There’s an old saying that beans are good for your heart…but that’s just the beginning. Research shows that beans are chock full of goodness. In addition to reducing the risk of heart disease, beans also beat certain types of cancer. This high-protein, low-fat staple is loaded with nutrients including calcium, fiber, iron, folic acid and potassium. A diet rich in beans also helps control diabetes and lowers blood pressure and stroke risk. It’s the perfect protein source for vegetarians and meat lovers alike. Beans fill you up without filling you out, like other high-fat protein sources, such as red meat. You get all the benefits of meat without the risk of having high cholesterol and other health issues associated with eating meat. The USDA Dietary Guidelines recommends people consume more than three cups of beans each week. It may seem like a hill of beans, but incorporating beans into your family’s diet is easier than you think. For breakfast, throw a handful of beans into a scramble and wrap up in a tortilla for a sensational breakfast burrito. Try replacing high-fat sandwich spreads with bean-based dips, like hummus, for a filling lunch. Beans are a natural filler for soups, chilis and stews. Don’t wait for a cookout – serve baked beans as an everyday side. Having a snack attack? Stir some beans and corn into that salsa and enjoy a chunky chips and salsa treat. Hummus makes a great dip for vegetables and is available in a wide variety of flavors, perfect for entertaining.