Los alimentos con un alto índice glucémico (IG) segregan insulina en grandes cantidades, exponiendo el cuerpo a estrés. Los alimentos con un bajo índice glucémico generalmente no provocan una respuesta fuerte y estresante de insulina.

Los frijoles y otros carbohidratos con bajos índices IG tienen la capacidad de proporcionar energía sostenida durante un tiempo más largo. 

Hay tantas razones por qué usted querrá agregar frijoles a su dieta. Los frijoles tienen el potencial para bajar el colesterol, reducir los riesgos de la enfermedad cardiaca, aliviar estreñimiento, mejorar la integridad gastrointestinal, y estabilizar el nivel de azúcar en la sangre. ¹

Protein that's good and lean. Beans are a healthful alternative to meat because they help moderate fat & cholesterol. Several studies show that beans may help lower blood cholesterol. 2-4This is great news for people with cholesterol problems. And if that's not enough to make you say "I want my beans!" Listen to this, a study by researchers at the Canadian Centre for Agri-Food Research in Health and Medicine (CCARM) shows that daily consumption of beans, peas, lentils and chickpeas leads to major improvements in blood vessel function in individuals with peripheral arterial disease (PAD), a condition in which blood flow to the limbs is reduced. So, take care of your heart and eat your beans.

Still not convinced why beans are so great?

Well for one MyPyramid.org lists beans in 2 different food groups: vegetables, and meat and beans.⁵

Beans fit into both groups because they have similar nutrient profiles to other foods in the Vegetable Group and the Meat and Beans Group. They are listed in the Vegetable Group because they are a plant-based food that provides fiber, folate, potassium and antioxidants. And they are listed in the Meat and Beans Group because they are a good source of protein. Even better, unlike some other foods in this group, beans provide a low-fat, saturated fat-free, and cholesterol-free source of protein.

Eating beans, peas, lentils and garbanzos can help against chronic diseases like:

Heart disease

Obesity

Diabetes

Beans help prevent diseases and protect your health.

We all know beans are good for you, but did you know that they can also help you prevent diseases? The Pulse Health & Food Symposium in Toronto, Ontario released results from six clinical trials. Not surprisingly the research showed that beans, peas and lentils have the potential to reduce cholesterol, fight cardiovascular disease, help with insulin management and improve good health.

Eating beans can help you with heart disease.

According to the studies regular consumption of beans and other legumes can contribute to reduced serum cholesterol and triglycerides, which are two major risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Research also linked bean consumption to improved arterial health and lower blood pressure.

Beans are great for diabetics.

The trial results also showed that diabetics can greatly benefit from eating beans and other legumes because beans have a low glycemic index and can help regulate insulin levels.

Want to loose weight? The studies showed that regular consumption of beans can be important in combating obesity. This is because beans help increase feelings of fullness and therefore can contribute to weight loss. The soluble fiber and resistant starches in beans may help suppress appetite and manage blood sugar. 6-7   Beans are great for vegetarians. Beans function as a vegetable in diets and they are non-meat protein source. Incorporating beans in vegetarian diets is essential for protein needs.