Most salty snacks today are primarily made from corn such as corn chips, tortillas chips, cheese puffs, etc. But are these snacks the best choice for the individual looking to live a healthy, active and fit lifestyle? This article will present the reason why the most innovative and responsible companies are moving away from using corn in their snack recipes, and using legumes such as beans instead, to replace it.

The Power of Navy beans

There is a popularity of using chickpea as a base for snacks instead of corn. However, more innovative companies are using other nutrition-packed beans to provide healthier and more nutritious alternatives. One of these alternative legumes is Navy Beans. Navy Beans got their name after its wide use in the US Navy in the early 20^th century. These are the same beans used in baked beans. They are white in color and small, but they pack a lot of nutrition. Navy beans are typically consumed in salads, as a side dish or as an ingredient for many recipes. However, these and other beans are now also being used in innovative snacks, such as tortilla chips and puffs, instead of corn. The reason is simple. Beans provide much better nutrition than corn and they are better for the environment. In particular, navy beans are especially beneficial for active individuals looking to stay fit. Here are 4 Reasons to Consume Snacks made with Beans for a healthier and fit lifestyle

• Protein: Navy beans are a good source of plant-based protein proving 15g of protein per 1cup of cooked beans while the same amount of cooked corn provides only 6.1g of protein. When Navy beans are combined with Rice, they provide a high-quality complete protein necessary to build and repair muscle after exercise
• Low Glycemic Carbohydrate: Navy Beans are low glycemic (GI 31) and therefore do not raise insulin and provide a slow, steady source of energy. Contrary, corn is high glycemic with a GI 69 which raises insulin and makes it a bad choice for individuals looking to stay fit.
• Fiber: Navy beans a are very good source of fiber providing almost doble the amount of fiber than corn. Fiber prevents blood sugar from spiking up and helps provide steady, slow-burn energy. Just what the active individual needs to stay energized and satisfied.
• Sustainability: Navy beans are eco-friendly. They require little water to grow and they release nitrogen and nutrients into the ground therefore the are self-fertilizing. On the other hand, corn is one of the least sustainable and non-environmentally friendly crops requiring much water irrigation and fertilizers.

Summary

Consume more snacks made with beans. Find snacks that have as their first ingredient a legume (beans) or nut. Limit the consumption of snacks that have as their first ingredient corn.

P-nuff Crunch Baked Peanut Puff Snack

Pnuff Crunch is a tasty snack with great nutrition. Made from Navy Beans, Peanuts, rice and other natural ingredients providing the perfect combination of slow-, med- and fast digesting carbs that provides energy to support active lifestyles without turning into fat. Also a good snack choice for people with diabetes.

Dr Juan Salinas

Dr Juan is a PhD in Food Science and Certified Sports & Exercise Nutritionist who started his own Nutrition Snack Company (Perfect Life Nutrition LLC dba Pnuff) to create snacks that are truly nutritionally balanced for the mainstream active consumer. He created P-nuff Crunch, the first brand of Baked Peanut Puff Snacks that are truly delicious and nutritious.  He lives in N.J. where he runs the operations of his company. When he is not working, you can find him training at the gym or participating on an outdoor sport. He enjoys creating innovative nutritious snacks and testing them on his own active routines. Follow him on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @juanpnuff and @pnuffcrunch