The pinto bean is a variety of common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris). It is the most common bean in the United States and northwestern Mexico. This is the bean most frequently used for refried beans (fresh or canned) and in many dishes.

Here are the 7 health benefits of pinto beans.

1.     Pinto beans can help you detoxify your body.

Wines, dried fruits, and some vegetables contain sulfites, which can cause side effects like headaches and disorientation. Studies have shown that pinto beans are extremely high in molybdenum, a rare mineral not frequently found in foods. One cup of pinto beans contains 285 percent of the daily recommended value of molybdenum. This mineral counteracts the side effects of sulfites.

2.     Pinto beans can help improve your nervous system.

Molybdenum also helps in cell energy production and development of the nervous system. Pinto beans also provide the brain the necessary amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. Vitamins like folate play a significant role in the regulation of specific amino acids that the nervous system requires. Studies have shown that a deficient amount of dietary folate can increase the homocysteine levels, which can be a dangerous precursor to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.

3.     Pinto beans are helpful for pregnant women and their babies.

The folate in pinto beans has shown help in neural tube formation and red blood cell formation in prenatal babies. A deficiency of folic acid in pregnant women can lead to the birth of underweight infants and may also result in neural tube defects in newborns. One cup of lima beans contains 74 percent of the daily recommended value of pinto beans.

4.     Pinto beans can help you maintain a healthy blood pressure.

Pinto beans have a very high content of potassium and a low content of sodium. One cup of Pinto beans contains a whopping 746 milligrams of potassium, compared to 1.7 milligrams of sodium. Folate also contributes to the reduction of hypertension and relaxes blood vessels, while maintaining proper blood flow.

5.     Pinto beans are a good source of choline.

Choline is usually grouped in the B-complex vitamins. This water-soluble nutrient is found in two classes of cell membranes found in nerve cells,  phosphatidylcholine, and sphingomyelin. Choline is also a precursor molecule for the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is involved in many functions including memory and muscle control. Pinto beans contain 60.4 milligrams of choline per one cup serving.

6.     Pinto beans are an excellent source of thiamin.

Thiamin is a water-soluble vitamin of the B-complex. Thiamin can be used in to form of thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP) to assist in breaking down sugars and amino acids. Thiamin also helps in the creation of the neurotransmitters acetylcholine and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).

7.     Pinto beans can help with blood formation.

Copper and iron are essential for the new blood cell formation. One cup of pinto beans contains 20 percent and 19 percent of the recommended value of iron and copper, respectively. A deficiency of iron can lead to anemia.