How to Make Beans More Digestible (and Reduce the Gas)

Do you love beans but hate the gas they give you? If so, you're not alone. However, there is a way to reduce the amount of gas these tasty legumes produce: cook them with powdered sugar kelp.

Why Beans Can Cause Gas or Digestive Upset

Beans are a great source of protein, fiber, and other nutrients, but for some people they can also cause gas, bloating, or digestive upset. That's because beans contain raffinose sugars, which the body can have trouble breaking down.

Raffinose sugars are actually a type of carbohydrate, and they're found not just in beans but also in other foods like broccoli, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts. In fact, any food that contains carbohydrates can cause gas or digestive upset in some people. That's because our bodies don't have the enzymes necessary to break down all types of carbohydrates.

If you have a diet where you eat a lot of beans (such as vegan or vegetarian), raffinose sugars can pose a considerable issue for you. Cooking your beans with powdered sugar kelp is the solution.

Sugar Kelp and Beans: A Winning Combination

Sugar kelp is a type of seaweed that's high in iodine, potassium, magnesium, and other minerals. It also contains a compound called fucoidan, which has been shown to have anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting properties.

But what does sugar kelp have to do with beans? Turns out, this type of seaweed can actually help break down the raffinose sugars in beans, making them more digestible and less likely to cause gas or bloating.

What Kinds of Beans Can You Cook with Sugar Kelp?

Here are a few kinds of beans you can cook with sugar kelp to tenderize them (without having to soak them first):

• Black beans
• Garbanzo beans (chickpeas)
• Navy beans
• Pinto beans
• White beans

How to Cook Dried Beans with Powdered Sugar Kelp

The process of cooking dried beans with sugar kelp is very simple. You don't even have to soak them overnight!

• Add 6-7 cups of water to a large saucepan or dutch oven.
• Add a cup of your dried beans.
• Once the water comes to a boil, add a tablespoon of powdered sugar kelp. Watch the pot, because the film that the sugar kelp can create tends to cause the heat to rise suddenly. Turn it down to a low boil for about an hour.
• Once your beans are cooked through and tender, strain them from the water and rinse them thoroughly.
• Add salt and seasoning to your beans as you please. They're ready to eat!

Can You Use Sugar Kelp to Tenderize Canned Beans?

Yes, you can also use sugar kelp to tenderize canned beans! Just add one tablespoon of sugar kelp per cup of drained and rinsed beans, and simmer for about 15 minutes.

We hope this has helped you learn more about how to make beans more digestible (and reduce the gas). If you're a fan of beans, cooking them with sugar kelp powder is definitely something you should try.

Where Can I Get Sugar Kelp Powder?

Our Sugar Kelp Bean Buster™ can help you reduce the digestive upset you experience from beans! Our premium sugar kelp is farmed sustainably in New England.