The Magic of Legumes
Legumes are literally loaded with nutritional excellence. These magical plants bearing their fruit in pods can be an incredible source of vitamins, including Vitamin A, B, and C, as well as minerals like Magnesium, Folate, Potassium, and Zinc. With a healthy amount of protein and fiber, the delicious line of legumes includes beans, alfalfa, lentils, peas, and even peanuts. If it’s a seed growing in a long casing or pod, then it’s likely a member of the legume family.
Inexpensive and scrumptious, legumes are quite versatile in today’s society. For example, the soybean crop is often used as affordable animal feed and used agriculturally as a soil-improving crop. The mass-produced soybean is also popular for soy milk, tofu, flour, and many other uses in retail products. And we probably don’t have to tell you that peanuts are one of America’s favorite snacks, giving less-nutritious nibbles like potato chips a run for their money. From buttered sweet peas, to lentil soup, to a creamy hummus made from chickpeas — we bet you have a favorite way to enjoy legumes. Let us know on Facebook or Twitter about a legume you love. Together we can inspire one another to eat well, live long, and travel far!