What food is high in protein, has virtually no fat and has more fiber than most whole grain
foods? The answer is beans! Now a new U.S. dietary guidance message says that diets
including beans may reduce your risk of heart disease and certain cancers.
DID YOU KNOW?
Beans are one of natures healthiest foods, they are naturally low in total fat, contain no
saturated fat or cholesterol, and provide important nutrients such as fiber, protein, calcium, iron,
folic acid and potassium.
National and international expert bodies, including the National Research Council, the World
Health Organization, the World Cancer Relief Fund, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood
Institute, and the U.S. Surgeon General, have reviewed scientific evidence and concluded that
eating beans can be an important ally in maintaining health and may reduce the risk of heart
disease and certain cancers. Other studies suggest beans are useful in managing diabetes, may cut
risk for high blood pressure and may help in losing weight.
The USDA recommends that adults eat more than three cups of beans each week for maximum
health benefits three times more than the current average American consumption.
The new bean dietary guidance message applies to more than a dozen types of dry beans (both
dry-packaged and canned varieties), including:
-Limas and Baby Limas
The top U.S. Bean-growing states (2004 estimates*) are:
1. North Dakota (475,000 acres)
2. Michigan (185,000 acres)
3. Nebraska (110,000 acres)
4. Minnesota (100,000 acres)
5. Idaho (78,000 acres)
6. Colorado (67,000 acres)
7. California (65,000 acres)
8. Washington (29,000 acres)
9. Wyoming (24,500 acres)
10. Texas (17,500 acres)