5 easy bean recipes for a healthy immune system
(BPT) - Strengthening your immune system is one of the best ways to prevent disease — and nutrition and digestive health are key components. If you’re looking for an easy way to boost your immune system, adding beans to your everyday meals is the perfect place to start.
One serving of beans contains 6 to 9 grams of fiber, which is about one-third of your daily value, and fiber is crucial for a healthy gut. Beans are also a valuable source of plant-based protein for hearty meals with staying power.
Here are five quick, simple recipes to help you add more beans — and nutrients — into your routine, no matter the time of day.
Wake up your taste buds with a tropical green smoothie that’s packed with vitamins. By adding white beans to the mix, the extra fiber will help you stay fuller longer and resist the urge to snack all day. For another breakfast option, black and pinto beans pair well with eggs to make a delicious morning scramble.
Go Greek for lunch with these garbanzo pitas. Packed with veggies and flavor, they come together in 15 minutes or less. S&W Garbanzos complete this dish by adding protein and prebiotic fiber, which helps balance the bacteria in your gut and support your immune system.
For another winning combination of health benefits, this artichoke bean salad makes the perfect lunch, snack or side dish. With S&W Three-Bean Blend, this recipe is loaded with nutrients that have been shown to lower the risk of heart disease, hypertension, Type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer.
4. Bean “Meatballs” and Zucchini Noodles
Who says meatballs have to contain meat? This quick, plant-based recipe incorporates an inexpensive protein swap. Try using S&W Kidney Beans for the meatballs, and you’ll have a well-balanced meal that provides plenty of vitamins and minerals.
5. Cannellini Chocolate Chip Blondies
And don’t forget dessert. This chocolate chip blondie recipe calls for cannellini beans to satisfy your sweet tooth with extra protein and fiber. For healthier baking in general, try using pureed beans as a substitute for butter or oil in other recipes.
For more easy and tasty bean-based recipes, visit swbeans.com.