Super Food #3: Beans

Beans can be the laughing-stock of the food world, but if you don't eat them, your body might not be laughing too much...

Here are the quick reasons beans are super foods!
1. They are non-perishable
2. They are a LOW FAT source of protein (getting protein from mostly meat can lead to heart disease, cancer, cholesterol problems, and diabetes)
3. Beans are a nutritional powerhouse - fiber, B vitamins, iron, folate, potassium, magnesium, and phytonutrients
4. Beans promote healthy hearts by lowering your cholesterol levels. The folate in beans also helps reduce homocysteine levels - this compound damages blood vessel walls.
5. Beans can help with diabetes, insulin resistance, and hypoglycemia - the soluble fiber keeps blood sugar levels steady.
6. Beans can help you lose weight - the fiber makes you feel full, and you eat less!
7. Beans fight cancers (pancreatic, colon, breast, and prostate), as they contain lignins and phytates. 


Some tips!:
-Fresh beans are always best, but canned beans can be great, too - just buy Low Sodium brands, or rinse them well before cooking - rinsing will reduce sodium by 40%.

-When buying refried beans, buy vegetarian brands, as they taste the same, but contain no lard.

-Peas, string beans and green beans are also legumes, don't forget them!

-Eat a variety of beans, as each kind has a different nutritional make up.

Here are some bean recipes:
http://www.superfoodsrx.com/kitchen/beans/pasta-e-fagioli.html

http://www.superfoodsrx.com/kitchen/beans/creamy-tomato-bean-soup.html