Little ones vegetable dark red in color, cultivated since ancient times, i azuki beans they are an ideal food to detoxify the body.
Their shape is very similar to that of a rene in miniature and it is these organs that are excellent allies. With the help of the doctor Sara Gilardi, nutrition biologist in Livorno, Volterra and Turin, we explain how they work and how to consume them.
The properties of azuki beans
"These beans therefore have the ability to stimulate renal activity promote diuresis and the elimination of waste and toxins. Not only that: they also manage to activate the production of an important liver enzyme. Therefore, they ensure the correct functionality of the main excretory organs of the body », explains the expert.
What do they contain? A terrific nutrient mix: «In addition to potassium, which has a diuretic action, they are rich in molybdenum, a mineral that in the liver allows the secretion of the enzyme sulphite oxidase, the protagonist of some metabolic processes that serve to detoxify the body. 25 grams of azuki beans to ensure the recommended daily dose of molybdenum»Continues Sara Gilardi.
Finally, there are many fibers, essential for maintaining intestinal function and guaranteeing the disposal of waste substances.
How to secure their benefits
To ensure the benefits of the azuki beans, can sip their cooking water: «When you want to follow a period of deep detoxification, just drink a glass a day, at room temperature, 4-5 times a week. But even better is to consume legumes as well, so as not to deprive yourself of part of their nutrients ”, recommends the nutritionist.
They have a delicate flavor, with a sweet aftertaste, so much so that in the East they are used for preparation of jams. "But they are also excellent in soups and salads", concludes the expert. Most of the crops are located in Japan, but also in the country there is a supply chain that ensures quality products: you can find them in organic shops and in the organic departments of supermarkets.
The recipe: azuki bean and spelled salad
Ingredients for 4 people:
240 g of wholemeal spelled
dried azuki beans
1 red onion
turmeric powder, mustard
1 lemon
a bunch of fresh mint
extra virgin olive oil, salt and pepper to taste
Leave to soak the beans overnight, then put them in a saucepan, cover them with water and cook them over low heat for 30 minutes. Then add a pinch of salt and pepper, let them cool in the cooking water, then drain them. Meantime, boil the spelled with half a teaspoon of salt and half of turmeric.
In a bowl make a vinaigrette with 4 tablespoons of olive oil, a teaspoon of mustard, the juice of one lemon, salt and pepper. When cooked, drain the spelled and let it cool in a salad bowl, then add the sliced ​​onion, the beans and a few chopped mint leaves. Drizzle with the vinaigrette and set aside in the refrigerator for 2 hours.
