Legumes are a wide vegetable family, encompassing all sorts of delicious and nutritious goodies. As a matter of fact, there are over 16,000 different types of legumes grown around the world encompassing all sorts of different shapes, sizes, and textures. You can try varieties of legumes at your local Agoura Hills SoLé Soup Studio in our Jalapeño Chicken Corn Chowder or our delightful Vegetarian Garbanzo Puree.

What Are Some Legumes I Know And Love?

Chances are, you already have favorite legumes whether you know it or not. Legumes refer to any plant with pods containing edible seeds – chickpeas, black beans, soybeans, lentils, peas, and even peanuts are all part of the family. They’re common in both western and eastern cuisines, and they’re typically full of fiber to allow them to really bulk up soups and stews in a satisfying and healthy way.

The Health Benefits Of Legumes

The specific nutritional value of legumes will depend on the type. Black beans and peanuts, while both nutritious, will differ somewhat despite coming from the same family. In general, however, while you’re eating your favorite soups in Agoura Hills the legumes in that soup will provide fiber, iron, protein, and an array of different vitamins and minerals. The fiber and protein in legumes are what give them that excellent ability to help you to feel full and satisfied for longer, making a legume rich soup an excellent choice for a filling lunch or dinner.

While starchy, legumes are what are known as resistant starch. Resistant starches help to keep blood sugar levels low and steady, making them an excellent option for those who watch their blood sugar throughout the day. In addition to resistant starch, they’re also as high in calcium as a glass of whole milk. Eating vegetables from the legume family can help to guard against diabetes, lower cholesterol, control weight, and protect the body against heart disease. They’re a satisfying way to take care of your body!

When added to homemade soups, legumes are a simple, tasty, and beneficial way to put some worthwhile bulk in your lunch. They’re easily digestible, so you can get that comfortably full feeling without verging into overstuffed territory. At our SoLé Soup Studio we always have some sort of delicious legume-friendly soup ready for you to try, whether it’s peas, black beans, garbanzo beans, or more!