Healthy and radiant skin doesn’t just come from cosmetics or lifestyle choices – your diet plays a crucial role too. While it might seem like you need fancy, exotic foods for great skin, many everyday ingredients found in your home-cooked meals offer fantastic benefits for your skin.
One such group of foods is beans, commonly used in Indian cuisine, including green moong (mung beans), rajma (kidney beans), lobia/chawli (black-eyed beans), chana (garbanzo beans/chickpeas), matki (moth beans) and others.
Here’s why incorporating beans into your diet can be game-changer for your skin:
Rich Source of Protein: Protein is vital nutrient for your body and your skin. It helps nourish and repair your skin, maintaining its structure and overall health. Beans are excellent source of vegetarian, plant-based protein, making them natural way to enhance your skin’s health when consumed regularly.
Abundant in Antioxidants: Beans are packed with antioxidants which offer protection against free radical damage and may have anti-aging effects. If you aim for youthful and glowing skin in the long run, including beans in your diet is a wise choice.
Skin-Friendly Nutrients: Legumes including beans provide good source of zinc which can improve skin health by reducing inflammation, dullness and protecting your skin from sun damage. Some beans like kidney beans and soybeans also contain Omega-3 fatty acids, which play significant role in enhancing your skin.
How to Incorporate Beans for Skincare: Four Simple and Healthy Ideas
Add Them to Salads: Salads, when prepared thoughtfully, can do wonders for your skin. Combining nutrient-rich veggies with other healthy ingredients can be a tasty treat for your skin. Instead of the usual protein options like paneer, tofu, or chicken, consider using boiled or cooked beans as the protein base for your salad. Here’s a simple mixed bean salad recipe to get you started.
Prepare Traditional Bean Dishes: Beans are a staple in Indian cuisine and are featured in various curry or sabzi dishes typically enjoyed with rice or rotis. Traditional recipes offer numerous wholesome options, but be mindful of oil and salt usage to maximize the skin benefits.
Include Bean Sprouts: You can sprout beans at home or purchase sprouted beans from the market. Sprouting enhances the nutritional value of beans, offering you even more advantages. Add sprouts to variety of dishes, from dosas and tikkis to curries and pulao. Here are some healthy recipes you can try.
Create Snacks and Treats: Beans can also be used to make healthy snacks such as non-deep-fried cutlets, veg kebabs, nutritious chaats, homemade burger patties, and more. Use beans as a stuffing for rolls and wraps, making for a satisfying meal or a convenient tiffin option. The possibilities are endless, so don’t hesitate to explore!
Start experimenting with beans in your meals today!
