Learn About Pinto Beans Nutrition Facts and How Pinto Beans Can Help You Lose Weight
Pinto beans are one of the most popular beans in America. You can find this tasty, yet filling, bean in recipes for refried beans, beans and rice, and many Mexican dishes. Sure, people love them, but are they healthy? What are the most important pinto beans nutrition facts?
Vegetarian Protein Source
Vegetarians have long recognized the nutritional benefits of pinto beans. When they’re served along with a whole grain such as brown rice, it makes a complete protein with all of the essential amino acids. A single cup of cooked pinto beans has 15 grams of protein, but eat them with a grain if you’re a vegetarian using them as a primary protein source.
Calorie Content
A cup of prepared pinto beans has 245 calories, which isn’t as low as some foods, but beans have very little fat and no saturated fat. This food is quite filling, so you will eat less if you are trying to lose weight. Begin a meal with a bowl of bean soup and you’ll be so full you won’t be tempted to indulge in a high-calorie dessert.
Pinto Beans Nutrition: Carbohydrates
A bowl of cooked pinto beans has 45 grams of total carbohydrates, but only 30 grams of net carbs (after subtracting the fiber). That’s because pinto beans has 15 grams of fiber, which helps to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease while stabilizing blood sugar levels.
The fiber in pinto beans also stimulates regular bowel movements and keeps the digestive tract healthy. The carbohydrates in pinto beans are “good carbs” because they have a low glycemic index and don’t send insulin levels soaring like white bread, white rice, and potatoes. They’re also a good food to eat for additional energy, since they burn slowly.
Vitamins
Pinto beans are an excellent source of three B vitamins: vitamin B6, thiamine, and folate. These vitamins are important for energy metabolism and for making healthy red blood cells. They also keep the brain and nervous system healthy. They’re a good source of vitamin E, an important antioxidant vitamin that may lower the risk of heart disease.
Minerals
One of the best aspects of pinto beans nutrition is that these beans are an excellent source of minerals, including iron, magnesium, potassium, copper, selenium, and manganese. Pinto beans are a vegetarian’s best friend since they not only supply non-animal protein, but iron and magnesium, which many people who eat a plant-based diet don’t get enough of. The magnesium and potassium that are so abundant in pinto beans contribute to heart health by lowering blood pressure and reducing the risk of abnormal heart rhythms. There are few foods as rich in important minerals as beans.
If you haven’t discovered the nutritional benefits of pinto beans, add some to your grocery cart. They’re low in calories and chock full of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
References
World’s Healthiest Foods website. “Pinto Beans”
Nutrition Data website. “Pinto Beans”