Legumes are an important source of high quality vegetable protein, in addition to providing a dose of fibre, polyphenols with antioxidant properties and minerals. The range includes, among others, the popular adzuki red beans, which are great for spreads, delicious chickpeas or organic pulse rice rich in protein.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely yes! They are a fantastic source of plant-based protein, complex carbohydrates, and fiber. They keep you perfectly full, stabilize blood sugar levels, and are great for both bulking phases and strict weight loss diets because they help fight off hunger pangs.
Most legumes (like lentils, beans, or chickpeas) do not contain a complete spectrum of essential amino acids. However, you just need to combine them with grains (such as rice or whole-wheat bread) throughout the day to get a 100% complete protein for muscle growth. The exception is soy, which has a complete amino acid profile on its own.
The key is proper preparation. Always soak legumes in water for several hours (ideally overnight) before cooking and absolutely discard this soaking water before boiling. Cooking them with herbs like savory, cumin, or marjoram also helps. If you have a very sensitive digestion, reach for red lentils, which do not require soaking and do not cause bloating.
Not really. Even though they are incredibly healthy, they contain a relatively high amount of carbohydrates. They fit perfectly into a regular and balanced diet, but on a strict keto diet (where every gram of sugar counts), they would quickly kick you out of ketosis.
Due to their high fiber content, they digest very slowly, so it is ideal to eat them several hours before a workout or, conversely, on rest days. Eating them right before or immediately after exercise could cause a feeling of unpleasant heaviness and unnecessarily slow down the absorption of fast post-workout nutrients.
