If you’ve never heard about the healing properties of beans, this article is for you — you might be surprised by how beneficial this humble food really is.
Beans, which originated in Central and South America, are annual herbaceous plants that belong to the legume family. Over the centuries, they have spread across the world and become an important part of many diets. Yet, beans are not just a simple food; they are also a natural remedy with remarkable healing and cosmetic qualities.
Interestingly, in ancient Rome, beans were not primarily used as food. Instead, they were valued in the world of cosmetics. Historical sources suggest that Queen Cleopatra — renowned for her legendary beauty — used facial masks made with ground beans to maintain her smooth and radiant skin. This natural ingredient was one of her beauty secrets.
Today, let’s take a closer look at beans not just as a meal, but as a unique product that supports health, beauty, and overall well-being.
Beans for Health and Healing
Beans are widely used in traditional medicine, particularly for treating kidney and bladder diseases, as well as urinary tract disorders. They are also recommended for people who suffer from kidney stones. Thanks to their cleansing and diuretic effects, beans help the body remove excess fluids and toxins naturally.
Moreover, beans are beneficial for individuals with chronic rheumatic arthritis and gout. Bean pods contain arginine, an amino acid that has an insulin-like effect on metabolism. This means that it can help lower blood sugar levels, making beans an excellent food for people with mild forms of diabetes.
A particularly useful natural remedy is bean pod broth. To prepare it, pour 1 liter of water over 100 grams of bean pods and boil until about half of the liquid remains. The resulting broth should be consumed throughout the day in small portions. However, this method should only be used for mild diabetes cases, particularly among elderly individuals, and always under medical supervision.
Supporting Heart, Muscles, and Digestion
Bean dishes — especially in the form of puree — are recommended for people suffering from atherosclerosis, heart rhythm disorders, and gastritis. Beans contain valuable plant-based proteins, fiber, and complex carbohydrates that promote heart health and improve digestion.
They also have a mild cleansing and diuretic effect. Green bean pods, in particular, enhance kidney function and help the body eliminate waste. White beans are especially beneficial because they are slowly digested, forming a thick, soft mass that soothes the stomach, lungs, and even mammary glands.
Beans are also known for their dietary properties. They are low in fat and cholesterol-free, making them suitable for those managing weight or following a therapeutic diet. Because beans contain plenty of fiber and plant protein, they create a feeling of fullness that helps regulate appetite. That’s why beans are often recommended for people with diseases of the digestive system, liver, kidneys, or bladder, as well as for those dealing with heart failure.
In addition, beans have a calming effect on the nervous system. Their balanced composition of B vitamins, magnesium, and essential amino acids helps reduce stress and supports mental clarity. A diet that includes beans regularly can therefore contribute to emotional stability and better sleep.
Beans and Beauty
Beyond their internal health benefits, beans are also widely used in cosmetics. As mentioned earlier, Cleopatra herself is said to have relied on bean-based beauty masks. You can make a simple and effective homemade mask by mashing cooked beans and mixing them with a bit of olive oil and lemon juice. Apply the mixture to your face and leave it for 15–20 minutes before rinsing. This nourishing mask deeply hydrates the skin, smooths fine lines, and improves elasticity, leaving the skin soft and rejuvenated.
The nutrients found in beans — such as zinc, iron, and folic acid — also support the growth of healthy hair and nails. Regular consumption of beans can make your hair shinier, your nails stronger, and your skin clearer. Thanks to their natural antioxidant properties, beans protect the body from harmful free radicals, which accelerate the aging process.
Beans and Oral Health
It may come as a surprise, but beans are also considered beneficial for dental health. Regular consumption of beans helps prevent the formation of plaque and tartar on the teeth. This is due to their antibacterial compounds, which naturally reduce the growth of harmful bacteria in the mouth. Including beans in your regular diet can therefore contribute to a healthier, brighter smile.
A Versatile and Affordable Superfood
Beans are not only nutritious but also extremely versatile and easy to prepare. They can be boiled, stewed, baked, or mashed. Whether added to soups, salads, or main dishes, beans enrich meals with protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals — all without adding excess fat or calories.
Their affordability makes them accessible to everyone. Unlike many expensive health supplements or superfoods, beans can provide similar — and often better — results at a fraction of the cost. They are truly one of nature’s most generous gifts to humankind.
A Note from Vau.ge
Vau.ge is a space dedicated to sharing valuable advice on health, natural remedies, self-care, and everyday life. Our mission is to offer you reliable information about natural ingredients and recipes that help improve your well-being, enhance your beauty, and make your daily routines simpler and more enjoyable.
Most importantly, everything we recommend can be done easily at home. You can take pleasure in the process, care for yourself naturally, and even save a significant amount of money by avoiding unnecessary expensive treatments or products.
Many of the tips and recipes you discover on our website can become part of your daily life. You can share your experiences with friends and family, helping others simplify their routines and live more healthfully. At Vau.ge, we aim to show that you don’t need costly procedures to stay healthy, beautiful, and confident. With just a few simple ingredients — often found in your kitchen or garden — you can achieve wonderful results.
All the remedies and recipes published on Vau.ge are safe and natural. However, before using any treatment, especially for medical purposes, it’s always advisable to consult a doctor or healthcare professional.
We invite you to join our Folk Medicine public group, where you’ll find more tips on maintaining your health and beauty through natural and traditional methods. Together, we can make natural living a joyful and rewarding part of everyday life.
