The U.S. produces more pinto beans than any other type of bean. These beans are popular in the Americas, as they are the type of beans used to make refried beans, which are used in Mexican and Tex-Mex cooking. Pinto beans are nutritious and may help to lower your risk for certain health conditions. A 1/2-cup serving of pinto beans provides 100 calories, along with 6g of fiber, 6g of protein and no fat. This serving of pinto beans also contains 20 percent of the daily value for folate, 10 percent of the daily value for iron and phosphorus, 8 percent of the daily value for thiamine and magnesium, 6 percent of the daily value for calcium and zinc, 4 percent of the daily value for vitamin B-6 and riboflavin and 2 percent of the daily value for vitamin C and niacin. They are also a good source of potassium.
Pinto beans may help to lower your low-density lipoprotein and total cholesterol because of the soluble fiber they contain. Lower cholesterol can reduce your risk for heart disease. Replacing high-fat meat with pinto beans may also help to lower your risk for obesity and obesity-related diseases, including diabetes. A 2006 study led by Donna Winham of Arizona State University found that consuming a 1/2-cup serving of pinto beans, prepared without lard, every day for eight weeks may lower cholesterol even more than consuming oatmeal. The participants of the study were pre-diabetic or had high cholesterol.
Increase your bean consumption gradually, and increase fluid consumption at the same rate to minimize intestinal problems due to the added fiber in your diet. Also, discard rinsing and cooking water from the beans or take a bean enzyme supplement, such as Beano, to make gas less likely if you are not used to consuming beans, advises the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The CDC recommends consuming a meatless meal including beans twice a week. Dried beans require soaking before cooking, and you should rinse off canned beans before use to remove excess salt. Add salt and acidic ingredients when the beans are finished cooking, as adding these while the beans are cooking increases cooking time.
Here is a pinto bean recipe. You will need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound dry pinto beans
- 8 cups of water
- 2 smoked pork hocks
- 2 tablespoons worcestershire sauce
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 or 2 Jalapenos, seeded and chopped
- 2 or 3 dashes hot pepper sauce
Boil the beans and 4 cups of water and simmer for 2 minutes. Cover and let stand for 1 hour. Drain and rinse beans, return to pot. Add 4 cups of water and all other ingredients and stir. Bring to boil, cover and simmer for 2 1/2 hours adding more water if needed. Remove the meat on the pork hocks and stir into the beans.
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Pinto beans nutrition
How to cook pinto beans








