Adzuki Beans vs Winged Beans: How Are They Different?

Adzuki Beans and winged beans belong to the legumes and legume products food group, one of the staple food groups for people on a plant-based diet.

Legumes and most legume products are an affordable source of plant protein, dietary fiber, B vitamins, and minerals such as iron, calcium, potassium, and zinc, minerals that are usually harder to get on a plant-based diet.

This article will thoroughly compare adzuki beans and winged beans and help you learn more about their similarities and differences.

Adzuki Beans

Adzuki beans (Vigna angularis), also known as red beans, are a type of small, reddish-brown legume that are native to East Asia.

They have been grown and consumed for thousands of years in countries such as Japan, China, and Korea and are a popular ingredient in many traditional dishes.

One of the main health benefits of adzuki beans is their high protein content.

Adzuki beans are a good source of plant-based protein, making them a popular choice for vegetarians and vegans.

They are also high in fiber, which can help to improve digestion and lower cholesterol levels.

Adzuki beans are rich in iron, potassium, and B vitamins. They also contain a number of plant compounds that have been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

In terms of health benefits, adzuki beans have been shown to have many positive effects on the body.

They are a good source of probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that help balance the gut microbiome.

Adzuki beans may also help to reduce the risk of certain health conditions, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol, due to their high content of antioxidants and other beneficial compounds.

Adzuki Beans are an excellent source of Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid), and Vitamin B9 (Folate).

They also contain a good amount of Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), Vitamin B3 (Niacin), and Vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine).

Winged Beans

Winged beans (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus) are a tropical legume that is native to Southeast Asia and Africa.

They are also known as asparagus beans or goa beans and are a popular vegetable in many countries in that region.

They are high in protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals, making them a nutritious addition to a plant-based diet.

They are typically cooked as a vegetable side dish or in soups and stews. They can also be used as an ingredient in various recipes, such as curries, stir-fries, and salads.

Winged beans are a nutrient-dense food that can provide various health benefits. They are an excellent source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscle tissue, and they are also high in fiber, which can help promote healthy digestion.

They also contain various vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, iron, and potassium, which can support overall health and well-being.

Additionally, their high protein and fiber content makes them filling, aiding in weight management. They may also have antioxidant properties, which can help to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.

Winged Beans is an excellent source of Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), and Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin).

It also contains a good amount of Vitamin B3 (Niacin), Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid), Vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine), and Vitamin B9 (Folate).

Adzuki Beans vs Winged Beans Nutrition

Now that we’ve described the origin, taste, and usage of these foods, we can move to the most interesting part – comparing adzuki beans vs winged beans.

This comparison will start by comparing the caloric value of adzuki beans and winged beans and their macronutrients and then go more in-depth by analyzing their vitamin and mineral content.

Adzuki Beans vs Winged Beans Calories

Most calories in raw legumes come from carbs. Peanuts are an exception here, but they are often considered a nut instead of a legume because of their nutritional profile.

Comparing adzuki beans vs winged beans for weight loss, adzuki beans are slightly lower in calories, with 329 calories per 100 grams, compared to 409 calories per 100 grams of winged beans.

However, both adzuki beans and winged beans can and should be a part of a healthy diet, and neither one shouldn’t be avoided if you’re looking to lose weight.

Adzuki Beans vs Winged Beans Protein

Legumes and most legume products, including adzuki beans and winged beans, are important sources of plant-based protein.

Winged Beans offers around 33% more protein than adzuki beans.

Winged Beans has 29.7 grams of protein per 100 grams, while adzuki beans have 19.9 grams of protein per 100 grams.

Adzuki Beans vs Winged Beans Carbs

Counting carbs can be important for some people for different reasons, including blood sugar control, weight management, or athletic performance.

It’s also important for people on a keto diet, so let’s compare the carbs content in adzuki beans and winged beans.

The total amount of carbohydrates is around 34% higher in adzuki beans than in winged beans. They have 62.9 grams per 100 grams, compared to 41.7 grams in winged beans.

There’s less sugar in winged beans than in adzuki beans, 100% precisely.

One handful of winged beans (28 grams) contains 0 grams of sugar, while the same amount of adzuki beans contains 0.2 grams.

Lastly, let’s take a look at the dietary fiber in adzuki beans and winged beans.

Dietary fiber keeps the digestive system healthy and helps with weight management by promoting a sense of fullness.

With 7.3 grams of fiber per portion, winged beans is a better source of fiber than adzuki beans which offers 3.6 grams per portion.

Adzuki Beans vs Winged Beans Fats

Like most other legumes, with the exception of lupins and peanuts, adzuki beans and winged beans are low in fat.

Fats in adzuki beans and winged beans are mostly healthy unsaturated fats. They are naturally cholesterol-free and trans-fat-free.

Total fat in adzuki beans and winged beans:

• Adzuki Beans: 0.5 grams per 100 grams
• Winged Beans: 16.3 per 100 grams

Speaking of saturated fats, adzuki beans are 91% lower in saturated fats.

Adzuki Beans and winged beans contain 0.2 grams and 2.3 grams of saturated fat per 100 grams, respectively.

Adzuki Beans vs Winged Beans Vitamins Content

This section will discuss the vitamin content of adzuki beans and winged beans.

Vitamins are micronutrients, meaning we need only a small amount. However, they are very important for many processes in our bodies.

Adzuki Beans have a higher amount of vitamin B1 (Thiamine), vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), and vitamin B3 (Niacin).

However, winged beans has a higher amount of vitamin A, vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid), vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine), vitamin B9 (Folate), vitamin E, and vitamin K.

Adzuki Beans and winged beans contain the same amount of vitamin C, vitamin D, and vitamin B12 (Cobalamin).

The following table shows the exact amount of vitamins adzuki beans and winged beans contain side by side, so you can easily compare them.

Adzuki Beans vs Winged Beans Minerals Content

Minerals are important for our body to function properly. We need only a small amount of minerals, so they are called micronutrients.

Some minerals, like iron, calcium, zinc or, iodine, are relatively hard to get on a plant-based diet, so it’s important to choose your foods thoughtfully. This part of the adzuki beans and winged beans comparison focuses on their mineral content.

Adzuki Beans are a better source of calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, selenium, and sodium than winged beans.

On the other hand, winged beans is a higher amount of potassium, and zinc.

Adzuki Beans and winged beans contain the same amount of fluoride.

Check out the table below to learn how adzuki beans and winged beans compare when it comes to mineral content.

The Final Word

Adzuki Beans and winged beans are highly nutritious and a great addition to a plant-based diet.

Both adzuki beans and winged beans are high in specific vitamins and minerals, and including them in your diet will give you the most benefits they offer.

Antioxidants found in beans and legumes can help to protect cells from damage and may reduce the risk of certain diseases and the effects of aging.

Additionally, the fiber and other nutrients in these foods can support the health of the digestive system and may even help to prevent certain digestive cancers.

Legumes are versatile food that can be incorporated into any meal of the day, including breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They can be served hot or cold, making them a convenient and tasty addition to a variety of dishes.