What are the functions, benefits, and禁忌 (contraindications) of red beans?

Generally speaking, the functions and benefits of red beans mainly include nourishing the blood, promoting diuresis and reducing edema, strengthening the spleen and improving digestion, regulating blood sugar levels, and aiding weight loss. The potential side effects include increased kidney burden, heatiness (excess internal heat), worsening of frequent urination, bloating, and diarrhea. A detailed explanation is as follows:

I. Functions and Benefits

1. Nourish and replenish blood: Red beans are rich in iron, an essential component of red blood cells, which helps promote blood circulation, increase physical strength, and are suitable for individuals with iron-deficiency anemia.

2. Promote diuresis and reduce swelling: The saponin content in red beans can stimulate kidney excretion, helping the body eliminate excess water and toxins, thus providing auxiliary relief for edema caused by heart disease or kidney disease.

3. Strengthen the spleen and improve digestion: Red beans can enhance the digestive functions of the spleen and stomach, improve symptoms such as poor appetite and indigestion caused by spleen and stomach weakness, and help the body better absorb and utilize nutrients.

4. Regulate blood sugar: The trypsin inhibitor in red beans helps lower blood sugar levels and can provide auxiliary treatment benefits for diabetic patients.

5. Aid weight loss: Red beans are rich in dietary fiber and plant-based protein, while being low in fat and calories. They can increase satiety in the stomach, reduce food intake, and thus help achieve weight loss.

II. Side Effects

1. Increased kidney burden: Red beans contain abundant protein and purines. Excessive consumption may lead to excessive plant protein intake that is difficult to digest, resulting in excess nitrogenous waste, which can increase the burden on the kidneys.

2. Heatiness (excess internal heat): Although red beans are slightly cooling in nature, overconsumption or improper food pairing may cause symptoms of heatiness, such as sore throat and constipation. Therefore, red beans should be consumed in moderation, and attention should be paid to food pairing.

3. Worsening of frequent urination: Due to their diuretic effect, excessive consumption of red beans may exacerbate symptoms of frequent urination. Individuals who already suffer from frequent urination should reduce their intake of red beans accordingly.

4. Bloating: Red beans are high in dietary fiber, and excessive consumption may cause abdominal bloating or gas buildup. Therefore, red beans should be consumed in moderation and not combined with other gas-producing foods.

5. Diarrhea: Certain components in red beans may irritate the gastrointestinal tract in some individuals, leading to diarrhea. Those with sensitive digestive systems should consume red beans cautiously.

In daily life, patients are advised to maintain healthy lifestyle habits and avoid staying up late, which helps improve immunity.