Increasingly we are eating at Asian restaurants. Red beans, also known as adzuki beans are a versatile ingredient which is often used in sweeter dishes, like desserts. They also offer a good natural alternative to sugar. You may not be aware that these beans also have important health effects.
Although they have been popular in Asia for centuries, adzuki beans, are still relatively unfamiliar in The Netherlands. This is slowly starting to change, partly because we are becoming more aware of their strong nutritional properties. More people are coming into contact with this unique type of bean, which tastes good and has strong traditional roots.
Why are adzuki beans so healthy?
Their strong nutritional value is what makes adzuki beans healthy. They contain important minerals such as iron and calcium, which the body needs to function properly. In addition, they are rich in fiber, which is beneficial for gut health. They also contain polyphenols: substances that act as antioxidants and have an antibacterial effect.
Adzuki beans also contain vitamins like folte and vitamin E, as well as plant-based proteins. They are naturally gluten-free, which makes them a suitable alternative for people who suffer from celiac disease. Due to the low glycemic index of the beans, they are digested slowly, and that helps to keep the blood sugar stable. This is also good for the heart and blood vessels.
In future, adzuki beans, due to their low glycemic index and high nutritional value, could become a good alternative for foods that raise blood sugar quickly.
Can adzuki beans help with diabetes?
Whether adzuki beans can reduce or cure diabetes is a frequently asked question. Because they are digested slowly
and influence processes in the body related to insulin, there are indications that they may have a positive effect on blood sugar levels.
However, the research is not conclusive and more studies need to be conducted.
Adzuki beans are part of a long and rich tradition
In China, adzuki beans were already used during the Tang dynasty (618-907 AD), where they were used, among other things, to deal with health issues.
They have also been used in Japan for a long time: there adzuki beans are cooked and turned into sweet pastes that are used in desserts, pastries and snacks. That makes them tasty and also very nutritious at the same time.
Their status in the Netherlands
Even though they are not yet well known, adzuki beans can already be found on the shelves of a number of shops. You can buy them at stores such as Amazing Oriental, ietsgezond.nl and DePeulvruchtenShop.nl.
You may already be familiar with other red beans, such as kidney beans, but adzuki beans have a slightly sweeter taste and softer structure. That is why adzuki beans are well suited for sweet dishes.
Conclusion
Adzuki beans join together traditional food with modern knowledge. They have health benefits and are also tasty. They may not yet be a regular ingredient in the Netherlands, but it is highly likely that we will come across this healthy bean more and more in the future.
Sources:
Agarwal, Srishti and Chauhan, Ekta. Adzuki Beans- Physical and Nutritional Characteristics of Beans and Its Health Benefits. 4 April 2019.
Shu, Kwang and de Mejia, Elvira. The Potential of the Adzuki Bean (Vigina Angularis) and Its Bioactive Compounds in Managing Type 2 Diabetes Metabolism A Narrative Review. MDPI. 22 January 2024.
Li, Hang et al. Adzuki Bean (Vigna angularis) Chemical compositions, physicochemical properties, health benefits, and food applications. Wiley online library. 28 Februrary 2022.