I thought they were all very similar, but it seems not.
So I was wondering what are their main differences?
Like on a nutrients level, their composition, how they are digested and processed by the body, etc.
Which one is supposed to be better and why?
Navy and pinto beans, as well as black and white beans, are all types of common beans. They all belong to the legume family and have a similar nutritional profile.
The main difference between them is in their appearance, texture and taste.
Navy beans are small, white beans that have a smooth texture and mild flavor.
Pinto beans are medium-sized beans that are light brown in color with reddish-brown splotches. They have a slightly sweet and nutty flavor and a soft texture.
Black beans are small, glossy black beans that have a smooth texture and a slightly sweet, earthy flavor.
White beans are large, white beans that have a smooth texture and a slightly nutty flavor.
All of these beans are a good source of protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrates. They also contain a variety of vitamins and minerals, including folate, iron, potassium, and zinc.
Black and navy beans are particularly high in the antioxidant anthocyanin, which gives them their dark color and provides health benefits such as reducing inflammation, improving heart health and preventing cancer.
All these beans are also low in fat and calories, making them a healthy food choice for weight loss.
In general, it’s a good idea to include a variety of beans in your diet to get the most nutritional benefits. However, it’s important to note that beans are high in lectins and phytates, which can be hard to digest for some people. Soaking, cooking and fermenting beans can help to reduce their lectin and phytate content and make them more digestible.
It’s also important to note that people following a ketogenic diet, may want to limit their bean intake, as they are high in carbohydrates and may not be suitable for a very low-carb diet.