Beans: Five reasons to include them in your daily diet

The article reports that beans are an affordable, nutrient-dense food offering plant protein (about 7–9 g per half-cup), minerals, fiber, and antioxidant compounds, and that regular bean consumption is linked with measures associated with better heart health. It also notes practical benefits such as convenience and versatility and mentions common digestive concerns and that canned beans are already cooked.

Beans are presented as an affordable, nutrient-dense food that can be part of daily meals. The article gathers comments from registered dietitians who outline five reasons to eat beans regularly, covering nutrition, fiber, antioxidants, versatility, and heart health. It also describes practical considerations such as cooking status, storage, and common digestive concerns. Key points: - Nutrient profile: Beans supply iron, potassium, magnesium, folate, and other micronutrients and are a notable plant-based protein source. - Protein content: The article notes many beans provide about 7 to 9 grams of protein per half-cup serving, with no saturated fat. - Fiber contribution: A half-cup serving is reported to provide about 25% of daily fiber needs and can help people reach the recommended 25–30 grams per day. - Antioxidants: Beans contain phenolic acids and flavonoids, and varieties such as red and black beans contain anthocyanins. - Practical benefits: The piece highlights that beans are versatile across cuisines, store well, and that canned beans are ready to eat while dried beans can be cooked and stored for later use. - Heart-related associations and digestion: The article reports that regular bean eaters tend to have lower rates of heart disease, which is linked to effects on cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar, and body weight; it also notes beans can cause gas or bloating for some people and that lectin concerns are associated with raw beans while canned or packaged beans are already cooked. Summary: The article frames beans as an inexpensive, nutrient-rich food that can contribute meaningful amounts of protein, fiber, minerals, and antioxidant compounds, and reports links between regular bean consumption and measures associated with heart health. Undetermined at this time.