Adzuki bean 7 oz

These small beans are native to East Asia and the Himalayan region and are commonly eaten in Japan, China, Korea, and other Asian nations, although they can be found in other parts of the world due to exportation. These beans are primarily red in color. 

Traditional understanding and uses:: Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) believes that Adzuki beans are helpful for Heart and Small Intestine. Adzuki beans are plants that belong to the ‘Herbs that drain Dampness’ category. These herbs are typically diuretics, meaning that they promote the increased production of urine in order to remove Damp that has accumulated in the body.  Ayurvedic medicine also values Adzuki beans for their diuretic and weight-loss actions.

Health benefits: Adzuki beans, like all beans, contain anthocyanin, a powerful flavonoid known for its antioxidant properties.  It is believed that anti-oxidants protect against cancer18 and slow the aging process19.  Adzuki beans have been shown to be anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetes.20 They may protect heart and kidney health.21  They are low in calories and high in fiber, which can help lower cholesterol,22 and improve bowel movements.  They have less starch than most other beans, making them easier to digest, however they are digested slowly which gives you stable energy and blood sugar. Their combination of high potassium and low sodium make them a diuretic, which can help with weight loss.  One cup contains up to 70% of your daily requirement of folate, and 25% of your daily iron, magnesium, and zinc, as well as many other important minerals.*

*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.  They are based on traditional understanding and uses in Asian cultures over thousands of years.  

18. Antioxidants as Part of Your Cancer Diet | Stanford Health Care. https://stanfordhealthcare.org/medical-clinics/cancer-nutrition-services/reducing-cancer-risk/antioxidants.html. Accessed December 21, 2019.
19. [Antioxidants to slow aging, facts and perspectives]. – PubMed – NCBI. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12192730. Accessed December 21, 2019.
20. Phytochemical distribution in hull and cotyledon of adzuki bean (Vigna angularis L.) and mung bean (Vigna radiate L.), and their contribution to an… – PubMed – NCBI. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26868587. Accessed December 21, 2019.
21. Effect of polyphenol-containing azuki bean (Vigna angularis) extract on blood pressure elevation and macrophage infiltration in the heart and kidne… – PubMed – NCBI. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18047626. Accessed December 21, 2019.
22. Non-soy legume consumption lowers cholesterol levels: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. – PubMed – NCBI. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19939654. Accessed December 21, 2019.