On a cold winter night, a steaming bowl of black bean stew or a hearty plate of black beans and rice can be comforting. With their creamy texture and subtly sweet flavor, these tiny powerhouses of health strengthen the heart, regulate blood sugar, and support a healthy weight.
In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), black beans are prized for their special nourishing effects on the kidneys. They are warming, nourish blood and yin (or water energy), and benefit reproductive function. In Ayurvedic medicine, the traditional medicine of India, black beans promote healthy elimination due to their high fiber content. They are used to quell food cravings and are particularly beneficial in early spring.
