Pinto beans are an essential part of Mexican cuisine. Ask any Mexican, and you’ll realize that beans are almost synonym with home cooking, and most Mexican households consume them in some form at least once a week.
Mexicans have recipes for every part of the bean plant and as of 2017 Mexico was the 7th world producer of beans.
In fact, Mexico and beans are very old friends: Beans were consumed by the ancient civilizations that inhabited Mexico during pre-Columbian times. The Spanish conquest represented an earth-shattering moment, but amid all that turmoil something remained unchanged: Beans are still beloved and widely consumed all over the country to this day.
Loaded With Proteins and Nutrients
One cup (171 grams) of pinto beans contains 15 grams of proteins, which makes them an interesting option for vegetarians. They provide Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), that helps our bodies turn food into energy, and are also a good source of Magnesium, Iron and Phosphorus.
Good Source of Fiber
Fiber is essential for good digestion, but most people don’t consume the recommended daily intake (RDI): 25 grams per day for women and 38 grams per day for men. The addition of pinto beans to your diet could solve this problem easily, because one cup provides between 40% and 60% of the RDI.
Pinto beans have other benefits for your digestive system. A study found that pinto beans may reduce cholesterol as well as increase the production of propionate, a short-chain fatty acid that boosts gut health.
Rich in Antioxidants
Pinto beans are an abundant source of antioxidants, which protect cells against free radicals and may help prevent cancer. For example, they contain the flavonoid (a type of antioxidant) kaempferol, that has been linked to reduced inflammation and a lower incidence of stroke.
Versatile
Pinto beans are extremely versatile, and Mexican cuisine proves it. There are countless ways to eat beans: As a standalone dish, as a side, in a taco or in “enfrijoladas.” Furthermore, they can be served whole, or mashed and fried.
At el Pollo Norteño we love beans and their close tie with Mexican cuisine. Enjoy this delicious and storied Mexican dish at any of our four locations in Santa Ana, Garden Grove and Annaheim.
Visit any of our four locations (in Anaheim, Santa Anna and Garden Grove) , contact us by email, or call 866-MI-POLLO today to enjoy our beans and all the other delicious options we have available for you!