Why Onions Make Us Cry...and Other Kitchen Mysteries Solved - Page 7
Gourmandize.com uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience and to deliver advertising messages that are tailored to your interests. By continuing to browse the site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. To manage your cookies on this site, click here. OK
Menu Enter a recipe name, ingredient, keyword...

Why Onions Make Us Cry...and Other Food Mysteries Solved

By,
Gourmandize

© GettyImages / robynmac

Why do beans cause flatulence?

Beans are one of the best sources of plant-based protein, and yet many people avoid them because they're worried about experiencing bloating, gas and abdominal discomfort. The reason for these undesirable side effects is that beans contain a high amount of raffinose, a type of complex sugar that our bodies have a hard time digesting. They're also rich in soluble fiber, which is very good for health, but it gets fermented by our gut bacteria and may cause a build-up of gas and stomach pains.

To prevent or reduce gas caused by beans, always soak and cook your beans ahead of time (if consuming dried), drink plenty of water to flush out your body, and if necessary, take an over-the-counter digestive enzyme like alpha-galactosidase, which helps ease the digestion of raffinose-rich foods like beans and other legumes.


More steaming articles



Chef Tips and Tricks

8 Mistakes That Everybody Makes With Pasta

Do you put the pasta in without waiting for the water to boil? Add oil? Forget the salt?