Can black beans really support stronger hair and brighter skin?

In South Korea, black beans are considered an elixir of health and beauty; a beauty secret for achieving healthy, strong hair and toned and radiant skin. If you take a closer look at the skincare and haircare products on your shelf, you may just find that black beans are the star ingredient.

But what exactly are they? And why are they so good for your skin and hair? Read our full guide below.

What are black beans?

Black beans are a legume native to South and Central America, where they were already cultivated and consumed by the pre-Columbians, the Mayans and Aztecs.

The world’s largest producer of this legume is Brazil, where “feijão preto” is an integral part of the national culinary tradition and the daily diet of many in the population. Nutritious and inexpensive and higher in protein and fibre than other bean varieties, this food is full to the brim with nutrients that help maintain strong hair and radiant skin.

Black beans are not only a staple food in Korean, Caribbean and Latin American cuisines; they’re a super-legume with a rich and complex nutritional profile. They contain minerals such as iron, magnesium and calcium, as well as B vitamins, folic acid (essential during pregnancy), powerful antioxidants like anthocyanins, amino acids valuable for athletes and protein needed to strengthen muscles : a priority today, even for women.

They’re also a versatile, inexpensive and tasty food that will help you hit your protein goals, especially if you’re a vegetarian or trying to reduce meat consumption. Here’s how they stack up nutritionally:

Nutritional values of 170g black beans (cooked)

Calories: 227
Protein: 15 grams
Fats: 1 gram
Carbohydrates: 41 grams
Fibre: 15 grams
Folic acid: 64% of the recommended daily value (DV)
Copper: 40% of the DV
Manganese: 33% of the DV
Magnesium: 29% of the DV
Iron: 20% of the DV
Phosphorus: 19% of the DV
Potassium: 13% of the DV
Vitamin B6: 7% of the DV
Calcium: 2% of the DV
Selenium: 2% of the DV

What black beans can do for your hair

These magic beans help strengthen hair. The combination of minerals such as iron and zinc, vitamins such as biotin and folic acid (vitamin B9) and amino acids and antioxidants makes them highly beneficial for health, vitality and healthy hair growth.

• Chock-full of antioxidants such as polyphenols and flavonoids, they fight free radicals and help maintain supple, toned skin.
• They are rich in anthocyanins: antioxidants that help prevent degenerative diseases.
• Due to their high fibre content, they promote proper digestion and intestinal transit. Rich in prebiotic fibre, they are also beneficial for the gut microbiome.
• They help lower “bad” LDL cholesterol.
• They help stabilise blood sugar levels.
• Rich in protein and fibre, they give a sense of satiety, keeping you full for longer.