If you're fighting constant fatigue, it's likely that you'll grab a shot of caffeine or an energy beverage. But that isn't necessarily a smart move. There are much, much, much better ways to naturally boost your energy. Most folks don't know - or won't believe - that beans are superb energy boosters. Because they naturally contain vitamins and minerals that fight off fatigue-causing toxins, organic fatigue remedies like these are much healthier than caffeine, chocolate, and other stimulants.



The Health Benefits Of Beans

Ordinary old beans, the take-them-for-granted beans, are one of the best sources of fiber or roughage in the human diet. Even though the headlines trumpet the need for fiber, few of us get enough roughage. Fiber is a great health protector and the more high-fiber foods we eat, the less our chances of contracting diabetes, heart disease and cancer, among others. And if you want to lose weight naturally, think fiber - just be sure to get lots of water along with it. A cup of almost any bean produces 11-17 grams of roughage. Further, a cup of cooked beans every day can reduce your total cholesterol by a stunning 10% in a mere six weeks.

In addition, beans are the ultimate low-glycemic food, since their advanced roughage content signifies they raise blood sugar very, very slowly which is a beans are a definite plus when seeking easy ways to lose weight.

Another one of the great benefits of beans is that they are bursting with antioxidants and are a wholesome source of protein: approximately 15 grams per cup. In a recession, this is great news because beans are far cheaper than expensive meat, for those who are worried about getting enough protein.

Here are three especially good beans, beans that are champions at fighting fatigue.

GREEN PEAS

These tiny peas are really legumes, rather than beans. Even though most of us think of the common green pea that is sold in every grocery store in the country - most commonly in the frozen section - there are a surprising 1,000 different kinds of garden peas, a crop which originated in Asia.

Another familiar form is the dried 'split' pea which is often used in winter soups. Dried peas don't retain their shape like fresh and frozen green peas do, and they taste a bit more earthy than the sweeter fresh ones. They are also used in purees and dishes that require a bit of thickening.

Peas are contain more sugar than the other legumes, but that's counterbalanced by the 22 grams of fiber in only one cup of peas.

LENTILS

Lentils are slim, disk-shaped brown, red or green legumes which produce on an annual bushlike plant and lentils are native to Asia. These dynamic legumes are dried as soon as they ripen. There are at least 50 different kinds, and are different from beans because they don't contain sulfur so we humans have no difficulties with gas.

Like their cousins, the peas, they are a superior source of roughage, which helps lower cholesterol and moderate blood sugar. They contain about 16 grams of fiber in a cup and thus are good choices for anyone wanting to lose weight naturally because a huge percentage of the calories in the lentils won't go straight to our hips because of the roughage.

In addition, one small cup of lentils contains a substantial amount of protein—about 18 grams

An important difference from beans: lentils need no presoaking and can be eaten in 20-30 minutes.

GARBANZO BEANS or CHICK PEAS

The taste of garbanzos, or chickpeas, has been described as both 'nutty' and 'buttery'. They are common in recipes from the middle east, like hummus. And their health benefits are substantial:

* Like all beans and lentils, they are high in fiber. Roughage reduces blood cholesterol levels and reduce the amount of sugar in the blood, a factor which is critical both for diabetics and for individuals with impending blood sugar problems (metabolic syndrome). Sugar levels can't rise as quickly after a garbanzo meal.

* They have as much protein as two ounces of meat and that protein is fat free.

* Chickpeas provide both magnesium & calcium in a 1:1 ratio. This is important because osteoporosis-preventing calcium can't be absorbed without magnesium.

* Garbanzos contain an important amount of folate.

* They offer a huge amount of heart-healthy potassium (477 grams per cup!).

* These phenomenal beans also contain the powerful antioxidant selenium.

With these facts in hand, it's easy to see why constant fatigue - or even occasional fatigue - is best counteracted with substances like beans. Yes, it's true that you won't get the instant shot of energy that comes from guzzling down five Red Bulls. This kind of energy is slower to arise, and more subtle. However, it is enduring, lasting, healthy and it won't stress your important adrenal gland the way energy drinks and potions do. Wisdom suggests building your body, rather than tearing it down with large quantities of stimulants.