Dried beans are inexpensive and have a long shelf life. Canned beans are cooked and ready to eat or can be added to recipes. Canned beans are sometimes seasoned and they are often high in sodium . Instant beans have been cooked and then dehydrated and need only the addition of boiling water for quick preparation. Refried pinto beans and black beans are the most commonly available dehydrated choices.
Frozen beans are some beans, such as limas and black-eyed peas, that are available frozen.
The Upside Beans are excellent sources of protein. Beans are rich in the minerals iron , zinc , magnesium and potassium . Some, such as black beans, chickpeas, navy beans, and pinto beans, provide some calcium . They are cholesterol-free and are very low in both total fat and saturated fat. Beans contain a number of phytochemicals that are important in fighting disease.