Legumes found in Guyana

 

Legumes

The legume family consists of plants that produce a pod with seeds inside.

Sources of legumes are:

1.       Beans

2.       Peas

3.       Lentils

4.       Soybeans

5.       Peanuts

Advantages

Legumes are among our most nutritious plant foods.

1.       High in protein, B-complex, vitamins and minerals.

2.       Contains large amounts of fiber including soluble fiber which helps control cholesterol.

3.       Lowers risk of heart disease.

4.       Most are low in calories and fat.

5.       Provides a balance of complex carbohydrates and protein that results in a slow steady source of glucose.

6.       Contains phytonutrients with a number of disease fighting properties, for example isoflavones protects against heart disease and cancer.

Disadvantages

1.       Contains a number of toxins that interfere with the absorption of vitamins.

2.       Beans and peas have an anti-vitamin E compound.

3.       Some legumes especially peanuts trigger an allergic reaction or migraine headaches in susceptible people.

4.       Can cause a lot of flatulence. 

Reference 

Anonymous (2015). The pros and cons of eating legumes. [online] YellowPages.ca. Available at: https://www.yellowpages.ca/tips/the-pros-and-cons-of-eating-legumes/.