People Who Should Limit Black Beans, Green Beans, and Soybeans

Beans are not only highly nutritious but also serve as natural remedies for certain health conditions. However, some individuals should limit their intake of black beans, green beans, and soybeans due to potential health concerns.

Who Should Avoid Black Beans?

According to Dr. Huỳnh Tấn Vũ, a specialist in traditional medicine at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ho Chi Minh City, black beans are beneficial but should not be consumed excessively. They are best used as a refreshing drink, no more than 2–3 times per week, with 100–250ml per serving.

People Who Should Be Cautious with Black Beans:

🔹 People with kidney disease: Black bean water has a diuretic effect, which may burden the kidneys.

🔹 People taking mineral supplements: Black beans contain phytates, which interfere with the body's absorption of iron, zinc, copper, and phosphorus. Avoid consuming black bean water with mineral-rich supplements or foods, as this can lead to anemia or osteoporosis. It's best to wait at least four hours between consuming black beans and mineral-rich foods or supplements.

🔹 People with colitis, loose stools, diarrhea, or weak digestion: If consumed, black beans should be roasted first and used in small amounts.

🔹 Young children and the elderly: The high protein content in black beans can be difficult to digest for children, elderly individuals, or those with weak digestion, leading to bloating and stomach discomfort.

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Who Should Avoid Green Beans?

According to Dr. Dương Ngọc Vân from Medlatec General Hospital, while green beans are a staple in many diets and offer numerous health benefits, some individuals should avoid them.

People Who Should Be Cautious with Green Beans:

🔹 People with diarrhea: Green beans can worsen diarrhea by increasing intestinal activity.

🔹 People with an empty stomach: Eating green beans on an empty stomach can irritate the stomach lining.

🔹 People allergic to green beans: Those with bean allergies should avoid them entirely.

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Who Should Avoid Soybeans?

According to Dr. Nguyễn Xuân Tuấn, a specialist in oncology, excessive soy consumption can have negative health effects for certain individuals.

People Who Should Be Cautious with Soybeans:

🔹 People with weak digestion: Soy milk has a cooling effect, making it difficult to digest for people who experience bloating, acid reflux, or poor digestion. Individuals with gastritis should also limit soy products to avoid excess stomach acid production and bloating.

🔹 People with gout: Gout is caused by a purine metabolism disorder, and soybeans are rich in purines. After processing, purine levels in soy milk can be even higher than in other soy products. While people with gout do not need to completely avoid soy, they should control their intake.

🔹 People with kidney disease: Those with chronic kidney disease require a low-protein diet. Soy and its products are high in protein, which can strain the kidneys.

🔹 People recovering from surgery or with weak immunity: After surgery or illness, digestion and immune function may be compromised. Consuming cold soy milk may cause nausea, diarrhea, or other digestive issues. Instead, yogurt is recommended during recovery to promote digestion and gut health.

🔹 Elderly individuals: Aging kidneys may struggle to process excess plant-based protein from soy products, which can increase kidney workload and potentially lead to kidney failure. While healthy elderly individuals can still consume soy in moderation, excessive intake is not recommended.

🔹 People with thyroid disorders: Soy does not affect healthy thyroid function, but in individuals with hypothyroidism, soy products can interfere with thyroid medication absorption. To avoid this, wait at least four hours after consuming soy products before taking thyroid medication.

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Conclusion

While black beans, green beans, and soybeans are nutritious and beneficial, certain individuals should limit or carefully monitor their intake to avoid negative health effects. If unsure, always consult a doctor or nutritionist for personalized advice.