Of course, what everyone thinks about first when they hear about beans are the complex oligosaccharides that travel largely unchanged through the upper intestine but are readily consumed by microorganisms in the digestive tract (specifically, Methanobrevibacter smithii), which produce volumes of methane called flatus...
Okay, I hear you: "Can it - beans give me gas!"
Ah, but they deserve so much more credit for the good they do. Beans are cheap, versatile, delicious and loaded with protective nutrients, plant-based proteins and fiber.
ANY BEANS are a big GO, but my current fave are: MUNG BEANS!
Not only are they totally stomach-friendly, the high fiber and protein combination in mung beans helps promote healthy blood sugar levels, which translates into steady energy levels. The best part is they're available at most markets, inexpensive and super quick and easy to prep (compared to other beans - no need to soak overnight). My ultimate trick of the trade is to buy them sprouted: it's fast food at its best (only five minutes cook time)! Add them to vegetable soups to make them hearty, or cook them up and toss them on your salad as protein.
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