Legumes vs Beans
Beans, peas and lentils are all important part of our diet and belong to a family of green vegetables that are commonly referred to as legumes. To keep fit and healthy, legumes are vitally important to be a regular part of our diet. Legumes are a rich source of carbohydrates, proteins, fibers and minerals such as potassium and magnesium. What is great is that legumes are low on fat and they are very inexpensive. Many people may think beans and legumes as same thing, but there are many differences between beans and legumes that will be highlighted in this article.
Both beans and legumes are cheap, found all over the world, and common food material for people in various cultures. It is not just fiber, calcium and iron, both beans and legumes are high in proteins also. They make for a delicious meal and fulfill our requirements of nearly all the amino acids required by us.
Scientists classify plants in the family febaceae as legumes. Sometimes, fruits of plants of this variety are also referred to as legumes. Some very common and popular legumes are clover, peas, beans, soy, peanuts etc. Beans are actually seeds of plants of the family febaceae that are edible, and consumed by both humans and animals. Though beans are mostly seeds of bean plants, it can also refer to young pods of bean plants and can be eaten tender as raw.
Legumes are also known for their ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen in the soil. Because of this ability, farmers prefer legumes over other types of plants as they are less dependent upon fertilizers.
What is the difference between Legumes and Beans?
• Beans belong to legume family of plants.
• All beans are legumes, but not the other way.
• Peas and peanuts are also legumes.
• A legume is the overall category name of a particular type of plants, while beans, lentils and peas are sub categories of legumes.