Fiber inhibits the reabsorption of estrogen, which is linked to breast cancer development. (3)
4. Fight Diabetes
Pinto beans benefits include the ability to fight diabetes. They contain complex carbohydrates that help maintain healthy blood sugar levels and slow the digestion process. Pinto beans benefits include the ability to increase satiety while regulating glucose and insulin levels. The fiber in pinto beans can help reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome, making them a beneficial addition to a diabetic diet. Studies have shown that when type 2 diabetes patients consumed a high-legume diet, they experienced a significant decrease in hemoglobin, which reduces the risk of heart disease and diabetes.
5. Provide Beneficial Fiber
Pinto beans benefits include the ability to provide the body with beneficial fiber. The body utilizes fiber to help maintain regular bowel movements and ensure that the digestive system runs smoothly. Thanks to the fiber they contain, pinto beans benefits include the ability to relieve constipation and other digestive issues. High-fiber foods can also help reduce the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes by regulating blood sugar levels.