This is the healthy and affordable food parents should be giving their kids, according to Harvard experts
Give children a good headstart by instilling healthy eating habits from a young age with a source of protein that is both cheap and nutritious.
Pediatricians stress the importance of instilling healthy eating habits in children from a young age - behaviors which they will be more likely to carry into adulthood.
Eating ready meals on a regularly basis might seem convenient and a way to save time, but many of those meals are ultra-processed, high in hidden salt, saturated or trans fat and sugar - ingredients which have negative health consequences, especially for children.
Benefits of beans: Beans are one of nature’s perfect foods. Low-fat legumes provide plenty of folate, potassium, magnesium, iron, protein, and fiber. #HarvardHealth #TipoftheDay pic.twitter.com/hHL2KUPUTY
— Harvard Health (@HarvardHealth) March 20, 2024
The health benefits of eating beans
But there are healthy alternatives to eating junk food - food which will provide your children with both the daily protein and fiber intake they need as part of a well-balanced diet.
Many parents will know the importance of making sure their kids get enough fruit and vegetables - leafy greens packed with anti-oxidants and fruits that are rich in immune system-boosting minerals and vitamins.
There is also another plant-based superfood that will give children all of the protein and fiber they need and it’s cheap - beans.
Among the many other health benefits associated with eating beans is their low fat content. A half cup serving of red kidney beans or white borlotti beans contains just 0.4 grams of fat, and around 150 calories and around 25% of your daily value of fiber. These beans can be tossed into salads to make them more appetizing, cooked in dishes such as chilli con carne or added to soups.
Fiber to help digestion
The insoluble fiber in beans promotes digestion, making us feel full and preventing overeating. It also helps to lower cholesterol levels, and to stabilize blood sugar fluctuations after meals.
Apart from protein and fiber, beans are also high in antioxidants, iron, vitamin B, potassium, magnesium, zinc and copper.
And best of all, they are affordable, making them accessible to families regardless of their budget.
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