White beans: he alth benefits and harms, descriptions of varieties and cultivation with photos

White beans belong to the legume family. It is one of the most popular vegetable crops, which is valued for its dietary and medicinal properties. It is a versatile herbal product used in a variety of dishes. Also, beans are used in the treatment of the digestive tract, heart and even skin diseases.

Specificity of white beans

White beans are one of the most common varieties of legumes. For the first time, the culture began to be grown in South America. It is unpretentious to care and has a huge amount of useful trace elements. The stems of the culture are straight and curly, up to 1 m high.The fruits ripen by autumn, have a cylindrical, slightly flattened shape. It is noteworthy that in ancient Rome, the culture was used not only for food, but also white and powder were made from it.

White Bean Varieties

Beans amaze with their variety of choices, as well as interesting external characteristics. White beans come in large, medium and small sizes. Each variety has its own characteristics and preferences for use. To make a choice, consider all varieties of white beans.

Chali

This crop is characterized by large fruits and a delicate flavor. Chali is widely used in Turkey and the Balkan Islands. It is used to make soups, side dishes, salads and aromatic stews.

Chali beans have an unusual trapezoidal shape. The fruits are slightly flattened, larger than other varieties. Boiled Chali tastes like potatoes, which is why it is often used as a side dish. It does not require long cooking, the cooking time takes no more than 45 minutes.

Black eye

Considered the most tender of all varieties of culture. Thanks to the thin shell, it cooks very quickly. The Black Eye variety is superior to other species in terms of energy value. It contains a lot of protein, starch, carbohydrates, dietary fiber, vitamins, while the minimum amount of fat. Black eye is more often used than other varieties of beans to treat many diseases and even prevent breast cancer.

Navi

This culture is more than 7 thousand years old. It was bred in South America. Small pea-shaped fruits lead in fiber content, which makes them worthy competitors to other varieties, despite their small size. In medicine, Navi is used to achieve a diuretic and antimicrobial effect, as well as to reduce the concentration of sugar in the blood.Before cooking, it should be soaked in water for at least 5 hours. Cooking time in this case will take no more than 1 hour.

Moscow White

This variety of green bean white beans is specially bred for the short summer days of central Russia. It is characterized by resistance to diseases and sudden changes in temperature. The maximum length of bushy plants is 40 mm. Moscow white beans are characterized by a rich harvest. An average of 1.2 kg can be collected from a square meter.

White flat

Unlike previous varieties, White flat beans have not gained wide popularity in our country. However, it has a high content of useful trace elements, which is why it is actively used in traditional medicine. Unpretentiousness to the soil and weather conditions allows you to grow it in almost all regions of Russia.

Lotus

Mid-early variety, which is characterized by delicious fleshy fruits. Gardeners prefer this variety for its good yield and unpretentious care. Also, Lotus beans are suitable for mechanized harvesting. It is used in cooking, cosmetology and traditional medicine. Great for conservation.

Belozerka

Small medium-sized beans with high sugar content. From one bush you can collect up to 50 pods. Medium sized, rounded fruits.

White mares

Decorative weaving culture with large pods. Has lush bright green leaves. There are usually 3 fruits in one pod. This ornamental culture is suitable not only for food cultivation, but also for landscaping various structures: arbors, arches, houses.Does not lose color and shape until mid-September.

Date of planting

The crop is planted in open ground in May, focusing on the time for obtaining the result and weather conditions. The soil should warm up to 10-12 degrees. You should also focus on the variety. Bush forms are planted earlier, and climbing varieties after 1-2 weeks.

With proper care, shoots will appear on the 15-20th day after planting. Some gardeners prefer to pre-sprout beans before planting in open ground. In this case, sowing is initially done in special containers, 2-3 weeks before planting in open ground.

In order for the culture to sprout faster and give a rich harvest, it must be planted in a well-lit place. However, regular watering and fertilizing should be done.

Seed preparation

Before planting, it is important to prepare seed material. Although the crop is planted in May, this does not exclude a drop in temperature, which may adversely affect young shoots. To avoid such an unpleasant incident, the seeds are pre-hardened.

Pay attention! Before planting, the seeds undergo a thorough visual inspection. Shriveled, empty and spoiled fruits are selected.

You can also use the soaking method. To do this, the beans are determined overnight in clean water. Seed material that has not undergone production processing is soaked for 20 minutes in a weak solution of potassium permanganate.

However, it is worth noting that seeds that have not been soaked before planting are more resistant to cold snaps, since they do not hatch immediately.

Preparing the soil for beans

Light, fertile, well-drained soils are best for legumes. If groundwater is located near the garden plot, and the soil itself is clayey, then there is a big risk that the crop will not grow.

To get a bountiful harvest, fertilize the ground with compost or humus before planting seeds. You can also use superphosphate, ammonium nitrate or potassium chloride. The abundance of nitrogen in the soil will not have the best effect on the crop. The green mass will develop profusely, but the pods will suffer.

Sowing beans

If you plan to grow several varieties of beans at once, it is recommended to plant them separately from each other. Since beans are self-pollinating, beds with different varieties can be located next to each other. But do not forget that the culture has a tendency to pollinate. For example, if white beans grow near red beans, then red dots may appear on their fruits.

For culture, a staggered planting order is used. The distance between the holes is 20-30 cm. 3-4 seeds are sown in each of them. Many growers practice wide planting, with 50 cm indent between holes.

If we are talking about tall curly beans, first of all prepare the supports, and already near them make holes and sow the seeds. The distance between the rows is 100 cm, between the holes - 60 cm. Curly beans can also be grown in nests of 5 pieces. Growing bushes will cling to the peg that is located near each hole.

It must be made of wood, the beans simply cannot catch on a plastic or metal support.

The depth of planting beans depends on the quality of the soil. The better it is, the deeper the seeds can be planted. If the soil is light, the beans are planted at a depth of 6-7 cm. On dense clay soils, the planting depth should not exceed 4 cm.

Bean care

After planting, the beans are immediately watered and the soil is compacted with a rake.If there is a threat of frost, the planted area is covered with a special film. When the seeds sprout, they are immediately spudded. Thus, they acquire stability. Further care for the beans is as follows:

• weekly watering;
• timely removal of weeds;
• regular loosening of row spacing;
• top dressing with superphosphate after the formation of the first true leaf;
• when the bushes reach two meters, they are plucked from above to stimulate the formation of ovaries.

Irrigation timing

Watering the beans is carried out until the 5th leaf appears on the plants. Irrigation is then resumed before flowering, as plants will drop flowers when the humidity is low. In dry weather, watering is carried out once a week until flowering. After the appearance of flowers, the procedure is increased up to 2-3 times a week.

Feeding plants

Beans are a demanding crop in terms of nutrition. A high yield can only be obtained in fertile soil, which contains the necessary elements for growth and development. It responds well to mineral and organic fertilizers.

Nitrogen compounds are introduced at the initial stages of growth. It is important to remember that they can inhibit ripening, so do not overdo it with their dosages.

Good results are obtained by applying phosphorus and potash fertilizers, especially molybdenized superphosphate. In household plots, it is also recommended to use wood ash.

The following trace elements have a positive effect on the growth of beans:

• zinc;
• boron;
• manganese;
• copper;
• molybdenum.

Molybdenum is of particular importance. It is better to use it for pre-sowing seed treatment.

Garter

Bean garter will not only prevent the spread of bushes in the garden, but also reduce the likelihood of damage to the crop by pests and diseases. Supports should be made of wood.

The garter is made after the plants reach a height of 15 cm. They are wrapped around the support, starting from the first bottom sheet. Fastening is done counterclockwise. This method will allow you to securely hook the plants on the support.

Protection against diseases

To prevent fungal diseases, the preparation of the site for beans begins in the fall. First of all, it is cleaned of weeds, since it is in them that pathogenic microorganisms overwinter.Then potash and phosphorus fertilizers are applied to the soil, after which they are dug up with a shovel. During the growing season, plants spend 1, and preferably 2 top dressing, using mineral fertilizers without nitrogen.

If the defeat of fungal diseases has already occurred, then take active measures to combat. For this, plants are sprayed with copper-containing preparations, for example, a solution of Bordeaux liquid (1%).

To prevent root rot and powdery mildew, the seeds are soaked in Trichodermin or Baktofit before planting. Also, crops are sprayed with these preparations before flowering.

To prevent bean diseases, it is important to observe crop rotation every 4-5 years. That is, after such a time period, plant the crop in its original place.

Pest Protection

As with diseases, preventive and proactive measures are used to control pests.Preventive measures, in addition to those described above, also include picking beans before cracking the beans. To destroy pests, the method of freezing fruits for 2-3 days is used. At a temperature of -10 degrees, adults, larvae and eggs die.

As for chemical measures to prevent pests, plants can be treated with Decis or Aktara before flowering.

The following biological products are used against sucking and gnawing pests:

1. Guapsin.
2. Planris.
3. "Trichodermin".

You can only use them before flowering.

Collection and storage

Harvesting begins in July and continues until autumn. The beans are ready when the fruits reach 4-10 cm, it all depends on the variety.It is best to harvest early in the morning. Beans are harvested for grain after full maturity, when the fruits become dense and the leaves dry. When harvesting, the plant is pulled out, tied in a sheaf and placed for ripening. In sunny weather, the culture is left to ripen right in the garden.

So that the seeds are not lost, a film is placed under the beans. After ripening, the plants are cleaned and sent for storage. Green bush beans are plucked immediately after they have ripened. In climbing species, fruits are harvested several times a season.

White bean grains are characterized by the ability to long-term storage. Initially, they are removed from the pod and dried. To dry the seeds well, they are laid out in a thin layer on a cloth or paper. Beans should be stored in a warm and dry place. When the fruits are completely dry, they are stored.

Beans are not too picky about the conditions, the only thing that matters is to put them in the right container where condensation accumulates.Fruits should not be near heat sources. It is also worth focusing on the fact that freezing beans will negatively affect its subsequent germination.

To protect the fruits from various insects, they are put in glass jars and tightly closed with a lid.

Composition and calorie content of white beans

White beans impress with their composition. In terms of copper and zinc content, it surpasses all garden crops. It also contains the following trace elements:

• vegetable protein;
• vitamin E;
• calcium;
• magnesium;
• B vitamins.

The taste of white beans is appreciated all over the world. Nutritious and he althy dishes are prepared from it, which are a worthy alternative to meat.

100 grams of white beans contains:

• 102 kcal;
• 47g carbs;
• 21g protein;
• 2g fat.

Useful properties

Beans are rich in beneficial trace elements. They are used not only in cooking, but also for the preparation of medicines.

Regular consumption of white beans is very good for he alth. It has the following positive effects:

• stimulation of the production of gastric juice;
• prevention of diseases of the nervous and cardiovascular systems;
• better vision;
• decrease in blood sugar concentration;
• strengthening immunity;
• decrease and prevent puffiness;
• better condition of hair and nails;
• improved skin recovery after cuts and injuries;
• cleansing the body of toxic substances;
• improved metabolism.

The high calcium content makes beans an indispensable product for bones and teeth.

Inflorescences of white beans are used much less often than fruits. However, they have no less useful properties. Inflorescences and bean pods are useful in the following conditions:

• heart failure;
• renal pathology.

Decoctions of dried bean leaves are used for rheumatism, gout and pancreatitis.

For men

Beans are a very useful product for men. It saturates the body with vitamins, improves the general condition. In addition, beans have a positive effect on sexual function and normalize the functioning of the genitourinary system.

For women

Since the beans contain a large amount of iron and calcium, this product will help women improve the condition of hair, skin, teeth. Often it is used for cosmetic purposes for the preparation of masks that have a rejuvenating effect. Breastfeeding women can use the "talker". To prepare it, you will need to grind bean seeds and mix them in equal amounts with wheat flour. Pour the mixture with the same amount of water, mix well, insist and take 2 tablespoons three times a day.

As for whole legumes, it is better to refuse their use during breastfeeding. This is because most babies have difficulty with gas, and whole beans can only aggravate symptoms.

Use for the treatment and prevention of diseases

White beans have been used as a medicine for more than one hundred years. Medicinal properties are possessed not only by the fruits of the culture, but also by valves (pods). Let's consider what diseases white beans help with.

With diseases of the heart and blood vessels

Iron and magnesium, which are contained in the culture, improve blood composition, strengthen the heart muscle, reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack. White beans are recommended for the following conditions:

• atherosclerosis;
• arrhythmia;
• hypertension.

An effective heart decoction is prepared from the wings of the culture. For cooking, you only need to pour 4 tablespoons of the leaves with two glasses of boiling water. The remedy is infused for at least two hours. Take 0.5 cup before each meal.

In atherosclerosis, a different recipe for preparing a decoction of beans is used. Bean leaves (3 tablespoons) are poured with water (750 ml), brought to a boil and boiled over medium heat for 15 minutes. The broth is filtered through cheesecloth and diluted to the original volume with purified water. Taken on an empty stomach, 150 ml three times a day.

Diseases of the stomach, kidneys, bladder

White beans help to normalize the production of gastric juice, so they are recommended for gastritis. This disease requires dietary adjustments, many foods are excluded from the diet. Beans with gastritis can replace meat. Nutritious dishes are prepared from it, which retain a feeling of fullness for a long time.

White beans have a mild diuretic effect, so it is used for diseases of the kidneys and bladder. It dissolves stones and eliminates puffiness.With inflammation of the bladder, 3 tablespoons of the plant are poured into 0.5 liters of boiling water and boiled over medium heat for 15 minutes. The decoction is infused for at least three hours, after which it is filtered and taken 0.5 cups before meals.

The following recipe is used for kidney stones. Bean sashes are poured with water in proportions of 1:10 and boiled for 1.5 hours. Then the agent is filtered and taken in the same way as described above.

Joint and nervous system disorders

The spectrum of positive effects of white beans is not limited to the above diseases. The product is successfully used in chronic rheumatism, gout and other vascular diseases.

White beans are also used to restore the body after stress. They are included in the diet after severe operations and serious injuries.

Insulin addiction

In diabetes, beans are one of the main components in the diet. Due to its unique composition, it is used as an insulin substitute. Regular consumption of beans has the following positive effects:

• normalizes the work of the heart;
• improves the condition of vessel walls;
• quickly heals injuries, cracks;
• reduces blood sugar levels;
• accelerates regenerative processes.

Prolonged use of the product stabilizes the pancreas. Arginine, which is part of white beans, stimulates the production of urea, and, accordingly, reduces the concentration of glucose in the blood.

Thanks to white beans, the work of the heart improves, and this is a very important factor for patients with diabetes. The benefits of the product are equivalent to both type 1 and type 2 diseases.

In addition to eating fruits, in case of diabetes, a decoction of bean leaves is also prepared. About 20 grams of the product is poured with a liter of boiling water and boiled over low heat for 30 minutes. Strained and cooled broth is drunk in small portions. The given dosage is calculated for 2 days. Use the decoction for 20 days. For more effective action, you can add 20 g of blueberry leaves to the recipe.

Skin diseases, wounds, fissures, ulcers

White beans contain a lot of sulfur, so they are used to treat skin diseases. The seeds of the culture are ground in a coffee grinder, and then applied to the affected areas. Such a remedy has a pronounced wound healing effect and is superior to many pharmacy remedies in terms of efficiency.

Benefits of beans for weight loss

The low-calorie content of beans makes them one of the main products recommended for weight loss.White beans are high in protein and fiber. At the same time, they are low in carbohydrates, making them ideal for dieters. The main feature of beans is that they satisfy hunger for a long time.

Thus, a person does not feel a constant need for food, as a result of which the diet is easily tolerated.

Beans have found wide application in the protein diet. Scientists have long proven that its use enhances the synthesis of cholecystokinin, a hormone that speeds up metabolism and eliminates hunger.

Pay attention! White beans have a low glycemic index, which gives a person the necessary boost of energy for a long time.

Especially white beans are recommended for those who combine diet with intense physical activity. They can be eaten for breakfast, lunch and dinner. At the same time, frequent consumption of beans does not have any negative consequences for the body.

Use in cosmetology

White beans are widely used in cosmetology. Face masks based on it are absolutely suitable for all women. The action of such cosmetics is aimed at whitening the skin, saturating it with useful microelements. Bean masks have a lifting effect, eliminate black spots, bags under the eyes and various rashes.

For masks, boiled and cooled grains are used. They are sieved through a sieve so that no skin and lumps remain in the composition for the cosmetic product. Then knead the beans with a fork, add lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Apply the product to pre-moisturized skin. Wash off after 15-20 minutes with warm water.

Contraindications and possible side effects

It is important to remember that beans can only be eaten after heat treatment.Raw seeds contain toxins that cause serious poisoning. As for side effects, the product often causes flatulence. To prevent this from happening, before cooking, the beans are soaked for a long time in water (preferably for the whole night). You can add some baking soda to the water.

After soaking, the cooking time of legumes will be significantly reduced. There are varieties that take no more than 45 minutes to cook. However, most of them take over an hour to cook. It's important to remember that it's better to overcook the beans than undercook them, so don't rush to remove them from the heat.

If you have colitis, stomach ulcers, gout, cholecystitis, you should definitely consult your doctor before eating legumes. Otherwise, the symptoms of the disease can only worsen. The absolute contraindication of the product is increased secretion of the stomach. With caution, the use of beans should also be taken by people in old age.

The perfectly balanced composition of legumes will saturate the body with all the necessary trace elements, even if you eat only different varieties of this crop. However, do not get too carried away with mono-diets. It is enough to simply include white beans in your diet, diluting it with other he althy foods.

If you are allergic to beans, you should immediately stop eating them.

How to choose the right beans

When choosing a product for consumption, it is important to pay attention to its appearance. Beans should not be spoiled, and even more so with rot. Choose only whole grains that are the same size. Their surface should be glossy and shiny.

Store beans in an airtight container and only in a dry place. Otherwise, the fruits may become moldy, and their use is fraught with severe poisoning.

Remarkably, you can store not only raw beans, but also boiled ones. To do this, the cooked product is cooled, placed in a plastic bag and sent to the freezer.

If you need to prepare a large number of boiled beans, they should be divided into small parts, each of which is packed in a separate plastic bag, and placed in the freezer.

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