Beans are a type of legume and are highly nutritious. They are available in different colors and sizes.
While it is not unusual to crave certain meals from time to time, if you are craving beans so bad, it means that your body needs more carbohydrates or lacks some other vital nutrients. These nutrients include protein, folate, fiber, potassium, magnesium, and iron present in beans. However, there are other reasons.
Continue reading to find out more about why you’re craving beans so bad.
Likely reasons you are craving beans so bad
1. You are low on carbs
If you’re on a calorie-restriction diet or have not been feeding well, you may begin to crave beans intensely.
When the body doesn’t have enough carbohydrates, it craves some high-carb foods to get its nutrients.
Beans have lots of carbohydrates and are low in calories. So, if you’re concerned about your calorie consumption, beans are an ideal carb option to consider. Including beans in your diet can also help prevent cravings for other high-carb foods.
2. Your body needs protein
Your bean craving could also be because your body is deprived of proteins. As mentioned earlier, beans contain protein, a necessary nutrient for maintaining body tissues.
If you’re craving beans and are not lacking carbohydrates, you might be low on protein.
According to the Dietary Reference Intake report for macronutrients, a sedentary adult should consume 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight, or 0.36 grams per pound. You will need around 56 grams of protein daily, and beans are a great way to get this nutrient.
There are about three most common kinds of beans high in carbohydrates and protein – red, kidney, and pink beans. You can opt for any of these to satisfy your cravings, though the red beans are the most delicious of the three.
3. You love beans
For some people, beans are a favorite delicacy.
If you belong to this category, it’s understandable why you’re craving beans so bad – it’s just that your buds want to have another taste of it.
This could also be the case if you have a special liking for the appearance or texture of beans.
4. Hormonal changes
Generally, women tend to crave sugar and carbohydrates during their menstrual cycles. Hence, your intense craving for beans could be because of a hormonal change.
If this is the case for you, eat beans as much as you want and enjoy its amazing health benefits!
5. Low sugar level
Craving beans is also a sign of low sugar level.
Since beans have carbohydrates that break down into sugars, they are responsible for providing your body with essential sugars.
When you begin to crave high-carb meals like beans, it may mean that your body is trying to make up for a deficiency in its sugar level.
6. You are pregnant
Pregnancy is another reason why you crave beans so bad.
Pregnant women need more protein than usual (25g each day vs. 15g). This is because protein is necessary for the proper development of the fetus during pregnancy and safeguards against low birth weights (caused by malnutrition).
Beans contain higher amounts of healthy plant-based proteins than most foods, so when pregnant, the body may begin to crave beans to meet up with the nutritional demands of the mother and baby.
7. Your body is low on iron
Iron is a vital nutrient for oxygen transport in the body, and it helps boost the immune system.
The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that adults consume 8mg – 18mg of iron daily.
Beans are a good source of iron, and studies have shown that one cup serving of white beans contains 6.62g of iron. So you can have an intense craving for beans if you are low on iron.
Some iron deficiency symptoms to watch out for are fatigue, dizziness, brain fog, and hunger.
8. You’re dieting
If you are on a low-carb or vegan diet, craving certain food groups – including beans is normal.
Over time, your body will show a deficiency of some minerals and will begin to crave foods with the nutrients it needs. This might be why you are craving beans.
9. You want “hearty” food satisfaction
Beans are one of those foods that give you a full feeling after eating, and this is because they are high in fiber which initiates food satisfaction.
You’re likely craving the nice full, satisfied feeling you get from eating beans.
10. You’re low in fiber
Your craving for beans could also be because your body needs more fiber.
Fiber is an essential nutrient for our bodies, and it is generally recommended to eat 25-30 grams of fiber every day.
Because beans are an excellent source of dietary fiber, your body may begin to desire them so intensely to meet its daily fiber requirements. One cup of beans will supply you with 15 grams of fiber.
11. You’re compensating
If you feel guilty for binge eating and try to restrict your food intake to feel better, you may soon become deficient in specific nutrients, and your body will begin to crave them – including the proteins and iron found in beans.
However, note that regular beans consumption can help you stay satisfied and even prevent binges from occurring in the first place. Thus, you don’t have to stay away from beans or crave them.
FAQs
What happens if I eat beans a lot?
Though beans are highly nutritious, eating beans every day can adversely affect your digestive system as you may begin to pass more gas than required. However, you will still reap its many incredible benefits.
What type of beans is the healthiest?
Beans are one of the healthiest legumes, and all beans contain the same type of nutrients. However, the most healthful beans are soybeans, kidney beans, chickpeas, pinto beans, navy beans, and black beans.
Conclusion
As you have seen in this article, beans are good sources of carbohydrates, folate, proteins, and iron, essential for the body’s proper functioning. If you are craving beans so bad, your body lacks one or more of the aforementioned nutrients.
Nonetheless, whatever your reasons for craving beans, we recommend regularly consuming a good quantity of beans to reap all its incredible health benefits.