Refried
beans are
prepared with either black or pinto beans. The raw beans
are soaked overnight and then stewed. The remaining
liquid is drained off and the beans are converted into a
paste using a bean masher or the back of a spoon or a
fork. The bean paste is then fried with lard or
vegetable oil. Onions, garlic, spices may be used to
enhance the taste. The refried beans on Candida
diet are served as a side dish accompanying a larger
meal, or rolled in a tortilla, enchiladas, burritos,
tostadas, chimichangas, nachos, etc. They are also very
popular as dip for corn tortilla
chips.
Refried
Beans have a high carbohydrate
count (39 g per cup) but much lower
digestible carbohydrate content. They contain several vitamins
and minerals.
They are a good source of dietary
fiber (13 g per cup). Due to their high soluble
fiber content (fiber like gums, beta glucans,
pectin), the
beans are digested
very slowly, are thus low on the glycemic
index, and help maintain stable blood
glucose levels. A single cup of refried
beans on Candida diet provides nearly 60% of the
recommended intake for fiber. They are also a good
source of proteins, with an amino acid score of 104, as
well as vitamin C. The refried beans are also an
excellent and cheap source of energy and the B
vitamins thiamin, riboflavin and niacin, which are
necessary for growth and tissue building. They are high in
iron, calcium, phosphorous and potassium, essential
minerals for good health.
Refried
beans, however, have a tendency to produce gas in some
people. In a person with Candidiasis, this could cause
bloating, belching and a lot of discomfort. When on a
Candida diet, if the refried beans do not
agree with you, it is best to avoid them and then try
again after a month or so. Even if you do not have any
problems with refried beans, it is best to restrict
yourself to a small bowl. Do not use cheese for
topping/garnishing. Tomatoes, onions, lettuce, cabbage
may be used and is ideal for Candida diet. Good fats
like olive oil, lard, sesame oil may be used to saut?
them. Addition of ginger will aid in digestion and
garlic may be added too for its antifungal properties.
It is best to avoid canned refried beans as they may
contain added sugar or
preservatives.
Though there are some general guidelines for a Candida diet, foods may be added or deleted as per individual tolerance with the exception of sugars, fermented products, alcohol, and bad fats that should be totally avoided. These dietary changes along with other lifestyle changes, stress management, probiotics, exercises, maintaining mental health will all help in the holistic healing of Candida and not just the symptoms.
