Black Bean Broth: A Natural Remedy for Gout Relief

| Modified on Jan 12, 2024
Black Beans

Gout, a form of arthritis characterized by severe pain and inflammation, can be effectively managed with a simple, natural remedy: black bean broth. This traditional Taiwanese solution has gained global recognition for its ability to alleviate gout symptoms and prevent flare-ups.

Nutritional Benefits of Black Bean Broth in Gout Management

Black beans are a powerhouse of nutrients and are particularly rich in anthocyanins, a type of phytochemical known for its anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds are crucial in reducing the pain and swelling associated with gout. The broth, derived from these beans, helps replenish essential nutrients in the body and reduces the accumulation of uric acid, the primary cause of gout pain.

Why Black Bean Broth Works for Gout

The effectiveness of black bean broth in gout treatment lies in its ability to provide a natural source of anthocyanins. Unlike specific medications, this natural remedy offers a holistic approach to reducing inflammation and uric acid levels without the side effects often associated with pharmaceutical treatments.

Preparing Black Bean Broth for Gout Relief

To prepare this beneficial broth, take half a pound of dry black beans and boil them in two quarts of water for 1-2 hours. Once boiled, strain the beans and keep the liquid. Daily, a cup of this broth is recommended at the onset of gout symptoms. Continue drinking the broth daily until the pain subsides. To prevent future gout attacks, consuming the broth at least once a week is advisable.

Incorporating Black Bean Broth into a Gout-Friendly Diet

Adding black bean broth to your dietary routine can significantly contribute to managing gout. Its natural anti-inflammatory and uric acid-reducing properties make it an excellent choice for those seeking an effective and holistic approach to gout treatment.

In summary, black bean broth is a traditional remedy and a scientifically supported method to alleviate gout pain and inflammation. Its easy preparation and natural ingredients make it a convenient and beneficial addition to gout management strategies.

Related Links:

Natural Gout Remedies: Diet, Topicals, and Precautions




Black Bean Broth

2 User Reviews
5 star (2) 
  100%

Posted by Sherri (Seattle) on 10/17/2023
★★★★★

Hello Michael,

It appears from the instructions given that they do not soak the beans. Example of one recipe: rinse 7-8 ounces organic black beans and remove grit and bad beans - simmer in 2 quarts of water in a covered pot for 1 1/2 - 2 hours - strain the liquid and start by drinking 2 cups daily, increase as needed. Can add kombu seaweed to the beans.

It would be an interesting experiment to try both methods - soaked versus un-soaked.

This home remedy originated from Taiwan. They attribute the "anti-gout" effect to high levels of anthocyanins, an antioxidant contained in the black color of the skin. The black bean broth & beans also contains molybdenum important for detoxing, iron and copper, phytonutrients, potassium, folate and B6. They also use this broth to treat arthritis in general, pain, swelling, redness and to prevent cancer. The nutrients in the broth lower the uric acid in the blood and reduce deposits of uric acid crystals in the kidneys and joints.

Historically, beans were always soaked before cooking. My grandmothers generation always did this for many good reasons mainly having to do with digestive and nutritional issues.

Beans along with nuts, seeds and grains contain "anti-nutrients" such as lectins, phytates/phytic acid and tannins which block enzyme activity (preventing foods from being fully broken down) and block nutrient absorption (e.g., vitamins A, C, Bs and minerals calcium, iron, etc) and cause many digestive issues (bloating, gas, pain, etc…) and can even exacerbate or cause some diseases if eaten in high amounts regularly (e.g, IBD, RA, DM1).

Soaking, among other techniques (e.g., pressure cooking, fermentation, roasting, blanching, etc…), dramatically reduces the amounts of these compounds, to the point where most people will not develop symptoms. Many studies indicate phytic acid can be reduced up to 98% by simply soaking. It also promotes prebiotic and probiotic growth. Boiling also reduces some of these compounds though, to a much lesser degree.

To soak - beans are soaked 6 hours or overnight in purified water, some add sea salt to this. Make sure there is enough water as the beans absorb most of it.

Soaking is important. There are many anecdotal stories of people using almond milk to supply their calcium needs for osteoporosis and instead, doctors found the disease accelerated. This is due to the fact that almonds are very high in phytic acid which binds minerals, including calcium, preventing their absorption in the digestive tract.

Back to beans - a fermentation soak is considered better since it creates other immune building and nutritional compounds and removes all of the anti-nutrients.

I was taught a quick fermentation soaking method by a nutritional scientist: rinse beans and remove the bad ones and grit - soak in a large bowl with water 3-4 inches above the beans and add a couple teaspoons of sugar and 1 large chopped onion, stir until sugar is dissolved - cover bowl with cheese cloth in a protected area & soak overnight (~12 hours) - next day remove any floating beans and pour off the water and remove the onions (these all contain anti-nutrients). Then, rinse the beans to remove remaining anti-nutrients. Boil beans on low until very tender, add sea salt to the water for ionic minerals and to increase the temperature.

This method also ensures beans generally stay intact and are firmer. Also, you will not develop gas, intestinal irritation or inflammation after eating beans prepared this way.

In many cultures, beans are fermented for a couple days or much longer in ceramic vessels to remove all anti-nutrients, produce probiotcs/prebiotics, produce better protein, enhance nutrient content and to produce many other immune building compounds.

For example, "Natto" is fermented organic soybeans which are high in vitamin K, a soybean-derived protein which is essential for making blood coagulation factors and is considered to be the highest quality protein source. The soy protein in natto suppresses fat storage, increases thyroid hormone activity and increases the basal metabolism which both promote fat burning. Also, it prevents excess fat storage. So, the soy protein contained in natto has a “thinning effect”.

Bacillus natto is the fermenting agent in "Natto" and was originally derived from rice straw. Bacillus probiotics in Natto are used to prevent inflammatory responses in the intestine while also strengthening the gut barrier and has potent antibacterial effects. Before antibiotics, it was used to help treat dysentery, typhoid fever, pathogenic Escherichia coli, etc. And, it also treated abdominal pain and diarrhea.


Black Bean Broth
Posted by Anonymous (Indonesia) on 02/07/2019
★★★★★

When boiling the black soya beans for gout, please take care not to boil to the point where the skin of the beans tear. By exposing the beans inside, you can make the uric acid content higher when you drink the soup.

Replied by Michael
(Sydney, Australia)
10/14/2023

Does anybody know if you should soak the beans and discard the soaking water before making the Black Bean Broth for gout?

Mama To Many
(Tennessee)
10/16/2023

I would be inclined to go ahead and soak them as normal and discard the water before cooking and using the broth, but at the end of the day, I am not sure that it matters. Try one way. If it seems to not help, try the other and do let us know what you find out!

~Mama to Many~


Gout

8 User Reviews
5 star (7) 
  88%
1 star (1) 
  13%

Posted by Ellen (Stoughton, Ma) on 05/21/2013
★★★★★

I have been suffering from joint and muscle pain since I developed the Shingles last June. Worked with my Chiropractor, with some relief, he also had me taking ACV. Came across the black bean juice last week and thought I'd give it a try, beans were cheap enough. WoW! Do I feel great for the first time in months. I've been drinking it for just 6 days now and I'm hooked. I have severe arthritis in both knees and have a referral to see a specialist. Can't wait to tell him about this.


Gout
Posted by Andrew (Singapore) on 06/28/2008
★★★★★

Black beans works very well for me!!

I had been suffering from heal pains, toe pains for a few years and had seen doctors who prescribed painkillers which provided only temporary relief for the pain. They were telling me I was suffering from "bunion", "bursitis", etc.... I was referred to specialists but my "pains" still persisted. In fact, the pains came on more frequently - perhaps due to my diet. I was desperate!!! Then it dawned on me to find out more about my ailment from the internet.

I am glad I did because I have found something that can hold my "pains" at bay, and it really works like wonders! It is through this Earth Clinic website that I discovered "Black Beans". I started taking black bean broth as described and I was amazed that the pain was gone the next few days. From then onwards I have been taking black bean broth regularly. At the same time I am still enjoying my food - including my favourite food , such as red meat, and many other purine rich food , which I realised were the main causes of my gout problems.

Lately, I did a test on myself to affirm the efficacy of black beans on gout. I did it because beans are known to cause gout, and yet black beans are doing the opposite. As usual, I continued with my regular intake of red meat and other "rich" food, but I stopped taking black bean broth. After a week or so, I began to feel my gout pains coming on - slowly but surely. Finally, I started feeling the pain on one of my toes and it got worse very quickly. The toe then became red and swollen and I had difficulty walking. Immediately, I prepared black bean broth and drank it. The first day after taking the bb broth I could feel that the pain did not get worse. I continued taking the broth the next day - the pain was less and the swelling on my toe was subsiding. On the third day, I could walk normally as the pain was gone.

I am a very happy person now as I can still enjoy my favourite food and not need to worry too much about gout pains anymore. Of course, I must also be mindful of my other aspects of personal health and well-being, so I am making a conscious effort to reduce my intake of "sinful" food and eat in moderation.


Gout
Posted by Arlene (Toronto, Canada) on 03/11/2008
★☆☆☆☆

Hi, Firstly I wanted to express my gratitude for this website, it's fantastic! I just discovered it and am eagerly trying many of the remedies for weight loss and my father's gout. I was excited to read the information about the black bean 'juice' and quickly made a batch for my father as he has been suffering from gout on and off for about 2 months. The day after I made the concoction, he came down with gout. We promptly tried the remedy, infact I had him drink 2 glasses, and unfortunately today it has worsened and swelled up. I feel terrible. Reading about ACV, I will TRY to get him to take some w/ honey - unfortunately I think that his trust in me has probably deteriorated - rightly so I guess. But I'll keep you posted. Also, can you give me any other information as to what foods may cause gout, I've checked so many websites and composed a list for my father - who is avoiding the foods as best as he can, but the gout still comes back on the weekly basis.

Replied by Rhemacs
(Atlanta, Ga)
12/20/2009

Try organic cherry juice or better yet just eat fresh cherries along with celery juice made from a juicer juicer. Both of theses are excellent for gout

Replied by Elaine
(AR)
11/13/2020

It always gets worse before it gets better. You are forcing your body into an alkaline mode when it's been very acidic, so it's bound to make it feel worse the 1st couple days.

Replied by Pam E.
(SW California)
12/14/2022
129 posts

I wonder if the beans you cooked didn't keep covered by their 'jackets', due to what this poster pointed out:

Posted by Anonymous (Indonesia) on 02/07/2019

"When boiling the black soya beans for gout, please take care *not* to boil to the point where the skin of the beans tear. By exposing the beans inside, you can make the uric acid content *higher* when you drink the soup."


Gout
Posted by Siong (Singapore, Singapore) on 08/14/2007
★★★★★

Black bean broth helps speed clearing up pain due to gout.When I was a kid I often heard that black beans cooked with pork bones help strengthen the legs. But fearing that black beans will aggravate gout, I avoided black beans. Dennis's article convinced me to try black bean broth discarding the beans.Now I drink it as coffee or tea and make a black bean drink at night when I want to. The flavor and taste is great. Adjust your preference - 2 handfuls of beans for 1 cup(300ml)

Replied by Ben
(Toronto, Ontario, Canada)
06/28/2012

Hi I would like to know about the black beans. Is it black soy bean or just black color beans?


Gout
Posted by Denis (Luo Dong Township, Taiwan) on 05/29/2007
★★★★★

I get really severe gout attacks sometimes, usually in my knees, but at times I can even feel the uric acid crystals forming in my finger joints, wrists or elbows! I know that cherry juice, blueberry juice, pomegranate juice, etc (which all contain anthocyanins) can eliminate uric acid from the blood and is much more effective than colchicine which merely stops the production of more uric acid in the liver. But colchicine is also very damaging to the liver, and liver damage is the origin of gout in the first place in many people (or kidney damage in others). After moving here to Taiwan, the manager of a school I was teaching in informed me about black bean broth. Unlike the various juices mentioned above, black beans are CHEAP and are easy to find in local markets and to keep around the house. A close look at the black bean broth shows that the black color is really a dark red. Yes, black beans contain anthocyanins, that group of pigments which range in color from blue to red to almost black. In an emergency, you throw a cup of black beans in a pot of water and boil it and as soon as the water color turns dark, you can get some broth, cool it and drink it. This remedy takes only a few hours to eliminate the crystals from the joints, but the damage to the joints may take up to two days to heal. It is good to prepare some of this amazing healing remedy and freeze it in case of a sudden gout attack.

P.S. I never heard of it before living here. I assume that it is due to anthocyanins. (The red color seems to support that idea.) But, boy, it really works. While I am waiting for it to take effect, I just began using 55% DMSO topically to take away the pain, which helps a bit. But, with black bean broth, it really removes the uric acid from the blood in about 2 to 4 hours.

Replied by Troy
(Dewey, AZ)
10/01/2008

I would be interested to know the exact meaurements for the black bean broth. If anyone knows, please contact me.

Pam E.
(SW CA)
12/14/2022
129 posts

There's a basic recipe up top.

Replied by Denis
(Luo Dong Township, Taiwan)
05/31/2007

As an afterthought, the amount of black bean broth I typically consume to cure my gout, is usually made from 2 cups or more of dried black beans. I guess the dosage would depend on how big the person is and how high the uric acid levels are in his body. I weigh about 64 kg (141 lbs.) and this amount is fine for me. With this natural treatment, of course, it is totally safe and drinking a lot will not hurt you. Also, "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." I know that high purine foods and alcohol can induce gout, but in my case (I am a vegan and drink only tiny quantities of red wine with meals), the worst precipitating factor in giving me gout is Hydrogenated Vegetable Oils. If I eat a snack, not realizing it has HVO, I will soon get a gout attack. Other things that I have noticed which bring on an attack are mung beans, eating too many mushrooms or eating or drinking a very sugary food. Anthocyanin containing fruit juices will not cure gout if they are also loaded with sugar. By the way, while hydrogenated vegetable oils are a problem, natural saturated fats are not, such as coconut oil or cocoa butter...

Replied by Zobione
(Hualien, Taiwan)
02/22/2011

Guys beware! The so called "black beans" found in Asia are not the same that you can buy in your grocery store in America. In Asia what is called "black bean" is basically a variety of soybean with a dark skin. The asian "black bean" belongs to the genus glycine, the one commonly found in America belongs to the genus phaseolus. This not the same thing!

Pam E.
(SW Calif)
12/14/2022
129 posts

They are not the same species, but they may very well have the same or similar constituents in their skins that are the treatment that is so effective for Gout, in Black Bean Broth: Anthocyanins....

"The specific kind of black beans does not seem to be critical, as all such dark beans are rich in anthocyanins, phytochemicals that for many people quickly reduce gout pain and inflammation." [Source: the article at the top of this blog.)

Replied by Grannypeck
(Reno, Nevada)
12/02/2011

You are so right about black beans! I do a blog about healthy, low cal/carb/fat dieting program I call the Fairy Tale Diet (that is not for sell, just read the blog and learn how it has helped us lose a lot of weight) and today I posted a super simple recipe for Black Bean Brownies. My DH loves their taste even more than regular brownies, even after he found out they were made with black beans! He had a 2 inch wide by 1 inch high gout flair up on his big toe until he started eating these brownies every weekend for a year... Now it's gone. The pain stopped with the first batch. Try them out... I publish 5 free recipes a week and have no products for sale. This recipe is at the bottom of a blog titled: Become a Picky Eater at GrannysGourmetDIY.wordpress.com. I hope you will love them too!

Replied by Webfoote2
(Salem, Oregon)
12/11/2011
★★★★★

I heard about the black bean broth and gave it a try. It appears to work for me, but a friend didn't have any positive results. I mix 1/2 lb. Black beans in 2 quarts of water. I add a small amount of ginger (buy it bulk for not much cost) to the help with the taste. I slow boil it for 90 minutes, then I strain the liquid into another container. Throw the beans away, we tried to salvage them, no luck. When the broth cools to room temp. I pour it into a 16 oz glass and drink it. Leave the bottom inch as it is thick. I do this once a week and have had success controlling the gout.

Replied by Karen
(Springdale, Arkansas)
10/23/2012

It was 10:30 p.m. when I read your posts about black bean broth for gout. My husband has been suffering (and I DO mean suffering! ) with gout for 11 weeks in his hands, wrists and elbows. He has been a vegetarian for 4 weeks now. He has been on cherry juice, cherry juice concentrate, cherry pills, a liver cleanse, a ginger/turmeric/local honey mixture and alkaline water (9. 5). I ran to the store in my pajamas and grabbed a bag of black beans. I am in the process of cooking them now at 11:30 p. m. Then I read that the black beans in America aren't the same black beans in Taiwan. Does that mean that the black beans I just bought aren't going to work for him. I'm going to make him drink the juice anyway, but will check back for your answer. Thanks!

Replied by Wayfinder
(Motown, Ca/ Usa)
10/24/2012

Guaifenisin is an old, old gout remedy. It is the exact chemical composition as the original tree bark extract. It pulls lactic acid out of the cells, to relieve the pain, if it is in fact gout. This worked wonders for me with fibromyalgia as well. As with so many wonderful healing agents, I have heard it is being pulled off the market. Does the job too well! I do not know what tree was originally used, but I'm sure it could be found. --T.

Replied by Rsb927
(West Virginia)
02/06/2014
★★★★★

Black Bean broth!

Amazing! Thank you for posting. I have been in misery for months with chronic gout. Bought some beans Monday afternoon, drank some broth and within a couple hours my right leg is feeling real relief!

I never dreamed that relief could come that fast from something so simple. I feel better today than I have in months. Gout and the side effects of the prescription medicine made me feel lousy. I could ever say now that black bean broth is good for depression, LOL.

Again thanks for you folks posting.

Replied by Andrea C
(Wales, Uk)
09/15/2014
★★★★★

What's New and Beneficial About Black Beans

  • Recent research has shown that black beans provide special support for digestive tract health, and particularly our colon. The indigestible fraction (IF) in black beans has recently been shown to be larger than the IF in either lentils or chickpeas. It has been shown to be the perfect mix of substances for allowing bacteria in the colon to produce butyric acid. Cells lining the inside of the colon can use this butyric acid to fuel their many activities and keep the lower digestive tract functioning properly. By delivering a greater amount of IF to the colon, black beans are able to help support this lower part of our digestive tract. Lowered colon cancer risk that is associated with black bean intake in some research studies may be related to the outstanding IF content of this legume.

  • The soaking of black beans in water has always found fairly widespread support in food science research as a way of improving overall black bean benefits. Yet, the discarding of the bean soaking water has been a topic of considerable controversy. A recent study that may help put this controversy to rest looked at many different advantages and disadvantages of tossing out the water used to soak beans. It found that the advantages clearly outweigh the disadvantages. On the advantage side of things, getting rid of the soaking water also means getting rid of some of the phytates and tannins that can lower nutrient availability. It also means reducing flatulence-related substances like raffinose (up to 33% removed along with the soaking water) and stachyose (up to 20% removed). A final advantage was the retention of resistant starch. While some of the total carbohydrate content in the black beans was lost along with the discarding of the soaking water, the amount of resistant starch remained unchanged. (Resistant starch is a type of carb that will typically make its way all the way down to the large intestine without being digested. Once it arrives in the large intestine, it can help support the growth of desirable bacteria in that area of the digestive tract.) On the disadvantage side of things was that 15% of total phenols were lost, we actually don't think that that is an amount that is of concern. There was a slight loss of some additional phytonutrients as well as minerals. When adding up all of their findings, the researchers concluded that the many advantages of discarding bean soaking water clearly outweighed the disadvantages and then made this recommendation a firm part of their research conclusions.

  • We tend to think about brightly colored fruits and vegetables as our best source of phytonutrients, but recent research has recognized black beans as a strong contender in phytonutrient benefits. The seed coat of the black bean (the outermost part that we recognize as the bean's surface) is an outstanding source of three anthocyanin flavonoids: delphinidin, petunidin, and malvidin. These three anthocyanins are primarily responsible for the rich black color that we see on the bean surface. Kaempferol and quercetin are additional flavonoids provided by this legume. Also contained in black beans are hydroxycinnamic acids including ferulic, sinapic, and chlorogenic acid, as well as numerous triterpenoids.

  • In Brazil—a country that, along with India, grows more black beans than any country in the world— beans have been given an exclusive place on the Brazilian Food Pyramid. In other words, beans are recommended as their own unique food group! The country's 2006 Food Guide for the Brazilian Population recommends that beans be consumed at least once every day. That recommendation is actually quite close to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which establish 3 cups of cooked legumes per week, or 1/2 cup serving six days per week, as the minimum desired amount. Recent research linking bean intake to lower risk of type 2 diabetes, many types of cardiovascular disease, and several types of cancer was one of the key factors used by the Brazilian government and the U.S. government in establishing their bean intake recommendations.

WHFoods Recommendations

Many public health organizations--including the American Diabetes Association, the American Heart Association, and the American Cancer Society--recommend legumes as a key food group for preventing disease and optimizing health. The 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans developed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (USDHHS) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends 3 cups of legumes per week (based on a daily intake of approximately 2,000 calories). Because 1 serving of legumes was defined as 1/2 cup (cooked), the Dietary Guidelines for Americans come very close to the recommendation of 1/2 cup of cooked legumes on a daily basis. Based on our own research review, we believe that 3 cups of legumes per week is a very reasonable goal for support of good health. However, we also believe that optimal health benefits from legumes may require consumption in greater amounts. These greater amounts are based on studies in which legumes have been consumed at least 4 days per week and in amounts falling into a 1-2 cup range per day. These studies suggest a higher optimal health benefit level than the 2005 Dietary Guidelines: instead of 3 cups of weekly legumes, 4-8 cups would become the goal range. Remember that any amount of legumes is going to make a helpful addition to your diet. And whatever weekly level of legumes you decide to target, we definitely recommend inclusion of black beans among your legume choices.

You will find many of our recipes containing beans gives you the choice between using home cooked beans and canned beans. If you are in a hurry canned beans can be a healthy option. Unlike canned vegetables, which have lost much of their nutritional value, there is little difference in the nutritional value between canned garbanzo beans and those you cook yourself. Like most packaging processes, canning can take place in a variety of ways, and some aspects of canning have raised research concerns with respect to canning materials and their potential health risk. One special concern in the canning area has been the use of bisphenol A (BPA) in resin-based can liners. For more information on this topic, please click here to see the discussion in our Ask George section entitled, You recommend canned organic beans in many of your recipes. Yet, isn't there a concern that these cans may contain Bisphenol A (BPA)?

Black Beans, cooked
1.00 cup
(172.00 grams)Calories: 227
GI: lowNutrientDRI/DV
molybdenum286.6%
folate64%
fiber59.8%
copper40%
manganese38%
vitamin B135%
phosphorus34.4%
protein30.4%
magnesium30.1%
iron20%


This chart graphically details the %DV that a serving of Black beans provides for each of the nutrients of which it is a good, very good, or excellent source according to our Food Rating System. Additional information about the amount of these nutrients provided by Black beans can be found in the Food Rating System Chart. A link that takes you to the In-Depth Nutritional Profile for Black beans, featuring information over 80 nutrients, can be found under the Food Rating System Chart.

Health Benefits

Among all groups of food commonly eaten worldwide, no group has a more health-supportive mix of protein-plus-fiber than legumes. Included here, of course, is the amazing protein-plus-fiber content of black beans. From a single, one-cup serving of black beans you get nearly 15 grams of fiber (well over half of the Daily Value and the same amount consumed by the average U.S. adult in one entire day of eating) and 15 grams of protein (nearly one third of the Daily Value and equivalent to the amount in 2 ounces of a meat like chicken or a fish like salmon). You won't find this outstanding protein-fiber combination in fruit, vegetables, grains, meats, dairy products, nuts and seeds, or seafood. The almost magical protein-fiber combination in legumes—including black beans—explains important aspects of their health benefits for the digestive tract, the blood sugar regulatory system, and the cardiovascular system. Each area of systems benefit has a strong research basis.

Digestive Tract Benefits

Unlike dietary sugar, which can move very quickly through the digestive tract and out of the digestive tract into the bloodstream, or dietary fat, which can move very slowly through the digestive tract and out of the digestive tract into the lymphatic system or bloodstream, both protein and fiber can move through the digestive tract at a moderate pace. In terms of digestion, both protein and fiber help to "steady" digestive processes. Movement of food from the stomach to the small intestine (called "gastric emptying") and movement of food through the small intestine and the large intestine can occur at a more desirable pace when foods are rich in protein and fiber. This steadying of the digestive process helps lessen the burden on any one part of the digestive tract. This allows food to move along in a way that supports optimal chemical balances and populations of micro-organisms.

The idea of digestive tract support from black beans may sound surprising. Many people think about black beans (and beans in general) as problem-causing foods in the digestive tract, perhaps largely because of gas production. But recent research has shown that black beans actually provide special support in the lower large intestine (colon) where gas if often produced. The indigestible fraction (IF) in black beans has recently been shown to be larger than the IF in either lentils or chickpeas. It is the perfect mix of substances for allowing bacteria in the colon to produce butyric acid. Cells lining the inside of the colon can use this butyric acid to fuel their many activities and keep the lower digestive tract functioning properly. By delivering a greater amount of IF to the colon, black beans are able to help support this lower part of our digestive tract. Lowered colon cancer risk that is associated with black bean intake in some research studies may be related to the outstanding IF content of this legume.

Benefits for Blood Sugar Regulation

The landmark "protein-plus-fiber" combination in black beans and other legumes is also a key to their outstanding support for blood sugar balance and blood sugar regulation. As described earlier, protein and fiber can move through our digestive tract at a moderate pace. Unlike dietary sugar (which can move too quickly), or fat (which can move too slowly), both protein and fiber can move at a moderate pace. By steadying rate of movement through the digestive tract, protein and fiber help to steady the breakdown of food into component parts, including simple sugars. This better-regulated breakdown of food helps to prevent extremes with respect to simple sugar uptake from the digestive tract. Too much simple sugar uptake all at once can result in an unwanted blood sugar spike. Too little simple sugar uptake can result in an unwanted blood sugar drop. Either extreme can work to destabilize blood sugar balance. The 15 fiber grams and 15 protein grams in one cup of black beans help prevent both extremes - excessive simple sugar release from the digestive tract, and also insufficient simple sugar release.

With respect to prevention of type 2 diabetes, researchers have become especially interested in some of the alpha-amylase inhibitory effects of black beans. Naturally occurring compounds in this legume slow down the activity of alpha-amylase enzymes. Since these enzymes are important for breaking down starch into sugar, their slowing down can result in less sugar release from food starches. We suspect that the alpha-amylase inhibitors in black beans work together with proteins and fibers to help steady blood sugar levels and make this legume especially valuable for blood sugar regulation. Although we've seen numerous studies showing decreased risk of type 2 diabetes following increased intake of fiber from plant foods (and especially legumes), we have yet to see a large-scale human study showing particular benefits for type 2 diabetes prevention from increased intake of black beans (versus increased intake of plant fibers, including all legume fibers). But we would not be surprised to see a black bean study that showed this legume to be a standout in the area of type 2 diabetes prevention.

Cardiovascular Benefits

Much of the original research on bean intake and decreased risk of cardiovascular disease focused on the outstanding soluble fiber content of beans. One cup of black beans provides over 4 grams of soluble fiber, and this is precisely the type of fiber that researchers have found especially helpful in lower blood cholesterol levels. Decreased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) and myocardial infarct (MI, or heart attack) have both been associated with increased intake of soluble fiber from food. In particular, they have been associated with increased intake of soluble fiber from legumes. So it is anything but surprising to see black beans included in the list of legumes that provide us with cardiovascular benefits.

More recent research, however, has gone beyond this soluble fiber story and added new aspects of black bean nourishment to its list of cardiovascular benefits. Included here is the impressive variety of phytonutrients (both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory) contained within black beans. While we tend to think about brightly colored fruits and vegetables as our best source of phytonutrients, black beans are actually a standout food in this phytonutrient area. The seed coat of black beans (the outermost layer that we recognize as the bean's surface) is an outstanding source of three anthocyanin flavonoids: delphinidin, petunidin, and malvidin. These three anthocyanins are primarily responsible for the rich black color that we see on the bean surface. Kaempferol and quercetin are additional flavonoids provided by this legume. All of these flavonoids have well-demonstrated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Also contained in black beans are hydroxycinnamic acids including ferulic, sinapic, and chlorogenic acid, as well as numerous triterpenoids. These phytonutrients also function as antioxidants and, in some cases, as anti-inflammatory compounds as well. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory protection is especially important for our cardiovascular system. When our blood vessels are exposed to chronic and excessive risk of oxidative stress (damage by overly reactive oxygen-containing molecules) or inflammation, they are at heightened risk for disease development. The prevention of chronic, excessive oxidative stress and inflammation is a key to decreased risk of most cardiovascular diseases. We expect to see increased attention to the phytonutrient content of black beans in future research on cardiovascular support from this special legume.

When addressing the issue of cardiovascular support, it would be wrong to ignore the rich supply of conventional nutrients in black beans. One cup of black beans provides nearly two-thirds of the Daily Value (DV) for folate--arguably one of the most important B vitamins for decreasing risk of cardiovascular disease. Black beans also provide about 120 milligrams of magnesium per cup. That's nearly one-third of the DV for a mineral that is more commonly associated with cardiovascular protection than any other single mineral. Antioxidant minerals like zinc and manganese are also plentiful in black beans. Finally, black beans provide about 180 milligrams of omega-3 fatty acids per cup in the form of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA).

Other Health Benefits

Given the impressive array of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory phytonutrients in black beans, we have not been surprised to see numerous studies connecting black bean intake with reduced risk of certain cancers, especially colon cancer. Chronic excessive oxidative stress and chronic excessive inflammatory are both risk factors for the development of many cancer types. By increasing the body's supply of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrients, black beans may be able to help lower cancer risk. Most of the studies we've seen have been studies on laboratory animals, or laboratory studies on different cancer cell types. (In other words, we have yet to see large-scale human studies showing decreased risk of cancer following increased intake of black beans.) But these preliminary animal and laboratory studies have been relatively consistent in their findings and have shown black beans to inhibit the development of certain cancers and especially colon cancer. Breast cancer and liver cancer are two additional cancer types that have been studied in animals with respect to black bean intake, although the evidence here is not as strong as evidence in the area of colon cancer. As our knowledge of black bean phytonutrients increases, we expect to see increasing interest in this important area of health research.

Description

Black beans could not be more succinctly and descriptively named. They are commonly referred to as turtle beans, probably in reference to their shiny, dark, shell-like appearance. With a rich flavor that has been compared to mushrooms, black beans have a velvety texture while holding their shape well during cooking.

Black beans are actually a variety of the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) and belong to the popular legume family of plants. Black beans share many characteristics with their fellow bean family members, including red (kidney) beans, white (navy) beans, yellow beans, pinto (mottled) beans, pink beans, and anasazi beans.

History

Black beans and other beans such as pinto beans, navy beans, and kidney beans are all known scientifically as Phaselous vulgaris. (This scientific name refers to the genus and species of the plant; navy, kidney, pinto, etc. are different varieties of beans, all found within the species vulgaris). The word "common" is used to describe all of these different varieties, since the word vulgarisin Latin means "common." The common bean originated in parts of Central and South America. Even though the common bean falls into a different scientific category than the soybean, research in comparative genetics has shown that these two types of beans (Phaselous vulgaris and Glycine max) share many interesting genetic aspects. Beans were introduced into Europe in the 15th century by Spanish explorers returning from their voyages to the New World and were subsequently spread to Africa and Asia by Spanish and Portuguese traders. For a wide variety of reasons—including ease of growth, long-term storage ability, taste and texture, and nutrient content (especially protein)—beans have become popular in many cultures throughout the world. Black beans are an important staple in the cuisines of Mexico, Brazil, Cuba, Guatemala and the Dominican Republic.

Today, the largest commercial producers of dried common beans are India and Brazil. Nearly 18 million metric tons of dry beans are produced in these two countries alone. In their green, non-dried form, beans are produced in the greatest volume in China, where nearly 6 million metric tons are produced annually. Other important areas for bean production are Central America, other countries in South America, Mexico, Indonesia, and the United States.

How to Select and Store

Both dried and canned black beans are available throughout the year. Dried beans are generally available in prepackaged containers as well as in bulk bins. Just as with any other food that you may purchase in the bulk section, make sure that the bins containing the black beans are covered and that the store has a good product turnover to ensure the beans' maximal freshness. Whether purchasing black beans in bulk or in packaged containers, make sure that there is no evidence of moisture or insect damage and that they are whole and not cracked.

Canned black beans can be found in most markets. Unlike canned vegetables, which have lost much of their nutritional value, there is little difference in the nutritional value of canned black beans and those you cook yourself. Canning lowers vegetables' nutritional value since they are best lightly cooked for a short period of time, while their canning process requires a long cooking time at high temperatures. On the other hand, beans require a long time to cook whether they are canned or you cook them yourself. Therefore, if enjoying canned beans is more convenient for you, by all means go ahead and enjoy them. We would suggest looking for those that do not contain extra salt or additives. (One concern about canned foods is the potential for cans to be lined with a resin-based material that includes bisphenol A (BPA). To learn more about reducing your exposure to this compound, please read our write-up on the subject.

Store dried black beans in an airtight container in a cool, dry and dark place where they will keep up to 12 months. If you purchase black beans at different times, store them separately since they may feature varying stages of dryness and therefore will require different cooking times. Cooked black beans will keep fresh in the refrigerator for about three days if placed in a covered container.

Tips for Preparing and Cooking

Tips for Preparing Black Beans

Before washing black beans, spread them out on a light colored plate or cooking surface to check for, and remove, small stones, debris or damaged beans. After this process, place the beans in a strainer, rinsing them thoroughly under cool running water.

To shorten their cooking time and make them easier to digest, black beans should be presoaked (presoaking has been found to reduce raffinose- and stachyose-type oligosaccharides, sugars associated with causing flatulence.) There are two basic methods for presoaking. For each you should start by placing the beans in a saucepan and adding two to three cups of water per cup of beans. The first method is to boil the beans for two minutes, take the pan off the heat, cover and allow to stand for two hours. The alternative method is to simply soak the beans in water for eight hours or overnight, placing the pan in the refrigerator so that the beans will not ferment. Before cooking the beans, regardless of method, drain the soaking liquid and rinse the beans with clean water. We realize that there has been some debate in the public press over discarding of the bean soaking water. Some websites and commentators have argued that this soaking water contains too many valuable nutrients to discard. We believe that a recent study has helped to put this controversy to rest by comparing a wide range of factors involved with the content of the soaking water. Research analysis has shown that getting rid of the soaking water also means getting rid of some of the phytates and tannins that can lower nutrient availability, as well as flatulence-related substances like raffinose (up to 33% removed along with the soaking water) and stachyose (up to 20% removed). Discarding the water will result in an unwanted loss of total phenols, but the extent of that loss will be relatively small (about 15%). While some of the total carbohydrate content in the black beans will be lost along with the discarded soaking water, the amount of digestion-enhancing resistant starch will remain unchanged.

The Healthiest Way of Cooking Black Beans

To cook the beans, you can either cook them on the stovetop or use a pressure cooker. For the stovetop method, add three cups of fresh water or broth for each cup of dried beans. The liquid should be about one to two inches above the top of the beans. Bring the beans to a boil and then reduce to a simmer, partially covering the pot. If any foam develops, you can skim it off during the simmering process. Black beans generally take about one and one-half hours to become tender using this method. They can also be cooked in a pressure cooker where they take about one-half hour to prepare.

Regardless of cooking method, do not add any seasonings that are salty or acidic until after the beans have been cooked since adding them earlier will make the beans tough and greatly increase the cooking time.

If you are running short on time, you can always use canned beans in your recipes. If the black beans have been packaged with salt or other additives, simply rinse them after opening the can to remove these unnecessary additions. Canned beans need to only be heated briefly for hot recipes while they can be used as is for salads or prepared cold dishes like black bean salad.

How to Enjoy

A Few Quick Serving Ideas

  • Include black beans with your other favorite toppings next time you make a stuffed baked potato.
  • Black bean soup or chili is certain to warm you up on cold winter days or anytime of the year you want to enjoy its nurturing essence.
  • For a "mucho bueno" twist on traditional burritos, use black beans in place of refried pinto beans.
  • Blend cooked black beans with tomatoes, onions and your favorite spices to create a delicious bean soup.
  • For a simple yet delicious lunch or dinner entr?e, serve a Cuban inspired meal of black beans and rice.
  • In a serving bowl, layer black beans, guacamole, chopped tomatoes, diced onions and cilantro to make a delicious layered dip.

Pam E.
(SW Calif)
12/14/2022
129 posts

Don't you think you should at least post the SOURCE of all that info. you have copy-pasted ... PLUS a link to it so we can check its accuracy ...? (Assuming you received permission to do so.)


Type of Black Beans to Use

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Tomas (Prague) on 07/13/2019

Should black beans (like Mexican) or black soy beans be used? Thanks.

Replied by Stuman
(San Diego)
10/29/2019
★★★★★

I use the black beans from the Mexican market. They work great.

Replied by Pam E.
(SW Calif)
12/14/2022
129 posts

In the introduction to this blog it says which kind is used doesn't matter: "The specific kind of black beans does not seem to be critical, as all such dark beans are rich in anthocyanins ..."