Petai beans are a semi-wild vegetable that grows in long pods. They have a strong pungency, making them a good detoxifier for the urinary and kidney systems. They are commonly eaten raw or cooked with belacan sauce. One common characteristic of petai beans is their small worm infestation, so thoroughly rinse them before cooking. Learn everything about Petai Beans in our comprehensive article.
Petai beans, also known as stink beans, are a bold and aromatic legume popular in Southeast Asian cuisine.
What Are Petai Beans?
The petai bean is a prized fruit of Southeast Asia but is also known as "stinky beans" by English speakers. The petai bean's pods are long and flat, with a distinctive smell. The younger beans have curling tendrils, whereas the mature ones flatten into long, wide strips. The seeds are also known to be pungent, causing a nasty fart.
Although petai beans have an unmistakable sulfurous odor, they are quite tasty. The sour, gaseous aroma results from the plant's amino acid content. They are similar to asparagus in their amino acid composition. Despite their pungent taste, petai beans are a popular staple in Southeast Asia, where they are commonly grown. The pods can be eaten raw, fried, or roasted in the shell. They can also be pickled. Petai beans are a popular ingredient in sambal petai, a delicious Indonesian dish.
Petai beans are a great source of fiber and protein and are often served as a side dish in Malay or Indonesian cuisine. They are also a healthy source of iron and potassium. They are also rich in tryptophan, an amino acid that boosts mood and sleep. Some research has even indicated that they may help with blood pressure and relieve constipation.
Petai beans contain plant sterols, which lower LDL cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. They also contain dietary fiber, which helps prevent the rapid rise of blood insulin levels. This is good news for those fighting obesity and diabetes. Also, petai beans are a great source of potassium, which is vital for the cardiovascular system.
Nutrition Facts of Petai Beans
Petai beans are an extremely healthy food with several benefits for the body. They are rich in protein, calcium, and iron. In addition, they are high in dietary fiber, which slows down the absorption of glucose from the intestines. This helps prevent a rapid rise in blood sugar, which benefits diabetics and people who want to lose weight.
Nutrition facts of 100 grams (3.5 ounces) of Petai Beans include:
- Calories: 124
- Protein: 10 g - 20.00% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Fat: 1.8 g - 5.14% of the DV
- Carbohydrates: 16.9 g - 13.00% of the DV
- Fiber: 1 g - 2.63% of the DV
- Calcium: 126 mg - 12.60% of the DV
- Iron: 3.4 mg - 42.50% of the DV
- Phosphorus: 3 mg - 0.43% of the DV
- Potassium: 376 mg - 8.00% of the DV
- Sodium: 11 mg - 0.73% of the DV
- Vitamin B1: 0.15 mg - 12.50% of the DV
- Vitamin B2: 0.2 mg - 15.38% of the DV
- Vitamin B3: 0.5 mg - 3.13% of the DV
- Vitamin C: 32.7 mg - 36.33% of the DV
Vitamins and Minerals of Petai Beans
Petai beans are rich in vitamins and minerals, especially calcium, phosphorus, potassium, iron, and fiber. This eponymous Asian bean is also packed with vitamins C and E. These nutrients have substantial health benefits. In addition, petai is said to be effective against diabetes. It also contains potent antioxidants, which scavenge harmful radicals and protect the cells from damage.
In addition, Petai beans are high in fiber, which is beneficial for weight loss. They also help reduce the symptoms of hypertension. The high level of vitamin C in petai beans helps the body meet its vitamin C requirement. These beans are not as acidic as fruits, so they can help people eat less and still get the necessary benefits.
Petai beans contain high levels of potassium, which can help lower blood pressure and prevent a stroke. They are also a good source of iron, which can help the body produce hemoglobin and combat anemia. Furthermore, petai beans are high in fiber, which allows the body to restore normal bowel movements and eliminate constipation without using laxatives.
Petai beans also contain high amounts of protein. They also have 3.4 grams of dietary fiber, 14 percent of the recommended amount. This legume is also high in manganese, a trace mineral that helps the body form bone and cartilage, as well as a variety of other essential functions. The manganese in petai beans also helps combat histamine, a common cause of reproductive weakness and irritability.
Moreover, Petai also contains tryptophan, which is a precursor to serotonin. Serotonin is a hormone that is known to improve mood. Vitamin B6 is also found in petai and helps regulate blood sugar levels. It also helps fight anemia and allows the body to produce hemoglobin.
Health Benefits of Petai Beans
Petai beans are rich in vitamins and minerals, especially calcium, phosphorus, potassium, iron, and fiber. This eponymous Asian bean is also packed with vitamins C and E. These nutrients have substantial health benefits. In addition, petai is said to be effective against diabetes. It also contains potent antioxidants, which scavenge harmful radicals and protect the cells from damage.
Petai beans are also high in antioxidant activity. They contain flavonoids and phenolic compounds linked to reduced risk of critical human diseases. In addition, they inhibit carcinogenesis and genetic mutation.
Petai has many health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties. The bean's high protein and vitamin E make content s it an excellent food for those suffering from heart disease and diabetes. It is also good for your digestive system and helps prevent infections. It can also help improve tekanan darah.
Moreover, Petai contains tryptophan, an amino acid that converts into serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps people relax and improve their mood. It also contains vitamin B6, which helps control blood sugar levels. It also contains iron, which promotes the production of hemoglobin and helps people with anemia.
Side Effects of Petai Beans
Although they have a distinctive flavor and are used in many different dishes, they can also cause some side effects for some people. Here are some potential side effects of consuming petai beans:
Bloating: Petai beans are notorious for causing too much gas and bloating in some people. This is mainly due to the high fiber content in these beans, which can lead to increased gas production in the digestive system.
Strong Odor: Petai beans have a strong and distinct odor, especially after digestion. This can lead to bad breath and body odor that some people find unpleasant.
Gastrointestinal discomfort: Some people may experience gastrointestinal discomfort after eating petai beans. This may include symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, or diarrhea. It is often attributed to the oligosaccharides found in beans, which can be difficult for some people to digest.
Allergic Reactions: Like other legumes, petai beans have the potential to cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and can include hives, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing, or even anaphylaxis in rare cases. If you are allergic to legumes, it is best to avoid petai beans.
Interference with certain medications: Petai beans contain compounds that may interfere with certain medications. For example, they have been reported to interact with specific anticoagulant drugs, affecting their effectiveness. If you take any medications, consult your healthcare provider before eating petai beans.
Learn about the side-effects of eating petai beans—from strong body odour to bloating—and how to minimise risks.
Tips on Including Petai Beans in Meal
For health benefits, petai beans should be included in your meal. The beans' soft, silky texture makes them an ideal food for those suffering from intestinal disorders. They are also one of the few fruits that can be consumed raw without causing any discomfort. They reduce the acid level in the stomach and coat the lining to prevent irritation. Other cultures also value petals' cooling properties. For example, expectant mothers in Holland eat petai to ensure their baby is born at a cool temperature.
When you go to the market, look for petai beans with a vibrant green color, firm texture, and intact pods. Avoid beans with blemishes, black spots, or signs of rotting.
Once you've got your precious beans, it's time to store them. Please place them in a breathable container such as a perforated bag or loosely wrapped tissue. This will help prevent moisture build-up and keep them fresh and crispy. Remember, petai beans have a strong aroma, so you should store them separately from other foods in your pantry.
Here are some tips to get the most out of your Petai Beans in your meals. First, let's capture their distinct aromas and unique flavors by combining them with complementary flavors. They like to combine with spices like garlic, chili, and turmeric. Stir-fry them with a mixture of colorful vegetables or add them to a delicious salad for a burst of texture. If you're up for an adventure, cook a petai bean curry that will take you to taste heaven! But remember, these beans are not for the faint of heart. Start with smaller amounts and gradually increase as you develop a taste for their pungent allure. To soften their texture and tone down their richness, remember to cook them thoroughly.
