If there is a versatile and nutritious ingredient in our kitchens, that is undoubtedly the legume.
Although in autumn or winter we enjoy them in traditional hot stews, savoring and enjoying each spoonful that nourishes us in body and soul, it seems that spring and summer are coming and it, the legume, is difficult for us.
We don’t feel like eating “hot” so much and we put aside those traditional stews.
Relegating the legume to a second or even third plane.
Well, this is a mistake.
The legume should accompany us in our diet whatever the season of the year.
Since its nutrients are very necessary and beneficial for our body, and our bodies will thank us.
It is good that when spring or summer arrives we begin to consume more fresh and raw food.
Which should not be missing in any of the seasons, but now with the rise in temperatures, as if they want more.
We put the spoon aside and the salads take center stage.
That is why we present you that alternative to continue enjoying legumes in spring and summer: Legume salads
Benefits of Legume Salads For The Body:
Legumes are one of the most nutritious foods that take care of us the most.
Above all, we recommend including them daily in vegetarian diets (without meat) thanks to their high protein content.
Lentils, chickpeas, beans, broad beans, or soy, among others, should not be missing in our pantries.
The fiber content of legumes means that despite its bad reputation it is a food that helps us in weight-loss diets since it produces a feeling of satiety.
They help us prevent hypertension by being very effective in controlling blood pressure, thanks to its amount of soluble fiber and proteins.
Legumes also provide us with quite remarkable amounts of copper, thanks to this mineral the activity of enzymes in the body is stimulated.
Basic for processes such as digestion, skin pigmentation, and tissue connectivity.
We are also facing a very versatile ingredient that admits practically all kinds of flavors, as well as a simple cooking method, and that also keeps very well once cooked, so it takes time in the kitchen and helps us to anticipate and prepare quickly. healthy dishes (another point in its favor).
Properties of Legume:
Beans (also called beans or beans outside our borders), whether in their black, white, cinnamon, or red varieties, have a high content of fiber and vitamins such as B12, B6, and vitamin A.
They are also especially rich in vitamin C, So this is a great source of antioxidantsÂ
The red beans also provide essential minerals for our body such as zinc, potassium, and iron.
Lentils, those of “if you want to take them and if you do not leave them”, they provide us with complex carbohydrates, thanks to which it helps to maintain stable blood sugar levels.
It also has a high level of iron and folic acid, so they are especially useful to be consumed in case of anemia or pregnancy.
Chickpeas provide us with carbohydrates, perfect to be full of energy, soluble fiber, proteins, and fats.
In addition, chickpeas are also a source of vitamin A, B6, C, E and K, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, magnesium, iron, and sodium. Almost nothing!
Soybeans are very nutritious and are widely consumed and valued especially in vegetarian and vegan diets because it provides a large amount of:
- complete proteins,
- fiber,
- vitamins of group B,
- potassium, phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium.
It also contains all the essential amino acids.
Both green and yellow soybeans can be consumed in the same way as their sister cousins, beans, lentils, or chickpeas.
Having given this review of the wonderful and complete world of legumes, let’s go to the topic that concerns us today: Legume salads.
Why Eat Legume Salads in Summer?
- The main point and what we should give the most important is its nutritional value.
- As we have pointed out in previous lines, we are facing a superfood of a lifetime.
- Available all year round, inexpensive, and highly healthy.
- If the rise in temperatures throws you back with spoon dishes, try to follow the advice we give you and make your summer salads a balanced, healthy, nutritious, and full of flavor main dish.
- Another plus point is that we can leave the legume salads ready to eat the next day, thus saving us time on a day-to-day basis.
- It will be enough to keep it in a container with a lid in the fridge.
- Let nothing stop you from enjoying a good dose of legumes this summer!
- Also, remember that they help us to control the line and in slimming regimes
What more can we ask for! Tips on how to prepare them? Rich and healthy recipes?
Read About how prepare legume salds? and some suggestions of vegetable salads that you can prepare at home, in the our following article: Healthy Legume Salads