They pack more protein than any other plant food, plus lots of fiber, B vitamins, zinc, complex carbohydrates, potassium, magnesium, calcium and iron - with no cholesterol and very little fat. The ancient Greeks held bean feasts to honor the god Apollo. The Egyptians put beans in the tombs of the Pharaohs as food for the afterlife.
Beans contain fiber and at least five other cholesterol cutters.
May Be Blocked Beans contain anti-cancer compounds called phytates and protease inhibitors. A diet rich in beans has enabled some diabetics to reduce or discontinue hypoglycemic drugs. Newest News Beans are rich in folic acid, a B vitamin. New research shows folic acid depresses homocysteine, an amino acid that promotes artery clogging, strokes and heart disease. Folic acid also deflects cancer.