Beans are both a vegetable and protein source. As such, they contain many nutrients characteristic of both groups—one of the many reasons they are often called a “super food.”
Beans are an important source of folate, thiamin, niacin, choline, magnesium, potassium, calcium and iron. In addition, they are a good source of antioxidants and are a low-fat, vegetarian protein source.
Perhaps one of the most important nutritional components of beans is dietary fiber. Beans are a recommended source of soluble fiber, insoluble fiber and resistant starch—all important to maintaining optimal health [1].
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Little Beans. Big Nutrition. Page 5 |
