How to live longer: One food that could help you live to 100 according to centenarians
BBC Breakfast: Louise on her new 'coffee regime'
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The bean in this study was the humble legume; but it’s not the only bean that appears to hold the cradle of longevity.
Beans, albeit not necessarily the baked variety, contain a lot of health benefits that can help you to live longer.
Whether it’s the black beans of Costa Rica, the fava, cranberry and chickpea beans of Sardinia or the green and soybeans of Japan, each has their own benefits that can improve your life.
Why beans? What do they contain that give them such potency?
Most beans are an excellent source of nutrients.
They are rich in carbohydrates, minerals, and proteins our bodies need to function.
Furthermore, they provide us with a good source of fibre, boosting our microbiomes and subsequently our immune system.
Each bean has it’s own use however; chickpeas for example, can help reduce blood sugar and improve your cholesterol levels.
Lentils are a great source of protein and, like chickpeas, can help reduce your blood sugar and cholesterol.
See that humble pea? That’s also a great source of fibre and protein.
It can help your gut health too and potentially act as a laxative.
Take a look at your chilli con carne; those kidney beans are helping to power your immune system and research suggests they are excellent for those with type 2 diabetes.
Research suggests that black beans could help reduce your risk of developing diabetes or gaining weight.
Furthermore, a few studies have shown that if you consume them with rice, they can also reduce your blood sugar more than just eating the rice.
Soybeans, common in Asia and used in tofu and alternative milks, contain significant levels of antioxidants that reduce your risk of developing heart disease.
Reducing your risk of cancer is another potential use of soybeans, although more research needs to be done in this area.
Whilst it may sound surprising, due to their relation to the legume family of beans, peanuts are a bean as well as a nut and act as a source of protein.
If you’re looking for more ways to get beans into your diet, head over to your local coffee shop or supermarket and buy yourself a packet of coffee beans.
Once home, grind, add milk and enjoy.
Britons can also consume coffee in a wide variety of other ways.
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