Adzuki beans

They are also known as red cow peas or red chori or laal chavli. They are small reddish brown beans edged with white ridges. They are a nutritional powerhouse because they are loaded with protein, fiber, iron, zinc, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, vitamin A and folate. Most importantly, they have very small amounts of fat…1 gram/cup of dried beans !!!

They are very easy to digest. It is essential to soak them in water for a minimum of 8 hours before cooking them. This enhances their digestibility and prevents flatulence. Discard the water used to soak the beans, wash well and then cook as you would any other bean/pulse (rajma/ chole/kabuli channa etc) The Japanese/Korean/Chinese red bean paste used in desserts is basically made by boiling adzuki beans in sugar syrup.

Benefits:

- Being high in fiber, these beans help in regularizing bowel movement as well as keeping blood glucose and blood cholesterol levels under control.

- These beans can be used to treat urinary tract and bladder infections.

- They help in preventing or lowering the risk of breast, colon and rectal cancers in both males and females. ( Breast cancer in males is an alarmingly frequent diagnosis in recent years.)

- Adzuki beans help to cleanse the liver and the kidneys.

Once cooked, they can be used in many different dishes. Use these beans in soups, salads, stews…mash them up and make a dip or sauce. Or just add salt and pepper and eat them as a high protein snack.

Stay blessed with good health ….always!!!

Warm regards,

Charmaine D’Souza