Health Benefits of Beans

Do you count on beans for their health-promoting benefits?

“Beans” actually refers to the whole legume family: chickpeas (garbanzos), lentils, peanuts, and soybeans—as well as black, kidney, lima, navy, and pinto beans, and many others.

Legumes are well known for their protein and fiber benefits, especially in meatless dishes. Count on them for phytoestrogens that may be cancer protective and for folate, which protects against birth defects and may be heart-healthy, too.