If you can’t remember the last time you ate beans, you’re not alone. American’s consume three times LESS than what is recommended by the USDA for maximum health benefits. Diets including beans may reduce your risk of heart disease and certain cancers. Beans and other legumes are some of the most widely available, inexpensive and nutritious staple foods!

A nutrient-rich food, beans contain protein, complex carbohydrates, fiber, antioxidants, and important vitamins and minerals, such as folate, manganese, potassium, iron, phosphorous, copper and magnesium. The lean protein in beans helps maintain and promote muscle while beans’ complex carbohydrates provide a sustained energy source.

Bean cuisine can be very versatile and doesn’t have to be limited to bean soup. Beans can be prepared in breads, as a stuffing, casseroles and even in baked goods like brownies – check it out!