Legumes are one of the healthiest plant-based foods available on the earth. They are high in protein and can be easily included in your meals. Lentils, peas, chickpeas, soybeans, peanuts and kidney beans are some of the common legumes consumed in India. But have you ever tried cowpeas? Also known as lobia, it is an oval-shaped bean that has an amazing nutrition profile.
Cowpeas have a mild, nutty aroma and rich creamy taste. They are commonly soaked in water for four to six hours in advance to speed up the cooking process. These beans are relished in a variety of ways such as lobia masala, salad, dal, soups, stir-fried, dhokla, cutlet as well as fried rice. According to Netmeds, they are rich in protein, dietary fibre, vitamins, calcium, zinc, copper and antioxidants.
Here are six health benefits of lobia you must know:
Supports Weight Loss
If you are planning a weight loss journey, then cowpeas will be a perfect addition to your diet. According to Healthline, the protein and fibre content of these beans reduces the feeling of hunger and keeps you full for a long time. So, accelerate your fat burning process with these healthy legumes.
Manages Diabetes
According to Netmeds, cowpeas can be very beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes. This is because they have a low glycemic index as compared to other legumes. Consuming lobia daily can help you manage your blood sugar levels along with providing an adequate amount of protein to your body.
Promotes Digestive Health
As mentioned earlier, lobia is an excellent source of dietary fibre which is a key nutrient for digestive health. According to Healthline, consuming lobia on a daily basis promotes regular bowel movements and prevents digestive disorders like acid reflux, hemorrhoids and stomach ulcers.
Good For The Heart
According to Netmeds, lobia is a great addition to your diet for a healthy heart. Flavonoids, magnesium and potassium present in them regulate the normal functioning of the cardiac muscles and reduce the inflammatory markers. The high content of dietary fibre in cowpeas also lowers the cholesterol levels in the body.
Boosts Skin Health
According to Netmeds, the protein, zinc, vitamins A and C present in cowpeas supports collagen synthesis that speeds up the process of skin repair and the formation of new skin cells. The antioxidants and other compounds present in lobia protect the skin cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals and promote hair growth.
Combats Infections
According to Netmeds, lobia is high in antioxidants including vitamin A, C and polyphenols that reduces the risk of several chronic diseases. Consuming these beans daily prevents the growth of free radicals in the body and averts the formation of tumour cells. The folate present in them also maintains the development of red blood cells in the body.