Regular consumption of beans , lentils and chickpeas has a number of health benefits, as these foods are low in fat. For this reason, a diet rich in legumes can help lose weight.
By consuming a portion of 130 g of beans, peas, chickpeas or lentils daily, this beneficial effect can be achieved. The benefit is mainly due to the prolonged feeling of satiety that these foods leave.
Adding a portion of legumes to the diet leads to weight loss of 0.34 kg over a period of 6 weeks. Although it is not a question of drastic weight loss , it is extremely important that it prevents their re-accumulation.
According to studies, the consumption of a diet rich in legumes increases the feeling of satiety by 31%. These foods are also good for the heart because they reduce the levels of "bad" cholesterol in the blood.
They have a low glycemic index , which means that they are absorbed slowly and do not lead to potentially harmful "jumps" in the levels of the hormone insulin . Sharp rises in insulin are caused by high-glycemic sugary foods and are associated with the development of diabetes and weight gain .
Foods with a high glycemic index include white rice, white bread and refined cereals .
One of the disadvantages of legumes is that they lead to the formation of gas in the intestines. The reason for this adverse effect lies in the sugar content, which complicates the digestive system . When they enter the body, they are broken down by natural bacteria, but this can lead to the formation of gas.
Soaking legumes in water overnight can reduce oligosaccharide levels .