Ancient wisdom often likens “A handful of black beans is as good as a tonic” because this familiar seed, priced at just a few dozen thousand VND per kilogram, can treat many ailments.
According to general practitioner Bùi Đắc Sáng (Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Hanoi Traditional Medicine Association), black beans are considered a precious medicinal ingredient in Traditional Chinese Medicine, with a sweet taste and cool properties. Black beans can be used to treat various conditions including liver deficiency, skin boils, nourish the kidney yin, support liver health, clear heat, detoxify, and promote urination.
Dr. Phan Bích Nga, Director of the Children’s Nutritional Consultation Center (National Institute of Nutrition), notes that black bean water is a nutritious drink but should be consumed with certain precautions.
Firstly, this beverage should not replace daily drinking water, as it can affect the absorption of nutrients in the body. Especially for young children during hot days, substituting water with black bean water can lead to poor nutrient absorption, resulting in stunted growth and malnutrition.
Additionally, black beans belong to a group of foods high in phytate, which hinders the absorption of minerals like iron, zinc, copper, and phosphorus. Poor absorption of these micronutrients can lead to anemia and osteoporosis. High levels of phytate can inhibit some digestive enzymes.
Black bean water should not replace daily drinking water.
In Traditional Medicine, practitioner Bùi Hồng Minh, Vice President of the Ba Đình Traditional Medicine Association, states that black beans in Traditional Medicine are a sweet-tasting herb with neutral properties, effective for nourishing the kidney yin, supporting liver function, clearing heat, detoxifying, and promoting urination.
In folk medicine, black beans are used to treat symptoms of wind-heat headaches, high fever, and aversion to wind due to weak kidney and liver functions, such as lower back pain, knee weakness, urinary retention, skin boils, and itching. Black beans are also used to prepare water infused with various other medicinal herbs.
Adults and children who frequently suffer from constipation can benefit from black bean water, which supports liver and kidney health. Those with high blood pressure and body weakness will also find black beans beneficial. Additionally, individuals experiencing internal heat can use black beans to cool down.
“During hot summer days, consuming black bean water can be a great way to cool down. After being out in the sun and sweating, drinking black bean water can help reduce body heat and alleviate sun fatigue. Black beans are benign; however, they should not be overused, especially as a substitute for water,” says practitioner Bùi Hồng Minh.
“Children who frequently suffer from bedwetting due to cold bladder should not be given black bean water. Excessive consumption may lead to increased urination. Children with loose stools and poor digestion should absolutely avoid black bean water,” advises practitioner Bùi Hồng Minh.
For optimal health, experts recommend using black bean water as a refreshing beverage. For healthy individuals without the aforementioned conditions, one cup a day is sufficient. Those with digestive issues should limit their intake to 1-2 cups per week. Children under one year old should not consume black bean water, while those over one year can use it in moderation.
One additional step to take before using black beans
Despite the numerous health benefits of black bean water, it should not be overused as a substitute for plain water, as it may cause stomach discomfort and diarrhea. General practitioner Bùi Đắc Sáng advises that when preparing black beans, attention should be paid to one important step: roasting the black beans before cooking to reduce their cool properties. After rinsing the beans, let them drain, then place them in a pan and roast until fragrant before turning off the heat. Then, add the roasted black beans to a pot to make the water.
Precautions when consuming black bean water
Do not consume when experiencing a cold
Do not consume black bean water when having a cold.
Black bean water is a cool beverage; excessive consumption can lead to stomach coldness and diarrhea. Particularly, those with colds should avoid black bean water as it may exacerbate their condition. To reduce the coolness of this food product, it is advisable to roast the black beans before preparation.
Do not consume if you have kidney problems
Since black bean water has diuretic properties, individuals with weak kidneys or kidney diseases may experience overload, worsening their issues.
Do not consume if digestion is poor
According to Traditional Medicine, black beans have cool properties and should not be used in cases of cold deficiency or digestive problems. It is best to consume black bean water after recovering from illness to help boost collagen production, aid weight loss, improve skin tone, and enhance overall health.
Moreover, individuals with cold extremities or aversion to cold should also avoid consumption. Drinking black bean water in these cases can worsen conditions and make them harder to treat.
Do not replace plain water with black bean water
Replacing plain water with black bean water can impact the body’s absorption of nutrients. Therefore, those who use black bean water instead of plain water may feel constantly fatigued and lethargic. It is best to alternate consumption, about 2-3 times a week. When preparing black bean water, use a moderate amount; approximately 20-40 grams of black beans is ideal for making the drink.
Using black bean water to take medication can reduce the effects of the medication.
Do not use black bean water to take medication
Experts note that black bean water can hinder the absorption of certain nutrients. Using black bean water to take medication may diminish the medication’s effectiveness. In some cases, it could even cause harmful drug reactions.
Do not consume along with iron, zinc, or calcium
Like other beans, black beans contain high levels of phytate, which can reduce the absorption of important minerals like iron, zinc, and calcium. Therefore, individuals who need to supplement iron, zinc, or calcium should avoid using black bean water concurrently. Experts advise against consuming foods high in iron, zinc, or calcium together with black beans to prevent decreased absorption in the body.
Specifically, avoid combining black beans with spinach, milk, or ginseng… as these are foods that are incompatible with each other.
