The Pantry Pulses That Fight Inflammation Better Than Berries

25. Chickpea Aquafaba (Soluble Fiber Concentration)

While chickpeas are covered, utilizing aquafaba (the liquid strained from cooked or canned chickpeas) offers a concentrated, novel benefit. This liquid is rich in highly viscous soluble fiber and starches that are water-soluble, providing a potent dose of the gut-soothing and inflammation-reducing fiber without the bulk of the whole bean. Drinking a small amount (or using it as an egg/fat replacement in cooking) delivers immediate prebiotic fuel and aids the production of anti-inflammatory Short-Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs) in the colon.

26. Black Bean Powder (Micro-Ground Antioxidants)

Using powdered black beans (a micro-ground flour made from dried beans) provides an advantage distinct from whole beans or flour. The extremely fine grind significantly increases the bioavailability of the bean's anthocyanins and anti-inflammatory compounds. By bypassing the initial slow digestion phase, these powerful antioxidants are more readily absorbed and utilized by the body to combat oxidative stress, making the bean's protective pigments much more effective at a cellular level than the whole form.