Top 8 health benefits of cluster beans

Cluster beans better known as guar or gavar are rich in fibre and low in calories. It contains various vitamins namely vitamin A, B and K and minerals such as potassium, iron and calcium in addition to other nutrients. This green vegetable is packed with numerous health benefits:

Good for diabetics

Cluster beans contain glyconutrients that help in controlling blood sugar levels in the body. They are low in glycemic index. Read about 10 ways to control diabetes naturally

Strengthens bone health

Guar beans contain calcium that helps in strengthening the bones. The presence of phosphorus in this vegetable aids in fortifying the bones and enhances bone health. Read more about 7 surprising foods for healthy bones

Great for heart health

Gavar exerts heart healthy effects by lowering the blood levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) in the body. The presence of dietary fibre, potassium and folate in this vegetable prevents the heart from various cardiovascular complications. Read more about Top 7 foods that can help bring down cholesterol

Helps manage blood pressure

The hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic properties of cluster beans make them the best natural aid for hypertensive patients.

Recommended during pregnancy

Iron and calcium present in cluster beans fills up the deficiencies of these minerals in the pregnant women. This vegetable is loaded with high levels of folic acid that prevent the fetus from numerous birth defects and also various pregnancy related health issues. Vitamin K contained in cluster beans is good for the bones and helps with better fetal development. Read about 10 diet dos and don’ts during pregnancy by expert dietician

Increases blood circulation

The presence of iron in gavar increases hemoglobin production and stimulates oxygen carrying capacity of the blood resulting in better blood circulation.

Acts as digestive aid

Cluster beans work as a good laxative, stimulating bowel movement and improving your digestive system. They also help in flushing the unwanted toxins from the stomach and prevent digestion-related problems. Read more about how wrong food combinations can lead to indigestion and gas

Calms the brain

Hypoglycemic properties of cluster beans help in soothing the nerves. They are also found to reduce anxiety and tension and calm the person mentally. Read more about foods that can boost your immunity

The benefits of natural food

If you’re looking to improve your overall well-being, help is at hand. Our nutritionist Lucy-Ann Prideaux is here to shed some light on what we mean by natural foods, and what foods you should be avoiding in order to stay healthy.

Let’s first understand the concept of “wholefoods” versus “fragmented” or processed foods. Processed foods have been stripped of one or more of their original elements, i.e. they are missing valuable nutrients, fibres or water. Natural foods, or Wholefoods (fresh whole fruits, vegetables, wholegrains, seeds, nuts, beans and legumes) have been provided for us by nature, and by their very nature, are the perfect foods for our bodies to thrive and survive on. We are, after all, part of nature, and as such are designed to thrive on natural foods. Whilst we can certainly exist on processed foods, we cannot (I believe) survive on these foods alone.

Natural food, as nature intended

Man-made/factory-made/synthetic foods or any foods, which have been highly sugared, salted and processed, are devoid of so many of the nutrients and life-giving substances needed for optimal health. Foods as close to their natural state, or as nature intended them to be consumed, are, in contrast, rich in health-giving nutrients that sustain and energise us. Fresh, raw fruits and vegetables are also full the “life-force” of nature, which along with vital vitamins, minerals and phyto-nutrients lead to a positive, natural state of physical and mental health and vibrancy.

Not so natural foods: what to avoid

These highly processed foods lead to ill-health and disease, and to the accumulation of body fat and weight gain. Under this banner come:

• White flour-based products which have a high glycaemic index and load (High GI or High GL)
• Refined grains, many commercial “boxed” cereals
• Refined sugars and syrups
• Sugary foods and drinks such as biscuits, pastries, cake, canned drinks and many sports drinks and sports products.
• Also problematic are foods that are high in both refined sugar AND commercial fats and trans fats. These include manufactured biscuits, many cereal and breakfast bars, processed protein and energy bars, cakes, pastries, chocolate bars, sweets and candies etc.

Doesn’t it make sense to move toward nature and simply eat natural foods?

Looking for healthy snacks?

If you’re after something healthy, low fat and natural which counts towards your 5 a day, why not try these yummy snacks from our range:

• Get natural with Nakd Protein Crunch bars that are full of honest, healthy ingredients and 100 % natural goodness. The soya crunchy pieces packed with extra protein will keep you going for longer.
• Nakd Caffee Mocha bars are new, delicious coffee flavoured treats made from all natural ingredients with the heavenly rich aroma of a fresh cup of cappuccino with chocolate mocha! Gluten, wheat and dairy free.
• Nakd Infused Raisins count as 1 of 5 a day and are a delicious sweet snack to satisfy those with a sweet tooth. 100% natural goodness and delicious flavour.