This is probably going to sound quite ironic, possibly even hypocritical coming from an “adult” but frankly I really dislike eating legumes/beans and lentils/peas. I love nuts, all sorts of nuts but when it comes to beans and peas it really doesn’t matter what shape of size it comes in- from French beans to the little red beans (Azuki), from the snow peas to the cowpeas, unless they are somehow exceptionally prepared, I usually find them not my cup of tea.
The only pea I can think of that I do love is the green pea when it’s been flavoured with wasabi but I suppose that’s cheating…
However if you are anything like me, then you’re just not a natural willing consumer (eating wise) of lentils and legumes. But that doesn’t mean you are opposed to ‘consuming’ (use) them in other fashions, especially through topical application.
I for one do not deny the wholesome goodness these ‘tasty’ foods but it’s just not my thing. Don’t get me wrong, I’d still eat it if it were served to me and I would make every child at the table finish their serving of it but frankly you wouldn’t find me stocking my fridge with it.
I will however use them for other health and wellness purposes, namely in my war against skin problems. Of course eating the lentils and legumes reaps the most benefits but topical application of these also works wonders. Here are some examples:
Chickpea
- Culinary use: Staple in Indian, Mediterranean, Middles Eastern dishes.
- Nutrition value: Rich in Dietary Fiber, Protein ,Copper, Folate and Manganese.
- Topical benefit: Used as a facial mask or scrub, this little yellow peas (grounded) are excellent for problem skin. It is gentle, cleansing, and it soothes red and irritated skin.
Red Bean/Azuki Bean
- Culinary use: The Chinese makes delicious sweets and desserts with it
- Nutrition value: Rich in potassium and dietary fibre.
- Topical benefit: An ancient secret among the women of flawless skin in South East Asia, Azuki bean powder and grains have been used as to exfoliate the skin – buffing away dulling surface flakes, unclogging pores and smoothing the skin’s texture.
Green Bean/Mung Bean
- Culinary use: Famously used in Chinese Cuisine as well as Filipino Cuisine. Bean sprouts are from Mung Beans!
- Nutrition value: Plenty -Llow in Saturated Fat , Sodium, very low in Cholesterol. Great source of Protein, Thiamin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Pantothenic Acid, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Dietary Fiber, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Riboflavin, Folate, Copper and Manganese. (so much goodness in a bean!)
- Topical benefit: A scrub made of powered mung beans could very well be the answer to removing/lightening acne scarring and hyperpigmentation. Obviously as this is a natural solution, you need to give it time and be dedicated to its application to see results.
