The amazing health benefits of beans

Beans, also known as legumes, are a super food that is also good for your heart. With over 33,000 types of beans, it is the second most popular source of protein in the world. Some of the most popular bean types include: kidney beans, navy beans, black beans, and lima beans. Beans contain many nutrients that can help you in maintaining good health.

Beans are jam packed with fiber.
Beans are packed with enough soluble fiber to not only benefit your colon, it can also curb your appetite. The soluble fiber in beans can also help in reducing your cholesterol. During the process of digestion, the soluble fiber grabs bile that contains bad cholesterol, and removes it from the body before it is absorbed. It has been shown that if you eat a cup of cooked beans a day, it can actually lower your cholesterol by 10% in six weeks.

Beans are beneficial for diabetics.
The fiber in beans have been found to create more insulin receptor sites. The insulin molecules connect to the receptor site, which allows the insulin to reach the cells that need it. This will also keep a diabetic's cholesterol low.

Beans can lower your cancer risk.
Beans contain nutrients that can lower your risk of breast cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer, and pancreatic cancer. A compound found in beans have been shown to keep normal cells from becoming cancerous. The compound also inhibits cancer growth.

Beans, often called "the poor man's meat," are an excellent source of protein and is budget-friendly. They are also a great source of potassium, iron, and folate.

(previously published by Shauna Silva on Yahoo Contributor Network)

For more on how you can introduce beans into your diet, click on the above photo.

[photo credit:  www.dreamstime.com]