Often (unfairly) overlooked in the typical American diet, beans are something of a nutritional-and economical-powerhouse. Some studies have indicated that they could actually reduce the risk of developing certain chronic diseases, such as colon cancer. They can also help lower your cholesterol, which is one of the leading causes of heart disease.

Beans are delicious not only as a side dish but with a few additional ingredients, can create a hearty meal. With the wide range of varieties available, just about anyone can enjoy this inexpensive and healthy addition to their diet.

Nutritional Value of Beans

Depending on the type of beans you eat, you can get a lot of nutritional value from the addition of beans to your diet. Some of the benefits to eating beans include:

• Low calorie
• No cholesterol
• Low fat
• Promotes digestive health
• Relieves constipation
• Good source of fiber
• Provides protein
• High in (good) carbohydrates
• Provides essential B vitamins
• Source of Iron

The really great thing about beans is their versatility. You can eat them in a number of ways, including raw or cooked. They can also be ground into flour or curdled into tofu. They make a nice addition to meals like soups, salads and chili.