Beans are a versatile and nutritious food that can be easily added to any smoothie recipe. Adding beans to your smoothie is a good way to add more protein, fiber, and nutrients to your diet. Beans are often an overlooked ingredient in smoothies, but they can be a great addition.
For those who crave something sweet after meals, adding some beans to a smoothie may help satisfy those cravings without resorting to sugary snacks or desserts. Their natural sweetness can help take the edge off of any sugar cravings you may have.
Here in this article, I will talk about why you should add beans to your next smoothie. So let’s begin with an introduction to beans.
What Are Beans?
Beans are the seeds of legumes, a large group of flowering plants that have pods containing seeds. Beans are most commonly known as peas and lentils. Beans are also called legumes because they belong to the same family of plants as peas and lentils. The beans we eat are actually the seeds, not the pods. The word bean is derived from the Latin “Phaseolus” meaning kidney-shaped or oval pod.
Are Beans Good in Smoothies?
As I said, beans are full of protein, fiber, and other nutritional perks. They’re also high in antioxidants. This makes beans a great addition to your smoothie. Beans contain complex carbohydrates that provide slow-digesting carbs.
This allows you to drink your smoothie without feeling bloated or having a sugar crash later on. Beans also contain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants like vitamin C, iron, potassium, magnesium, and folate.
A recent study found that drinking a smoothie with added protein can boost testosterone levels in men and increase their ability to focus. Another study found that eating one cup of beans a day can reduce the risk of developing kidney stones.
So next time you make a smoothie, throw in some beans!
Green Bean Smoothie
Ingredients:
- 1 lime (juiced)
- 2 cups green beans
- 1 cup mango (frozen)
- 1 packed cup of baby spinach leaves
- 2-3 cups of ice
- 2 tablespoons honey or agave syrup (optional)
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.
- Enjoy as is or pour into a glass and enjoy!
Kidney Bean Smoothie
Ingredients:
- ¾ cup kidney beans
- 3 strawberries
- ½ orange juice
- ¾ cup yogurt
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 2 bananas
- 1/2 tsp flax seeds
- vanilla extract
Instructions:
- In a blender, combine all ingredients and blend until smooth.
- Pour into glasses and enjoy!
Mung Bean Smoothie
Ingredients:
- 1 cup mung beans
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup milk
- 1 banana
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Rinse the mung beans and add them to a blender with water.
- Blend until the beans are completely pulverized.
- Add the milk, banana, honey, and vanilla extract to the blender and blend until smooth.
- Serve immediately. Enjoy!
Black Bean Chocolate Smoothie
Ingredients:
- 1 cup black beans, cooked
- 1/2 cup chocolate syrup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 banana
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup ice cubes
Instructions:
- In a blender, combine black beans, chocolate syrup, milk, banana, honey, vanilla extract, and ice cubes.
- Blend until smooth.
- Serve immediately.
White Bean Smoothie
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked white beans
- 1 cup almond milk (or any other dairy-free milk)
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 banana
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth. If you find the mixture too thick, add more milk until desired consistency is reached.
- Pour into a glass and enjoy as is or with your desired toppings.
Kidney Beans in Smoothies for Weight Loss
It’s a great way to lose weight and reduce calories by adding kidney beans to your smoothie. These little legumes are packed with fiber and protein, both of which help promote satiety and weight loss. Just one cup of kidney beans contains over 13 grams of fiber and 15 grams of protein!
When making a smoothie for weight loss, be sure to include other ingredients that are low in calories but high in nutrients, such as leafy greens, fruits, and healthy fats. This will help keep you feeling full and satisfied throughout the day.
FAQ
What Makes Smoothies Better?
When it comes to smoothies, there are a few key things that can make them even better. First, using fresh fruits and vegetables will always give you the best flavor and nutrition. If you’re using frozen ingredients, be sure to thaw them first so your smoothie isn’t too icy.
Secondly, adding a little bit of fat like avocado or nut butter can make your smoothie more filling and satisfying.
Finally, if you want a little extra protein in your diet, consider adding some whey protein powder or Greek yogurt to your blend. By following these tips, you can make any smoothie even better!
Can You Put Uncooked Lentils in a Smoothie?
You may be wondering if you can put uncooked lentils in a smoothie. While uncooked lentils can be blended into a smoothie, it’s important to note that they will not break down as much as cooked lentils would.
This means that your smoothie will have a bit of a grainy texture. If you don’t mind this, then go ahead and give it a try! Just be sure to add extra liquid to your blender to help the lentils blend more easily.
Conclusion
There are many reasons to add beans to a smoothie. For one, beans are an excellent source of protein, which can help to build muscle and support a healthy weight.
They’re also a good source of fiber, which can help to keep you feeling full and satisfied after drinking your smoothie. Additionally, beans can help to boost the nutrient content of your smoothie, providing essential vitamins and minerals that your body needs to function properly.
Finally, beans can add a delicious, creamy texture to your smoothie that will make it even more enjoyable to drink. So, next time you’re looking to add a little something extra to your smoothie, consider adding a few beans to the mix!
Leave a Reply