Navy Beans: A Nutrient-Packed Powerhouse for ADHD Nutrition

Navy beans might be small, but they pack a powerful punch when it comes to supporting brain health and managing ADHD symptoms. These little white beans are often overlooked, but they’re an affordable and versatile addition to your diet that can make a big difference in your overall well-being.

Navy beans are loaded with nutrients that are essential for brain function.

Navy beans are a perfect fit for anyone looking to manage ADHD through nutrition. Here’s a breakdown of the key nutrients found in navy beans:

Navy beans are packed with magnesium. And magnesium is comfort food for your nervous system.

You know how good it feels to settle in to your latest hyper focus tv show with a big plate of your favorite comfort food? That's how your nervous system feels when you feed it magnesium. Magnesium is crucial for calming the nervous system, reducing hyperactivity, and improving focus. It also helps relieve tension and can help you get a more restful night of sleep.

You know how passing out is like, super bad for you? That's because it deprives your brain of oxygen. Iron, helps the oxygen in your blood get to your brain.

If you want to do something super not bad for you, eat some iron. Not sure where to get iron? Hey! You should try some navy beans! Navy beans are a good source of iron. And all the extra blood flow you'll be getting to your brain will help with your energy levels and cognitive function. 

TL;DR: Iron makes brain do brain things better.

Navy beans contain folate (Vitamin B9). Folate makes nuerotransmitters. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter. Dopamine makes you happy. Ergo, navy beans will make you happy. 

And if it's ok to get your dopamine from a pharmacy, it's ok to eat it from a can. 

But seriously, navy beans support the creation of dopamine and other neurotransmitters. This helps regulate mood and behavior. 

Navy beans are high in fiber, which can help keep all of your ADHD symptoms in line.

You know that feeling when you get so involved that you skip a meal, and then your blood sugar crashes and you feel miserable? Well, you've probably noticed that your ADHD gets a little "extra" around that time as well. So in unless you want to Super Size that ADHD, you need to make sure you're eating some fiber. Have we mentioned navy beans are full of fiber? And delicious. 

Navy beans are delicious, and incredibly easy to incorporate into your ADHD nutrition plan.

Incorporating navy beans into your meals is easy and can be done in various delicious ways:

• Simple Navy Bean Soup: A warm, hearty soup with just a few ingredients—onions, garlic, navy beans, and a sprinkle of herbs. It’s a perfect quick meal that nourishes the brain and body. Toss it all in a crock pot with some liquid. (Beer is good for this) and walk away. You can't do it wrong.
• Bean Salad: Mix navy beans with chopped veggies, olive oil, and a dash of vinegar for a refreshing and brain-boosting side dish. Or throw some on a pre-made salad kit for a meal that will keep you full longer. 
• Smooth Add-In: Blend cooked navy beans into soups or stews for added creaminess and an extra nutrient boost without altering the flavor. This can be a stealthy addition to pasta sauce.

But let's be honest... one of the simplest (and yummiest) ways to enjoy the health benefits of navy beans, is to pour out a can and warm up a bowl.

Pair with burgers, brats, or even a grilled cheese. You don't need to make a complicated meal to benefit from nutrition. 

Navy beans provide excellent support for ADHD. So stop making excuses. 

Gas and Digestive Issues

Beans are known to cause gas in some people. To reduce this, try soaking your beans overnight and cooking them thoroughly. Adding herbs like cumin or fennel can also help.

Preparation Time

If you’re concerned about the time it takes to cook navy beans, consider using canned beans. Just be sure to rinse them well to remove any excess sodium. This will help with any gas issues as well. 

Don’t let these small but mighty beans pass you by! Start incorporating navy beans into your meals today and experience the difference they can make in managing your ADHD symptoms. Whether you’re tossing them into a salad or blending them into soups, navy beans are an easy, nutritious way to support your brain health.