There are all kinds of benefits to adding beans of any kind to any diet, and black beans, which have been a stable for thousands of years, can be prepared in many ways. Also called turtle beans or frijoles negros, they’re mild, a bit sweet, and are loaded with lots of nutrients and little fat and sugar.
That makes them great for all kinds of good things for your body, but pretty outstanding for protection against AMD as well as cataracts. That’s because of all the antioxidants in beans, things like fiber, protein and carbohydrates.
They are also filled with a high amount of Vitamin C especially black beans, and that’s a vitamin that many say may slow growth in cataracts already present, or may even delay an immediate need for surgery.
At any rate, we also know that tomatoes are great for vision, and cilantro is loaded with Vitamin A. Corn has plenty of lutein and zeaxanthin as do all those other yellow and orange veggies and fruits, and both are wonderful health aids for this very important sensory organ.
So let’s combine all of them in a quick and easy to make salad that will make you think you’re in the southwest United States.
Corn and Black Bean Salad
Chop a handful of cilantro, or about a .5 oz package from the market. Halve 1 pint of cherry tomatoes, and drain and rinse 2 cans of corn (15 oz size.) Mix in two of the same size two cans of black beans, and about a tablespoon of chili powder. Mi them all together and that’s it! An easy salad as a side dish or serve with some Nachos for scooping and enjoy as an appetizer or hors d’ oeuvre.
If you’re more in tune with thinking Greek, here’s another possibility for a quick salad.
Greek Salad with Cucumber
Cut 4 plum tomatoes into wedges, slice 1 cucumber in half lengthwise, cut into 1/2 inch chunks. Add 1 cup or feta cheese cut into chunks, and if you want, a 3 oz jar of capers, drained. Mix then all together, and toss with a ¼ cup Greek dressing. Sprinkle some feta on top and enjoy.