Legumes are high in soluble fiber, helping to lower blood levels of cholesterol.
They are naturally low in the saturated fat that directly raises cholesterol levels. Legumes are a good source of folate, a nutrient known to help lower potentially harmful levels of homocysteine. And they contain phytochemicals. Definition of Phytochemicals Phytochemicals are chemical compounds produced by plants to protect themselves from viruses, bacteria and fungi. Phytochemicals aren't classified as nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, because they have completely separate functions in the body.