Short Answer:
No, Black Beans are not Paleo!
Black Beans Overview
Black beans are small beans which have black shiny color and have velvety texture and earthy flavor. It is also known as black turtle beans as its outer characteristics are similar to the shell of the turtle. They are one of the most common varieties of beans and have been popular in Latin American and vegetarian cuisine. Black beans are normally used for soups because its strong flavor comes out when cooked in water.
Black beans are high in carbohydrates, fiber and protein. Black beans are also good source of copper, manganese, vitamin B1, phosphorus, magnesium and iron.
Reasons to Dump Black Beans
There are a couple of reasons why black beans are not Paleo and should be avoided:
- Black beans are legumes and therefore they are not Paleo. While it can offer significant nutritional value, we discussed on our last article that beans have high phytate contents that block the absorption of minerals making them less bio available. (It doesn’t matter if black beans have high nutritional profile because the phytates make them useless anyway!)
Although soaking, cooking or fermenting beans can lessen the phytates in black beans, it doesn’t entirely eliminate them.
- Lectins too are present in black beans which cannot be easily digested and can cause trouble in the intestinal lining such as inflammation, leaky gut syndrome and imbalance of gut bacteria.
- Aside from the anti-nutrients, black beans are FODMAPs too and they can cause digestive problems.
- Black beans are also known to be high in carbohydrates. This is not good for people who are trying to lose weight and those who have conditions such as type 2 diabetes as they can spike blood sugar level.
- Phytohenagglutinin are compounds present in black beans which can be toxic in high amounts
To Wrap It Up…
Black beans may not be as bad as other foods not allowed in the Paleo diet because they have outstanding fiber and protein. But there are always other good food choices around that are more nutrient-dense and will not wreak havoc to the body.
What Experts Say About Black Beans… Is It Paleo?
“Kidney beans and all other varieties of beans (black beans, kidney beans, pinto beans, string beans, navy beans etc.) within the Phaseolus vulgaris species contain a lectin called phytohemagglutinin (PHA). The more PHA we ingest, the more ill we become. This is why raw beans are so toxic – they contain much higher concentrations of PHA than cooked beans”. – Dr. Loren Cordain
All you ever wanted to know about black beans and Paleo
The Paleo Diet. Beans and Legumes: Are They Paleo?
http://thepaleodiet.com/beans-and-legumes-are-they-paleo/
Mark’s Daily Apple. Dear Mark: Beans/Legumes
http://www.marksdailyapple.com/beans-legumes-carbs/#axzz3fBDZkkiW
Chris Kresser. Are Legumes “Paleo”? And Does It Really Matter?
http://chriskresser.com/are-legumes-paleo/
Ultimate Paleo Guide. What The Hell Is A Legume?
http://ultimatepaleoguide.com/what-are-legumes-paleo/
Paleo Leap. What’s Wrong with Beans and legumes?
http://paleoleap.com/beans-and-legumes/
Paleo Living Magazine. 10 Reasons to Avoid Eating Legumes
http://paleomagazine.com/paleo-why-legumes-are-bad
J.D Moyer. To Bean Or Not To Bean, That Is The Question (Legumes, Lectins, and Human Health)
http://jdmoyer.com/2011/02/15/to-bean-or-not-to-bean-that-is-the-question-legumes-lectins-and-human-health/
Paleo Porn. Are Black Beans Paleo?
http://paleoporn.net/q/are-black-beans-paleo/
Cupcakes to Crossfit. Are Beans Really Good For Your Heart?
http://www.cupcakestocrossfit.com/health-and-fitness/are-beans-really-good-for-your-heart/
Wellness Mama. Spill the Beans: Are They Healthy Or Not?
http://wellnessmama.com/2029/are-beans-healthy/
Other Names of Black Beans
Black turtle bean
Did we miss anything?
Comment below and let us know what you think. Do you agree with our conclusion?
photo credit: Black Beans