Bean consumption tends to decrease in Brazil – and this can lead to obesity!

Beans are one of the most valued grains in the Brazilian diet. It is consumed in different ways, mainly with white rice.

However, according to a survey carried out by the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), the trend is that food consumption will be less and less in Brazil in the coming years. And this is, even indirectly, linked to an increase in cases of obesity in the country.

The UFMG study indicates that most Brazilian adults will consume beans irregularly – on average just once every four days a week – by 2025.

When scientists filtered the data by gender, they realized that women have already consumed food less than five times a week since 2022; while, for men, the prediction is that this will occur from 2029.

But what does beans have to do with obesity?

Irregular or reduced consumption of beans can have direct impacts on the health of Brazilians, especially on weight gain. According to researchers from UFMG, a diet low in grain promotes 10% more chances of developing excess weight and 20% of becoming obese.

On the other hand, those who consume beans regularly – five to seven times a week, or that is, almost every day – they are 14% less likely to deal with being overweight and 15% less likely to be obese.

The association between bean consumption and obesity is related to food choices. When putting the grain on the plate, the tendency is to also put other healthy foods, such as rice, vegetables, salad and meat. In this way, the meal is nutritionally more balanced.

However, when beans are left out, inappropriate food choices are often made. The trend is a high amount of calories, which can lead to weight gain in the adult population.

There are many benefits

You can't leave the beans aside. After all, he is an excellent source of vegetable protein, fiber, B vitamins, iron, calcium, potassium, phosphorus and zinc.

There are at least seven types of beans, and most are low in fat. Also, they are similar to meat in nutrients, but with lower iron levels and unsaturated fats.

In addition, beans have antioxidants that help prevent damaging cells and fight disease, being important for tissue regeneration and muscle formation. And, of course, the fibers present in the grain have benefits for the digestive system.

Beans are a food of great importance in the Brazilian diet, being rich in nutrients and bringing many health benefits. It is important to remember that its regular consumption can help to avoid weight gain and obesity, but also keeps your diet healthy and balanced.

Graduated in Social Communication at the Federal University of Goiás. Passionate about digital media, pop culture, technology, politics and psychoanalysis.