Pinto Beans Nutrition Facts

Pinto beans, also known as frijol pinto in Spanish, meaning 'Painted bean', are a common type of beans, used all over the United States and Mexico. Their scientific name is 'Phaseolus Vulgaris'. Their appearance is distinguished from other beans, by a beige background, which is strewn with reddish brown spots. They turn pink when cooked and have a creamy texture. The 'pinto' attribute in the name is due to the mottled skin of the beans, comparable to a 'pinto horse'. This article is written with the intention of presenting pinto beans nutrition facts.

Before going in to pinto beans nutritional facts, let us explore some facts related to the pinto beans. These type of beans originated in Peru and spread throughout the America. They made an appearance in Europe in the 15^th century. Pinto beans are used in many recipes like burritos, where it is used for filling. It is also eaten whole or mashed in a broth or eaten in fried form. It is a symbol of regional identity for the Mexican Americans in United states, who brought it with them, to the United States. Pinto beans along with chilli is the state vegetable of New Mexico, where it is known as frijol. In Texas, they are known as 'Cowboy Beans'. The reason is that they were brought to Texas by Mexican Cowboys who found jobs there. There are four main varieties of pinto beans :

• Burke
• Sierra
• Othello
• Maverick

In southeastern United States, pinto beans were a part of the staple diet of the poor, during winter months, along with milk, cornbread and cabbage. There are churches in the United States which still organize and sponsor 'Pinto Beans Supper', as fundraising programs and social gatherings. This is a testimony to the wholesome nutritional diet that pinto beans offer and their popularity in American culture.

Pinto Beans Nutritional Information
Now that we know some history of pinto beans and their importance in popular culture, let us get to know about calories in pinto beans and their nutritional value. Pinto beans are very high in fiber content and are an excellent source of proteins. Here is a nutritional breakdown of 171 gm of raw pinto beans. The calories in pinto beans in a serving of this size are 670 calories, of which 21 calories come from fat.

• Protein: 41gm
• Carbohydrates (including dietary fiber (30 gm) and sugars (4gm)): 121 gm
• Cholesterol: 0 gm
• Sodium 23 mg
• Total Fat: 2gm

All leguminous beans like pinto beans are excellent foodstuffs for your health. However, pinto beans are especially more nutritious because they are packed with proteins and minerals like 'Molybdenum'. They are good sources of potassium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, manganese, tryptophan and folate.

Pinto Beans Nutritional Facts
Here are some nutrition facts of pinto beans for your perusal. The pinto beans nutrition facts presented here are based on medical research on their nutritional value and health benefits.

• As already mentioned, pinto beans are very rich sources of dietary fiber that helps in lowering cholesterol level in blood.
• They are recommended diet for individuals suffering from hypoglycemia, diabetes or insulin resistance, as they restrain the sugar level in blood, from rising rapidly.
• By restraining sugar levels, they provide slow burning energy to the human body.
• The gel like soluble fibers in these beans, remove bile from the digestive tract, by linking with it.
• Several gastrointestinal disorders like bowel syndrome and diverticulitis can be effectively treated by intake of pinto beans, as the insoluble fibers in them effectively prevent constipation and increase the stool bulk level.
• They replenish the protein stores of the body, by providing fat free proteins.
• Being rich in fiber, folate, magnesium and potassium, they help in preventing many heart diseases.
• Pinto beans are beneficial for people with sulfate sensitivity, as the Molybdenum in them removes the toxic sulfates.
• Being rich source of iron, they are recommended diet addition for menstruating women, pregnant women and growing children.

Hope, these pinto beans nutrition facts are helpful and have convinced you to make them a part of your regular diet. Leguminous beans like pinto beans should always be a part of your diet, as they supply adequate amount of proteins to the body and reduce heart disorder risks!