Black beans

Origin: Black bean belongs to Latin America. It is indigenous to the Americans. It is an integral part of Latin American, Cajun, and Creole cuisine. It was first widely grown in the United States after the Mexican-American war (1846-1848). Black bean soup and black bean sauce are the famous dishes in Brazil and Mexico.

Black bean soup is a traditional dish and is being made since 1000 years. Black beans are one of the varieties of the bean family. 

Scientifically: Black beans belong to the family Leguminosae. the beans usually grow between late spring and end of the summer. They grow in climbing plants or bushes. the seeds of the black beans grow in pods that are between 10 and 20 cm long. They are are at first soft and sweet and get hard and dry as they mature. 
Black beans are small, oval-shaped beans with a mushroom-like, meaty flavor. Black beans are also known as “turtle beans,”  and are also called buul in the Mayan language and frijoles negros in Spanish.

Usage: Black Beans are a great source of protein, complex carbohydrates, folate, and iron.  Black beans are also rich in fiber. Black beans are extremely healthy. They're great for vegans and vegetarians because they're highly rich in protein. Black beans are also packed with fiber which aid in digestion. The fiber in these beans will also help lower your cholesterol and boost your overall heart health.

Beans are complex carbohydrates and a protein which means it takes your body longer to digest them than simple carbs and keeps you full for a longer time. They're also full of vitamins like B6 which helps in boosting stamina and mood. It helps in lowering cholesterol and blood sugar. It prevents cardiovascular diseases and reduces the risk of cancer. These beans are not expensive and have a high nutrition value. The beans are eaten after being cooked and are also available in canned. 

Below are some DIYs with black beans: 

-    Take half a cup of soaked black beans. Blend them with a tablespoon of fresh aloe vera gel. Apply this paste on the face. Keep it on for 10 minutes. Rinse it later in a scrubbing motion. This helps in removing dead skin.
-    Take the boiled water of the black beans and use it as a facial toner. This clears the face and tightens the skin.
-    Take a tablespoon of boiled black bean puree and add a tablespoon of yogurt and some honey to it. Mix it together and apply on the face. Rinse it off after 15 minutes. This helps in smoothening the skin.
-    Take the boiled water of the black beans and use it as a rinse hair. This helps in strengthening the hair roots.