Pinto beans are one of the most nutritious and affordable food. However, most people feel uncomfortable after eating it; due to the formation of intestinal gas and an upset stomach. As a result, many people skip the super food and miss its huge health and nutritional benefits.
So what brings about the flatulence?
Beans are rich in complex carbohydrates. Unfortunately, our bodies are ill-equipped with the right enzymes to break down the complex sugars. So when the sugars reach the colon, the bacteria cause it to ferment and gas is produced.
But the case is not hopeless.
There are a few tricks you can do to avoid the flatulence. In fact, it’s very possible to enjoy beans without feeling any discomfort.
Here is what you should do;
Steps to remove gas from Pinto beans
- Remove the dirt, soil and other small pebbles from the beans
First, take your time and remove all the impurities, pebbles and discolored beans. then rinse your beans in clean cold water. That will help remove the dirt that might have been clinging in the crop. - Measure water and add pinto beans then rest it for 24 hours
Measure the beans you would wish to cook into a large cooking vessel. For every one part of beans, you can add about 4 parts of water. After which, allow the mixture to rest for about 10 to 24 hours. - Drain away the water and rinse
After that, drain away the water and then rinse the beans thoroughly. Doing so will greatly eliminate the enzymes that could have otherwise generated gas in the stomach. - Add fresh water again and bring it to boil
After rinsing off, add water to the beans again; approximately the amount you measured in the beginning. Then set the pit on heat until the water just begins to boil. Upon starting to boil remove from the source of heat. Let it sit still for a couple of hours; approximately 5 to 8 hours. - Drain the water and rinse again
After the elapse of eight hours, drain the water from the beans before rinsing thoroughly. Draining the soaking water then rinsing the soaked beans thoroughly is the key step to degassing the beans. - Add the final cooking water
After removing all the traces of the previous soaking water, pour in the last cooking water. Regardless of the volume of beans you are cooking, add water to the set up such that it’s about 2 inches above the beans. - Simmer slowly over a low heat source
Cover with a lid and then bring to boil using the low heat source. Continue cooking over low heat until the beans become soft. - Season with salt and other spices like garlic
When it’s almost fully cooked, spice up the food by adding salt, garlic, and other desired spices.
Alternative Quick Degassing Method
When you have a short time to remove gas from your pinto beans, follow the procedure below;
- After sorting out the discolored beans from the good ones, pour them into a big pot.
- For each cup of beans, you have to add 3 cups of water.
- Cover the cooking pot then bring to boil. When it begins to boil extend for about two or three minutes
- Remove the pot from the heat source and rest it for about an hour
- Filter out the beans and discard the soaking water. Rinse the soaked beans in cold water.
- Add fresh water and simmer over low heat to tenderness.
When you follow the above procedure, you will have greatly reduced the gaseous nature of beans. So if you had previously stopped eating the food slowly introduce it in your meals and enjoy its nutritional value. Gradually increase its ratio over a period of weeks and you won’t suffer the intestinal gas caused by beans.
We have reviewed multi cooker pots on our site.
Tips for decreasing the intestinal gas from beans
Plan well, in advance on degassing the beans. Although it might call for plenty of time, it’s worth the preparation for you to enjoy a meal of beans
Let vegetables form a significant amount of your meal. While eating beans, serve the green leafy vegetables along with it.
Since beans are slow to digest by the body, carry out the following;
- Whenever you eat beans, don’t mix it with other forms of proteins. In any meal involving beans do not eat more than one form of protein. That gives the body the ease and plenty of time to work on the protein.
- Some foods, for instance, potatoes, do not go well hand in hand with beans. So do not combine potatoes and beans in one meal.
- Never eat fruits in between or closely with a meal of beans. Instead, let it be 2 hours before or after the meal
- Incorporate whole grains in your meals too.
- Remember the digestion of beans begins in the mouth. Take your time and chew the food properly.
But why go all the Trouble in Degassing and Cooking Beans?
Beans last over a long period
Most people find it convenient to store up foods for future emergencies. So even in the event of unforeseen inflation, one can store up beans for a longer period without it going bad.
Good alternative to flesh
We all need protein to enjoy life. But at times we can’t afford the beef at the frequency we desire owing to the high cost. Beans then become a good substitute since beans affordable.
Nutritionally rich
As the United States Department of Agriculture reports, pinto beans have high nutritional value.
Just half a cup of the beans has 8g of dietary fiber. That forms 32% of the daily recommended dosage of fiber intake. In addition, it’s also a good source of protein. The fiber intake helps to ease constipation and lowering diabetes risk too, as reported by Harvard School of Public Health.
Potential health benefits
Research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition has indicated that pinto beans have antioxidants which have the potential of reducing the tumor growth.
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition indicates that pinto beans may help lower the risk of heart diseases
Pinto beans have almost no fat content. Thus incorporating it in your diet means lower cholesterol level.
Conclusion
You don’t have to skip eating pinto beans for fear of intestinal gases. Follow the above preparation method and reap the health and nutritional benefit of the superfood. Begin on a small quantity intake then gradually intake.