Beating the Heavy Feeling During the Rainy Season

The rainy season, with its continuous downpours and high humidity, often leaves us feeling sluggish and heavy. During this time, sweat doesn't evaporate easily, leading to fatigue, and a decrease in physical activity can easily dampen our appetite. We tend to crave salty foods like ramen or stews, which are typically high in sodium and carbohydrates. So, what can you do when you feel heavy and have a poor appetite during the rainy season? Try making some delicious red bean rice!

Red Beans: A Nutritious Grain

Red beans are a type of grain rich in potassium and dietary fiber. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, 100g of red beans contains approximately 356kcal, 19.3g of protein, 68.4g of carbohydrates, and 12.2g of dietary fiber. Mixing red beans with rice adds a satisfying texture and helps you feel fuller for longer. Since you eat red beans with their skins on, you get plenty of fiber, which also aids in digestion.

How to Make Red Bean Rice

Red beans take longer to cook than rice, so it's best to pre-boil them. Wash the red beans thoroughly, soak them, and then boil them for about 20-30 minutes. If you find the slightly bitter taste of red beans off-putting, you can discard the first boiling water and re-boil them in fresh water. Once boiled, drain the red beans, portion them into servings, and freeze them for convenience. When cooking rice, add a handful of the boiled red beans. A good starting ratio is about one handful of red beans for every 2-3 cups of rice.

The Benefits of Red Bean Rice with Salty Foods

During the rainy season, we often crave savory dishes like kimchi stew, ramen, or kal-guksu. Eating these kinds of stimulating foods frequently can increase sodium intake and make you feel bloated. Pairing your meal with red bean rice can be very beneficial. The abundant potassium in red beans helps flush out sodium and regulate the body's water balance. 100g of red beans contains 1180mg of potassium, making it effective in balancing out a sodium-heavy diet.

Precautions

While red beans are great for the rainy season, individuals with weakened kidney function should exercise caution. People with chronic kidney disease have a reduced ability to excrete potassium, so it's advisable to avoid consuming excessive amounts of potassium-rich foods. Additionally, those with sensitive stomachs might experience gas or bloating if they eat a large amount of red beans at once. It's best to start with a small portion and adjust the quantity based on how your body reacts.

Feeling heavy and losing your appetite during the rainy season? Give red bean rice a try! It's a wonderful way to take care of both your health and your taste buds!