July 7, 2023 | 11:13 am GMT+7
Black turtle beans are a high-nutrient grain commonly used in daily life. Photo by Freepik
My family usually drinks black turtle bean water every day to cool down. I’m wondering if it is okay to drink it regularly (Hong, 32 years old, Hanoi).
Answer:
Black turtle beans are a high-nutrient grain commonly used in daily life as well as in traditional medicine. The chemical composition of black turtle beans is quite diverse and they have many effects such as treating back pain, insomnia, and constipation, as well as aiding in postpartum recovery for women.
Black turtle beans contain isoflavones and anthocyanins, which have the ability to regulate and metabolize fats. Additionally, black turtle bean water can aid in weight loss by providing a sense of fullness and reducing the consumption of other foods.
Black turtle bean water should only be used as a refreshing drink, two to three times a week, with each serving about 100-250 ml. It should not be used as a replacement for daily water consumption as it may affect the body’s ability to absorb nutrients.
For example, black turtle beans contain phytates, which can hinder the absorption of minerals such as iron, zinc, copper and phosphorus, potentially leading to anemia and osteoporosis. Therefore, it is ideal to separate the consumption of black turtle beans from other foods by about 4 hours.
People with diabetes should not add sugar to black turtle bean water. Black turtle bean water has diuretic properties, so those with kidney problems should use it with caution and follow doctors’ advice.
People with inflammatory bowel disease, loose stools, diarrhea, or poor digestion should avoid consuming black turtle beans. The high protein content can be difficult for elderly individuals and children with weak digestive systems to fully digest, leading to bloating and abdominal pain.
Dr. Huynh Tan Vu
The Department of Traditional Medicine and Pharmacy, University Medical Center, Ho Chi Minh City
