Pinto Beans: Nutrition, Benefits, And Risks

Know Your Ingredient: Pinto Bean

What Is It?
A type of bean that is largely consumed in Southwestern United States and Northern Mexico.

What Are Its Benefits?
It may help combat obesity, reduce the risk of diabetes, and coronary heart diseases.

Who Can Consume It?
It is considered safe for all.

How Often?
Daily.

Caution
May cause allergic reactions in some people. Overconsumption may lead to flatulence and abdominal pain.

What Are Pinto Beans?

Pinto beans are among the most consumed bean varieties. They are native to Mexico and are scientifically called Phaseolus vulgaris. They are reddish or beige and have a unique earthy smell with a nutty flavor. They are used whole or mashed and are popular in Mexican cuisine. They take about 90to 150 days to completely turn dry. They can also be consumed as green snap beans.

Trivia

Pinto beans go by many names, like frijoles pintos, poroto frutilla, feijão carioca, and feijão catarino.

Pinto Beans Nutrition Facts

100 grams of raw pinto beans contain the following nutrients:

Note: Values are sourced from USDA

Trivia

Pinto beans are pivotal in Brazilian cuisine. They have been cultivated in the country since 3000 BCE, along with rice, potato, and polenta.

Health Benefits Of Pinto Beans

1. May Reduce The Risk Of Coronary Heart Disease

A sedentary lifestyle and an unhealthy diet are among the major factors associated with coronary heart disease risk. Studies suggest that consuming pinto beans regularly may reduce the risk. These beans reduce the levels of serum total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (1). Beans may also improve lipid profiles associated with cardiovascular disease (2). Thus, these beans can help boost heart health.

2. May Promote Satiety

Pinto beans are low in fat and are usually preferred for weight loss. Studies show that their high fiber content may promote satiety and help reduce obesity (3). However, these were only short-term results. Detailed studies are warranted to further understand the benefit of pinto beans in the long run.

3. May Help In Glycemic Control

Beans are high in fiber and have slowly digestible carbohydrates. They may help promote long-term glycemic control. They may also lower fasting blood glucose levels (4). Additionally, the intake of fiber is directly related to a reduced risk of diabetes (5). Thus, these beans may help regulate blood sugar levels. Consult your doctor if you have diabetes and want to include pinto beans in your diet.

4. May Lower The Risk Of Mortality

Dietary fiber is associated with many health benefits (6). Studies show that dietary fiber may significantly reduce mortality associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD), coronary heart disease, diabetes, cancer, digestive disease, and infectious and inflammatory diseases. A direct impact of dietary fiber on CVD is also observed (7).

5. May Reduce The Risk Of Cancer

Studies suggest that pinto beans may reduce colorectal cancer risk. The large number of bioactive compounds in dry beans could prevent cancer. Their bioactive constituents may delay or prevent tumor formation. Dry beans could also reduce advanced colorectal adenomasⁱ  XA harmless tumor of the colon and rectum and is a precursor lesion of the colorectal adenocarcinoma (colon cancer). (8). However, more studies are warranted in this regard.

Despite an array of health benefits, consuming pinto beans in excess may also cause adverse effects. Keep reading.

Adverse Effects

1. May Increase Flatulence

Bean consumption may increase flatulence, bloating, and stool changes in some. However, there is a variation in this response. Increased flatulence and intestinal gas were observed in some people when dietary fiber intake was high. Oligosaccharides — water-soluble carbohydrates — are difficult to digest. They get converted into carbon dioxide, sulfur, and hydrogen and move out in the form of flatus (9).

2. May Affect Bone

Studies show that excess intake of high-phytate foods may affect bone health. Pinto beans contain phytates that can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb calcium. Excess phytates in food can also lead to iron and zinc deficiencies (10). However, you can reduce the phytate concentration in pinto beans by soaking them in water before cooking or eating.

3. May Cause Abdominal Pain

Anecdotal evidence suggests that pinto beans may induce abdominal pain or aggravate existing pain. It is also associated with cramps and nausea. These effects may be caused due to the high protein content of the beans. However, more research is needed in this regard.

Allergies

Studies suggest that patients allergic to beans show reactions like asthma, dyspneaⁱ  XA medical term that refers to shortness of breath is often described as an intense tightening in the chest and difficulty breathing. , chest tightness, and tachycardiaⁱ  XA medical term that refers to rapid heartbeats. In this condition, the heart beats more than 100 times per minute. . The reaction occurs majorly after ingestion. The chances of allergy while handling (cleaning or cooking) these beans are fewer (11). Consult your doctor if you develop any of these symptoms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is pinto healthier than black beans?

From the nutritional standpoint, based on the macronutrientⁱ  XEssential nutrients like carbohydrates, fats, and proteins that the body needs to generate energy and maintain bodily functions. (carbs, fat, and protein) content, black beans are healthier than pinto beans (12), (13).

Are canned pinto beans good for you?

Canned pinto beans are generally considered safe to consume. They are nutritious and are the best alternative to dried beans.

Are pinto beans a Superfood?

While pinto beans are highly nutritious and a valuable addition to the diet, they are not classified as a superfood as they do not offer exceptional nutritional benefits like superfoods such as blueberries and chia seeds do.

Is it good to eat pinto beans every day?

While it is safe to consume pinto beans on a regular basis, it is advised to include variety in your diet to ensure proper nutrition.

Do pinto beans clean your system?

Pinto beans are high in fiber which promotes healthy growth of gut bacteria and good digestive health. However, they are not detox food and may not help much with cleaning your system.

Are pinto beans good for your immune system?

Pinto beans are a healthy addition to the diet as they offer several vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A, vitamin C, zinc, and selenium. These nutrients may help promote a healthy immune system.

Discover the amazing health benefits of pinto beans. Check out this video to learn how they can help improve your heart health, reduce inflammation, and more.

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Dr Archana BatraPG Diploma, CDE

     

Dr Archana Batra is a dietitian, physiotherapist, and Certified Diabetes Educator with over 13 years of experience in nutrition and diet counseling. She specializes in weight management diets and diets related to metabolic disorders like diabetes, high cholesterol levels, hypertension, etc. She believes in following healthy eating practices to lose weight and prevent lifestyle-related disorders. Dr Archana tailors her plans...more

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