u/ScienceR0cks

I have been incredibly frustrated with cooking pinto beans in a pressure cooker at my current rental.

Half the beans end up mush and the other are not fully cooked. Not an issue of cook time or lack of water. I have tried with varying amounts of beans to the same result. I’m not adding salt or any other basic mistake. I have also ensured the the seal and vent are working properly.

I’m wondering if anyone has experienced this? I’m starting to suspect the electric stovetop. Growing up I made tons of beans but we had a gas stove. It could absolutely be something else I’m not thinking of though. I am cooking 3 cups pinto beans in a medium sized pressure cooker with spices sans anything with salt for 50min (high elevation) If anyone has insight please let me know.

I’m posting on here because I recently saw my doctor and was told that after some blood work my iron levels are concerning as they are much too high.

This came as a surprise because I’m usually low on things or the low end of normal.

I’m in my early 20’s and have the body type where it’s difficult to eat enough to maintain weight and I have struggled in the past to get enough calories.

Recently I have been doing much better, eating more protein and healthy fat, less sugar and highly processed food, taking daily multivitamins.

I also have been making smoothies with protein powder a few times a week especially on days I work out. My stomach doesn’t tolerate whey so I use plant protein which naturally has more iron.

After getting back from the doctor I checked my multivitamin for iron and it contains 100% DV, my protein powder contains about 30% DV, I also cook with a cast iron skillet.

The math is clear but as a vegetarian I don’t get enough iron through food alone and I never thought to check exactly what was in my multivitamin.

Lesson learned and I know what to change but I wanted to post here in case I could help anyone prevent making the same mistake.

Don’t trust that multivitamins actually contain the right amounts of nutrients for your body just because they’re recommended and “healthy“ everyone is different and getting a full panel of bloodwork done is really the only way to know for sure what your body needs or is missing.