EAT LEGUMES TO TAME INFLAMMATION

 Continuing on with foods to tame inflammation, we turn to Legumes. Spanish scientists found that eating 4 servings of legumes per week can reduce inflammation. There should be some legumes almost anyone would eat. Some examples of legumes are lentils, beans, peas, chickpeas, carob, and peanuts.  The list is long when you consider the different types of beans, peas, etc. The scientists determined the synergy of fiber, vitamins, and minerals are probably the explanation of why legumes fight inflammation.

Eating 4 servings per week should not be hard as they are good in soups, salads, used to replace meat in some instances, and simply by themselves.

file photo of some legumes

ARE YOU EATING LEGUMES?

 If the answer to our title question is no, you need to do some work on your diet. Continue reading to understand why.

Legumes are the richest plant-based proteins and contain the third highest protein content in a single serving after meat and fish. However, as compared to meat and fish, it contains much less calories and fat yet gives a whole lot of fiber which helps to prevent diabetes and heart disease. The high fiber content contributes to a low glycemic index (GI) which means that glucose is slowly being released into the bloodstream. This effect control spikes in blood sugar especially after meals and is very beneficial to managing a diabetic blood sugar. 

If legumes are not currently a part of your diet, I suggest you correct that right away. If you don't enjoy a bowl of legumes, add them to soups, salads, etc. but work them into your diet.

PMS AND DIET

A study done four years or so ago at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, found that women who have problems with PMS could reduce their symptoms by a third or more by eating lots of leafy greens, whole grains, and legumes.  It is believed the high concentrations of the B vitamins thiamin and riboflavin are what helped to ease the symptoms.  If you suffer from PMS, it might just be worth giving your diet a little tweak!

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